Stress can take its toll on both your mind and body over time. A hectic home or work life can leave you feeling tired, drained, and demotivated.
A few years ago I went through a major health crisis (stage 3 cancer), and I don’t know how I would have made it through if I didn’t have my 4 dogs to help me.
It was mentioned to me numerous times that I was handling everything so well and how strong I was. I owe all of that to my sweet fur kids who helped me through the pain, fear, and the emotional and physical upheaval that the treatment caused.
My dogs seemed to know when I had a hard day and were so attentive and loving that it made even the roughest day easier.
A pet can help you to not only cope with stress but can actually lower your stress levels altogether. This is good news considering almost half of American households are home to a dog. As a Chihuahua owner, there are several ways that your four-legged friend can help to ease your anxiety and improve your mental state.
Lower Cortisol Levels
When we’re stressed out, our body releases a hormone called cortisol to help cope with the after-effects. In small doses, cortisol can be beneficial. It helps to control blood sugar levels and blood pressure, regulate metabolism, and reduce inflammation in times of extreme stress.
Over time, though, heightened cortisol levels can end up doing more damage than good. Excess cortisol can cause fatigue, depression, anxiety, and even weakened bones.
The best way to regulate cortisol levels is to avoid stress whenever possible, and your four-legged friend can help you to do just that.
Spending time with dogs has been shown to lead to drops in blood pressure and reactivity to stress. You can lower your cortisol levels and improve your blood pressure by playing with, walking, or even simply snuggling your chihuahua.
More of the “Love Hormone” Oxytocin
Snuggling your pooch is also a good way to boost your levels of oxytocin, more commonly known as the “love” or “cuddle hormone.” This is the chemical that helps mothers bond to their infant or allows two adults to develop a deep romantic attachment.
Oxytocin is an essential part of our arsenal of feel-good hormones, and by petting or playing with your pup, you can increase levels in your bloodstream. The release of oxytocin will help to boost your mood and reduce stress levels for hours after a good snuggle session.
More Health Benefits
- Increased Physical Activity: Chihuahuas require regular walks, which encourages their owners to engage in daily physical activity. Regular walks can help improve cardiovascular health, aid in weight management, and increase stamina. For the elderly or those less active, the exercise demands of a Chihuahua can be a manageable way to maintain physical activity.
- Improved Cardiovascular Health: Numerous studies have shown that dog owners often have lower blood pressure and improved heart rate variability than non-dog owners. The presence of a Chihuahua can also lead to lower cholesterol levels and a decreased likelihood of experiencing heart diseases, thanks in part to the increased physical activity and stress reduction associated with pet ownership.
- Enhanced Mental Health: Beyond stress reduction, the companionship of a Chihuahua can decrease feelings of depression and loneliness, particularly in those who live alone or are elderly. The responsibility of caring for a dog provides a sense of purpose and routine, which is beneficial for mental health.
- Boosted Immune System Response: Regular interaction with dogs has been associated with improved immune system functioning. The daily routine of caring for a Chihuahua, coupled with the exposure to pet dander and the outdoor environment, can help fortify your body’s defense against various illnesses.
- Improved Social Interactions: Chihuahuas can act as social catalysts, facilitating interactions with other people. Whether it’s meeting other dog owners at the park, engaging in community pet events, or simply interacting with neighbors during walks, Chihuahuas can help enhance your social life. Increased social interaction is linked to improved mental health and reduced levels of stress and anxiety.
- Better Sleep Quality: Sharing your home with a Chihuahua can also lead to better sleep quality. The security and companionship offered by a pet can help alleviate insomnia and make you feel more relaxed at bedtime. Some studies suggest that having a pet in the home can help soothe sleep disturbances.
- Longevity: Dog owners often experience increased longevity. The combination of physical activity, improved mental health, and reduced risk of cardiovascular diseases contributes to a potentially longer lifespan.
Practical Tips to Help You
Engaging with your Chihuahua can be a delightful way to alleviate stress and enhance your well-being. Here are some practical tips to maximize the stress-relieving benefits of spending time with your Chihuahua:
- Regular Playtime: Schedule daily play sessions with your Chihuahua. Use toys that stimulate their mind and encourage interaction, like small fetch toys or soft puzzles designed for dogs. This not only keeps them active but also strengthens your bond.
