Dog owners are less likely to be depressed, and in fact, have higher levels of serotonin and dopamine than non-dog owners, mainly due to the fact that dogs are calming and familiar companions that can lead to less stress and anxiety . Additionally, dogs are natural conversation starters which promotes social interaction even for shy dog owners. The more social interaction you have, the more likely you are to engage in fulfilling relationships with people that make you happy. All this helps boost mental responses and motivation if struggling to get out of bed or to lose those last few pounds, leading to an overall sense of productivity and satisfaction. Plus, having a strong sense of purpose and a routine (which is often required for taking care of a dog) allows for stability which in turn helps fight mental illness.
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