Dogs help us cope with crisis

Dogs help us recover psychologically from a crisis. Purdue University’s College of Veterinary Medicine discovered that military veterans with PTSD do better both physiologically and psychologically when they have a service dog. Veterans with a service dog had significantly fewer symptoms of PTSD and showed improved coping skills.

Dogs encourage you to move.

Those long treks along sidewalks, trails, and paths add up. A 2019 British study discovered that dog owners are nearly four times more likely than non-dog owners to meet daily physical activity guidelines. Dog owners spend nearly 300 minutes every week walking with their dogs. That’s 200 more minutes walking than people without a pup of their own.

Dogs make you more attractive—even virtually.

If you’re looking for a date, it might be time to get a dog. A dog’s presence may make people appear more likeable and attractive.

In a series of studies, men were more likely to get a woman’s phone number when they had a dog with them. In another study, researchers asked individuals to rate people in photographs and found that people looked happier and more relaxed when they appeared with a dog.

A study by Pet Wingman found that men and women swipe right more when they include a profile photo of their pup. Women benefited more than men with dogs in their profiles. (And finding Fido photos on your camera roll shouldn’t be a problem—a study found that 65 percent of dog owners admit to taking more photos of their dog than their significant other.)

Dogs make us more social.

Walking with a canine companion can make us more approachable and give people a conversation starter. Think about how many times you’ve talked with other people, whether they’re your neighbors or new friends at the dog park.

Researchers have found that about 40 percent of dog owners had an easier time making friends. Dogs are the perfect way to get to know strangers and form new friendships.

A study at the Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine at Tufts University concluded that people who have a strong attachment to a pet feel more connected in their human relationships and their communities.

Dogs are so adorable they make us love them

There’s a reason why puppies are so irresistible: a dog’s facial features possess an “infant schema.” These “social releasers” trigger an innate caregiver response in humans. So the next time you can’t stop watching that dog video, know those big eyes and floppy ears are scientifically appealing.

Dogs make us happier

Just looking at a dog can lift your spirits: a 2009 study in Japan found that staring into your dog’s eyes raises your level of oxytocin, also known as the “love hormone.” Besides the general health benefits of owning a dog, they are natural mood boosters. Those with AIDS are less likely to suffer from depression if they own a pet, according to a 2017 study.

Dogs help seniors with cognitive function and social interaction

Studies exploring the effects of dogs on seniors found positive results. One study found that pet therapy improves the cognitive function of residents with mental illness in long-term care. Another showed significant decreases in agitated behaviors in seniors with dementia and improved social interactions.

A four-footed best friend provides unconditional love and support, which is especially important during tough times. Though people may think we’re taking care of our canine companions, it’s mutual: Dogs take care of us, and science confirms it.

Importance of dog in hindu mythology

Dogs have been referred to as ‘Shvan’ in many Vedic verses and have a deep meaning in Hindu mythology. Right from being worshipped in parts of Sikkim and North Bengal, dogs have been the mounts of fearsome gods like, Kalabhairava. They are also considered protectors of the gates of heaven as well as hell. When it comes to ancient Hindu religious symbolism, dogs have always been associated with different forms of Lord Shiva, the God of desolation and the eternal ascetic. Lord Duttatreya is also associated with four dogs, which symbolize the four Vedas.

Sarama is the female canine, who is referred as mother of all the dogs, and the dog of the Gods who helped Lord Indra retrieve his stolen divine cows. According to some old beliefs, black dogs are also said to be the reincarnation of the fearsome god, Bhairava. Yudhistir, in Mahabharata, requested that the dog that followed them throughout their penance, be given a place in heaven. This dog was Yama who took this form to test the truthfulness of the eldest Pandava, Yudhistir.

Yama, the Hindu god of death has four dogs with four eyes guarding his abode. On many occasions food offerings are made to dogs during ceremonies of death. Dogs are considered a link between the netherworld and beings on Earth. As per astrology, people suffering from the negative effects of planet Rahu and Shani might find some respite when they feed black dogs. Throughout Vedas and Hinduism various animals have played their part either taking the form of the gods or being their vahana or mounts.

There are also some beliefs and superstitions associated with dogs in India amongst Hindus. In India, a few girls who have a strong Mars in their horoscope are married to dogs. As astounding as this may sound, there are still a few people who follow all these superstitions with regard to dogs. For people who believe in omens, it is said that anyone who sees a dog carrying a bone in is his mouth is considered to be a good omen. If your pet dog sneezes while you are going out, it is considered to be a good omen. These are just a few superstitions and beliefs associated with dogs in Hinduism.

In the holy temple of Gandgapur in Maharashtra, where Lord Duttatreya resides, dogs are not restricted from entering and living inside the temple. Dogs are territorial; the allegory that relates to dogs in Hinduism is to defy the territorial behavior with regards to emotions or material. Like dogs, humans too protect their emotional and material boundaries. Understanding this aspect of dogs can throw deep insights into our own behavioral deficiencies. Originally, evolved from wolves, dogs have a DNA similar to that of wolves. However, their significance in Hinduism can never fade away. Tihar is a dog festival celebrated in Nepal during the times of Diwali as a part of thanksgiving to dogs for their loyalty and protection.

It just goes on to show the significance dogs like German Shepherd have had in people’s lives since times immemorial.