- Mindful Walking: Turn your daily walks into a mindfulness exercise. Pay attention to the environment around you, the sounds, the smells, and the sights. Observe your Chihuahua’s reactions and stay present in the moment. This practice can be calming and reduce feelings of stress.
- Training Sessions: Use training sessions to create a deeper connection with your Chihuahua. Training them with positive reinforcement techniques like treats and praise can be a fulfilling way to spend time together and also helps reduce your stress as you see their progress.
- Relaxation Routines: Incorporate your pet into your relaxation routines. While you practice yoga or meditation at home, encourage your Chihuahua to sit quietly beside you or even join you on the mat. Their presence can enhance the calming effect of your routine.
- Cuddle Time: Set aside time for cuddling with your Chihuahua each day. Physical contact, such as petting and holding your dog, increases the release of oxytocin in the brain, the hormone associated with happiness and stress relief.
Company and Companionship
Humans are social creatures, and isolation can eventually lead to both mental and physical symptoms, including problems with learning and memory, anxiety, depression, and even circulatory issues. It’s important that we all experience friendly contact, preferably on a daily basis. This can be hard for those of us who live alone or work from home, however.
A four-legged friend can be just as good as a human when it comes to curbing loneliness. Having a chihuahua around gives you the love and contact that you need. A dog also opens new opportunities to meet people through interest groups, at the dog park, or simply walking your pup down the street.
Feeling stressed can do much more than just affect your sleep cycle. It can have a negative impact on both the mind and body that only gets worse with time. Luckily, your chihuahua can help to regulate your stress levels by providing the love and companionship that you need.
ALSO READ:
What you should know about emotional support animals
Cathy Bendzunas
Pet Blogger
I can humbly attest to everything in this article. When my husband died 2 years ago, Tessa (my rescue chiweenie) would not leave my side. She sat in my lap, snuggled in the crook of my neck and gave me a reason to get up every morning. I don’t know what I would have done without her!
They seem to sense when we need them the most. I think of them as little furry angels.
I agree with Ms Higgins. After 20+ years of having pugs, my wife decided she really, really wanted a chihuahua, so we got one. She was smitten instantly with Bentley but, unfortunately, she died about a week later. I was a basket case, and I’m not sure I’d have made it at all but for Bentley. Having him to come home to, to cry on, to make me smile, kept me going. He still does and, I hope, will for a long time to come.
Oh wow Kyla! The timing of that is amazing. Makes me wonder if somehow on some level your wife knew you were going to need Bentley soon.
Kyla, I agree with Cathy. There are certain premonitions that can pass between a devoted pet and the devoted owner. I have had 5 chis and my Irene was the only one that I had that unexplanable knowledge with She and I could communicate and know things on a different level. You and your wife and Bentley had a strong bond of love connecting you three. I truly believe that level of communication does exist. It comes into play when there is a strong emotional event like a death.
Congrats to Bella on being CHI OF THE WEEK!!! Sweet Lucy does look like she is feeling no pain, lol Cathy, I know that feeling of happiness you feel by having your furbabies. BO and Pinto like to spend time just lying on the bed. When I pass the bedroom door and see them, I must go to them and love on them and tell them that they are safe now, will not be abused or hungry or thirsty or cold or tired anymore because they have so much love for their humans and we will protect them always. Then I get that happiness deep inside my heart and soul. They are both rescues but they give us a lot more happiness than we can give them with our good care of them. They are such blessings to us.
So true our fir babies make us happier & healthier the facts “bark” for themselves. I have no kids & lost my Mom 20 yes ago in her 50’s my sisters married brothers & moved away. My lab Candi helped me thru & I realized what a gift I had. We walked & played & she’d lick my tears. She was 14 when I lost her & I’ve had 2 chis since. Buffy’s 4 & she’s incredible. She walks & fetches & snuggles like a baby what a gift ! I’ll be forever grateful. I wouldn’t have made it through without my little angels.
Love reading these stories. Our fur babies also help when you lose another Burnaby. When my Buttons died, she was pikingese/rat terrier died, Gizzmo my Chi was right there to comfort me. She missed Buttons too. So we helped each other through. That chubby Chihuahua is such a blessing.
