Breathe in…and out…in…and out. We all rush around, and us humans, often live on the edge of burnout. Mental Health Awareness week is aimed to help us better understand our mental health, and that of those around us. This year the focus is on taking action—taking steps to improve our mental health, hopefully leading to happier lives.
A huge part of many people’s mental health, are the animals we have in our lives. Certainly at VetzPetz HQ, our pets are a huge factor in maintaining our mental health. Soothing, calming, and bringing smiles to our faces (with the occasional dip when they chew up pants, or poop in the middle of the path.) But what about their mental health?
Exercise is a huge part of our dogs mental health, but what do we do when they’re struggling with their mobility, or you are. How can we keep exercising, and support everyone’s mental health, this Mental Health Awareness Week?
Exercise and its impact on your dog's mental health
Just like us, your dog’s brain is influenced by what is going on around them, their lifestyle, their food, and their health.
There are various therories around how exercise impacts pet’s brains: one is that it initiates the release of endorphins—natures mood-boosting pain-reliever. Another is that it floods their system with happy hormones, such as serotonin and dopamine, and a more recent theory is that it increases production of norepinephrine, which helps with “get-up-and-go” feelings. It is clear however, that more exercise, means more happy hormones, and a happy, healthy dog.
Exercising with your dog improves your own mental health
Snuggles for your pet, or even just having animals in your life, have been show to make us happier, healthier, more active people. 80% of pet owners seek comfort in their pets. They help us overcome loneliness, with people more likely to have human interactions when out with their pets. And they help us to stay healthy, getting us up and out more.
Exercise has almost identical effects on our mental health, as it does on our dogs.
More exercise = more happy hormones = improved mental health.
And just having that bond with our, pets, and getting outside with them has been show to have a significantly increase our exercise levels, when compared with non-pet owning people.
Add to that, the significant improvements in mental health seen from being outside, and in nature, and you start to see that getting out with our dogs is a powerhouse of mental health support, for both human and our pets.
What happens when mobility becomes a worry?
When joint stiffness means you, or your dog are slowing down, it can have a huge impact on both physical and mental health.
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You can’t get out and do as much
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You feel sluggish and lose motivation
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You’re not interested in normal activities
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You’re grumpy
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There are lower levels of happy hormones
This is exactly the same for our dogs.
Mental health can take a dive when joint stiffness worries kick in, as it’s harder to get out and exercise. So, what can you do to keep exercising your dog in a joint-friendly way?
Joint friendly exercise ideas for both you and your dog
Joint stiffness shouldn't mean the end of exercise. In fact, keeping your dog active and moving is vital to support their mobility in the long term. So, here are some joint-friendly activities you can do to keep moving for both healthy mobility and good mental health.
1. Gentle walks with breaks
If getting out on long treks is out of the question now, or the motivation to get out is gone, start with short, regular walks. Even if it’s 5 minutes around the block, you and your dog are still getting out and getting your bodies moving. Do this regularly and take breaks if you need it—gradually, if you and your dog are up to it, you can increase the time you’re out for.
2. Play hide and seek out on a walk, or around the house
You’ll be giggling before you know it and releasing all those happy hormones if you play this one. Start small, hiding behind a tree or a door and calling your dog to you. Over time you can build up your hiding skills, until your dog is seeking you out across longer distances. Engaging their nose is a fantastic way to keep their brain sharp and active, and taps into their natural instincts for tracking—all of which helps their mental health. And it’s so much fun, it can’t fail to bring a smile to your face.
3. Learn new tricks
A busy brain is a happy brain…and old dogs certainly can learn new tricks. Try teaching your dog new skills. It gets you both up and moving, and keeps your dog’s brain engaged and excited. You could even introduce some balance activities to support your dog’s mobility further. Talk to a canine physiotherapist for exercises that would really power your dog’s mobility.
4. Try a new dog sport
Not all canine sports are as physically intense as agility. Try Hoopers if you want the excitement of agility, without the jumps. Or perhaps join a local scentwork club and teach your dog to track. There are plenty of canine sports that will help build social conections, and keep both body and brain healthy. Check out or Canine Sports 101 as a good place to start.
5. Go for a swim
Swimming is incredible for your dog’s health and mobility, as well at yours. It might be too chilly to swim outside with your dog, but lots of areas now have specific dog pools that you ca hire to swm together. There will be trained staff on hand to support you and your dog, and you can both enjoy the benefits of being in the water. And, if you’re not up for a joint swim, some canine hydrotherapy sessions could be just the ticket for your dog.
So, get out there, have a fun, joint-friendly adventure with your dog this Mental Health Awareness Week.
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