How our dogs make our lives happier

So, we have a confession to make. Doggy Styling wasn’t only started to help Surrey’s pooches look their best through stylish dog grooming. We also (mainly) exist for non-stop cuddles and hugs. And with National Love Your Pet Day on 20th February, it's even more reason to show love to your dog.

There are plenty of scientific reasons why our groomers love what they do. Here are some of the ways dogs put smiles on the faces of their humans…and our groomers. 

Dogs improve our moods

The fact you are reading this blog, probably means you have a dog, or at least want one. And now we’ve written that, you are now thinking about your dog – if you weren’t already. Your pup has probably now seen you grinning, and come over to say hello.

The whole process of loving our dogs releases oxytocin in our brains. This is a good thing, in fact, it's a very good thing. It’s been shown that an oxytocin release, and more specifically dogs, helps against depression, and helps us to be more positive. They are our friends when we are lonely and a reason to laugh when we are down.

Dogs reduce stress

As well as helping your overall mood, being around your pets can reduce stress. Whether that’s taking your dog for a walk or out to one of Weybridge’s top dog friendly spots, you’ll hopefully be able to de-stress. Animal companionship is important and can help improve the wellbeing for people with autism.

Many people would love the chance to bring their dogs to work. Luckily, for the Doggy Styling groomers, dogs are the actual job, so they are at work all day, every day. So we’d like to think the salon is one of the most stress-free places in the area.

Cuddles

That’s it. That’s the heading.

If you really want a boost, then give your dog a cuddle. Do it now!

It’s that oxytocin again, which increases trust and reduces fear while reducing anxiety. It plays a part in both species, helping you to bond with your dog and relax. And it’s known as the 'love chemical' because it does just that.

Dogs know when something’s up

Have you noticed that your dog comes over when you’re feeling down? That’s because they’ve been shown to be responsive to the emotion of their humans. So when you’re not quite right, your dog shows up to fix it, literally.

Dogs respond to sadness in different ways They might make an effort to cuddle you more or follow you around the house. Either way, our canine buddies are there for us in both good times and bad.

We can learn from dogs

It turns out we can learn a lot from that “good boy” or “good girl”. Our pooches can teach us to be more compassionate, generous, patient and kind. As well as these traits, dogs inspire us to get out and about, meet new people and socialise - who doesn’t want to show off their four-legged fur friend?  

They also prompt us to get outside and take them for walkies, leading us to increase our own physical activity, which is always good for overall health, including mental health. Physical activity helps to release endorphins – the chemicals that make us happy.

In case you didn’t realise by now, having a dog, or being around one, has multiple benefits for humans in helping us to be happier. A dog is essentially a springboard for other healthy, positive behaviours in our lives.

If you’d like to book your first, or your next, appointment with Doggy Styling visit us today at our Cobham dog grooming salon, our Weybridge dog grooming salon, or our Surbiton dog grooming salon.