I was very sick at Christmas time and little one did not leave my side until I got better. He is the medicine I could ask for. So sweet and beautiful
They definitely are wonderful for helping us feel better. Glad you had your little guy to help you Karen.
We are so blessed to have our little angels enhance our lives. I don’t know what I’d do without Buffy I treasure our time together. Adorable Lucy loves you! I always look forward to your Chi love emails THANKS CATHY
Thank you Cindy! You always make my day.
I have 2 long hair chi
They are my children I love so much
That make my life
I love your newsletter
I look forward to it every week
It makes my day
You are great
Thanks,
Eve Safran
Your dogs are precious
Thank you Eve, you made my day!
i had family of 4 chi’s for 17 yrs and now they are all gone. I lost 3 of them 6 months apart, 2 i had to put down because of cancer and 1 died of natural causes. I had the mom, dad and their 2 daughters. The mom died in 2013 at 13 yrs old with complications from airway disease. Then one of the daughters developed cancer and had to be put down @ 14 yrs. The dad died at 16 of old age, he lasted the longest. Then the other daughter died 6 months later @ 14 yrs old because she developed a large aggressive cancerous tumor. Having them die 6 months apart – March 2019, September 2019 and March 2020 – has left me with a big broken heart. My mind tells me i want more dogs but my heart can’t take any more pain. I guess it’s too soon for me. I love seeing everyone elses dogs though. Enjoy them while you have them. ?? I have attached a pic of the 2 daughters and the dad which is the smaller one.
They were cuties! I’m so sorry you lost all your fur babies. That’s the hardest part of having them.
@Esther Caldwell,
Im sorry for your loss!
Unfortunately i know your pain…i had a chi, CHICO, he was so precious..never left my side for 11 yrs..then i had to put him down cuz he had diebeties..im was so broken hearted, i still am..but i now feel ready for another fur babie..but cant find one out here in nevsda.know when the time is right GOD will have one for me..you will know when the time is right.i
Wow,a foot long lizard in my yard would scare me. Do you know what kind it was? I believe some lizards carry poison in their mouths as a protection.
Actually with the tail, it was longer than that. But that was the biggest one. There’s lots of small ones running around too. I believe they are skinks and they are really kind of pretty with blue tails, and metallic greens and even red on them. I read about them and they eat bugs and small rodents so I really don’t mind having them around as long as my dogs don’t catch one and get sick.
My chi puppy (7 months old now) brings me so much joy and love. She, Lucy, is my second chi. I’m 70 now, and she is my baby/child. I’m looking into designating her as an Emotional Support Animal (ESA). Would you please provide an article on the process and the benefits to owners. I don’t necessarily mean the benefits of taking the dog to places, but the emotional support benefits an ESA gives….again, an Emotional Support Animal, not a Service Dog, as they are not the same.
Reading the previous comments brought me to this request.
Thank you.
That’s a great idea Odette. I’ll add it to my list of posts to write.
yesbI know my BELLA HELPS ME WISTH STREE OVER THE LAST YEAR AS I HAVE HAD OPEN HEART SURGERY AND FAMILY AT ME ALL WHETHER I SHOULD DO THIS OR THAT IT IS GETTING FAR TOO MUCH BUT ONE THING I KNOW THAT MY BELLA IS WITH ME AND KNOW WHAT IS GOING ON I THANK MY HEAVENLY FATHER FOR HER AS I WOULD BE LONELY
Im glad you have her to help you Jill!
I Struggle with my chi-pincher always growling at people who I meet while walking or when invited into my home. My husband and I would like to travel outside the US but she would be so sad and think we abandoned her.
Is there anyone that she could stay with who she loves? That could help. Also on the last trip I took, I face-timed my dogs and it did help 3 of them. The 4thjust kept whining when he saw me.
Kathy I agree about the company of a Chi. My husband spent a week in hospital I live in the countryside although my son is not far away I was alone with Bumble he was my soul companion im deaf and he Albert’s me when the phone rings if any one is at the door neverleaves my side he is fantastic I just love him dearly he really is the best thank you Kathy for your great letters full of information I do look forward to to them very best wishes pat (Boston)
I’m so glad you have your little fur baby to help you! They are awesome caretakers.