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 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.
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.
Patricia Boston
Sunday 22nd of May 2022
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)
Cathy
Saturday 28th of May 2022
I'm so glad you have your little fur baby to help you! They are awesome caretakers.
Mary
Thursday 10th of March 2022
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.
Cathy
Friday 11th of March 2022
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.
jill richter
Monday 17th of May 2021
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
Cathy
Monday 17th of May 2021
Im glad you have her to help you Jill!
Odette Ebersole
Saturday 15th of May 2021
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.
Cathy
Sunday 16th of May 2021
That's a great idea Odette. I'll add it to my list of posts to write.
Michaelene Bush
Saturday 15th of May 2021
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.
Cathy
Saturday 15th of May 2021
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.