Why Patting is good for you and your pooch

Seems like a no-brainer, right?  BUT did you know there are scientific reasons that back up why it feels good to pat your pooch and why they love it as much as you do.

Patting your dog for as little as 10 minutes can offer your similar benefits to meditation, including:

- Lowering blood pressure

- Slowing your heart rate

- Slowing your breathing

- Relaxes muscle tension

- Reducing cortisol levels (ie. the stress hormone)

- Releasing oxytocin (the love hormone) which strengthens your bond with them

We knew owning a dog was a great thing!

Dogs also benefit from being patted in the following ways:

- Lowering heart rate

- Inducing a positive emotional state (boosting their mood)

- Releasing oxytocin which strengthens their bond and attachment with you

- Increasing dopamine

With all that in mind, there is one thing to be cautious of! The benefits of patting your dog only applies if your dog is enjoying it. Start slowly, and stick to the areas that they are comfortable being touched – often this includes the chest, shoulders and neck.

It always pays to conduct a ‘consent test’ where you pause after patting your dog to see if they indicate that they want more. If your dog leans into you, this suggests that they are enjoying the interaction but if they move away, that usually means that they need some space. If your dog isn’t in the mood for a pat, you can always do something else together such as go for a walk, watch a movie or play with some toys- whatever you both enjoy!

What are you waiting for? Feel good and meet greyhounds looking for pats, right here!

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