Podcast #37: The Joy of Dogs - The Mental Health Benefits of Pets

This week’s podcast explores the multifaceted relationship between humans and pets, detailing the various mental and physical health benefits of pet ownership across different age groups, including reduced stress and improved cardiovascular health. I also discuss the responsibilities and considerations involved in having a pet, such as financial costs and time commitment. Furthermore, the references I talk about offer guidance on choosing the right pet based on lifestyle and home environment, advocating for adoption from shelters and cautioning against puppy mills. And my personal account emphasizes a dog's role as a mental health support during a challenging time (the pandemic).Loved this episode? You can find extra goodies, gentle tools, and printable doses of wonder over in my Ko-fi shop. You can also buy me a coffee to help support me. Every purchase supports this quiet corner of the internet and helps keep the podcast going. Thank you for being here. 💛References:The Joy Of Dogs AA the metal health benefits of pets by Caitlin McColl https://medium.com/mindful-mental-health/the-joy-of-dogs-7acd195728a2Dog — https://www.britannica.com/animal/dogThe History of Dogs as Pets — https://abcnews.go.com/Lifestyle/history-dogs-pets/StoryThe Health and Mood-Boosting Benefits of Pets — https://www.helpguide.org/articles/mental-health/mood-boosting-power-of-dogs.htm Get full access to Dose of Wonder at caitlinmccoll.substack.com/subscribe