Dog owners could have told you that playing with their beloved pets helps them rest and relax. Now we have a study published in March out of Seoul, South Korea seemingly proving the practice. It showed activity in regions of participants’ brains related to recuperation when performing certain joint activities such as play and walking.
That’s probably all the excuse you need to cuddle up with your furry friend, but it wouldn’t hurt to get some upgrades. For example, every good dog needs a comfortable bed, and they certainly deserve some nice calming treats.
The authors of the study focused on how a person’s mood might be affected by interacting with a dog, specifically a poodle owned by the study’s lead author. The data they took was a combination of electroencephalogram tests measuring brain activity and subjective questionnaires after the tests, of 30 adults around the average age of 28.
Each participant performed eight activities with the poodle: a first meeting, followed by general play, feeding, massaging, grooming, hugging, walking and even taking photographs.
Some of their results included increased activity in regions associated with stability and relaxation while walking the dog, and increased activity in regions associated with attention and concentration while massaging the dog. Playing with the dog saw increased activity in both regions. Participants also noted feeling less stressed, tired and depressed after their time with the dog.
Best Friends by Sheri The Original Calming Shag Fur Donut Cuddler
This type of dog bed seems to be a big favorite of dogs, perhaps because its shape is naturally comfortable to the “spin in circles then drop” dance that dogs do. The lip also serves as a pillow. It comes in 11 colors and in six sizes.
This pillow-like dog bed is a great addition to the corners of rooms so your furry friend has their own seat wherever you go. The cover is removable for easy machine washing. It comes in two colors and in two sizes.
Tuddrom Decorative Faux Fur Throw Blanket
Many people love a good fuzzy blanket because they look as nice as they feel. This one comes in 18 designs and in three sizes so you can keep it on the couch or use it to cover up a queen-size bed.
A Nice Night Reading Pillow Bed Wedge
This cushy backstop helps you sit in a comfortable, healthy posture while taking in a good book. Smaller dogs can curl right up with you or beside you. A carrying handle helps you move around easily. It comes in 18 designs and in two sizes.
Sherpa Portable Soft-Sided Indoor Shelter
This interior shelter can create a sense of familiarity and safety for dogs that need to travel with you, but get stressed out by travel. It folds up and down easily and measures 27 by 19 by 18 inches when fully set up. There’s plenty of mesh for breathability.
These tasty treats contain Suntheanine, which is supposed to help create a relaxed, calm disposition. It also has ashwagandha, chamomile and valerian root for the same reason. It comes in peanut butter or turkey flavors and in counts of 50, 90 or 180.
Magnificent 101 Pure Sage Energy Cleansing Candle
This candle uses 6 ounces of natural soy wax and can burn for up to 35 hours. The scent is meant to help you let go of negative energy and focus your creative efforts. It’s supposed to smell like sage, marshmallow and lemon.
Artnaturals Himalayan Rock Salt Lamp
This salt lamp was carved out of a mine located in Pakistan. The power cord is 4.5 feet long and has a dimmer switch. The salt chunk is 9 by 5 inches and weighs between 5 and 6 pounds. It’s safe for use in homes with children and pets.
Asakuki Essential Oil Diffuser
Turn your home into an aromatherapy center with this diffuser. It holds up to 16.9 ounces of water. At the lightest misting mode, it can run for up to 18 hours. It also offers a timed mode that can mist for one, two or three hours before shutting down.
Best Friends by Sheri Throw Shag Blanket
This luscious blanket can be tossed anywhere in your home to instantly make a comfortable pet bed. The bottom is water- and dirt-resistant to prevent accidents from spreading. It’s machine-washable and -dryable. It comes in four colors. Its sizes are 30 by 40 inches and 40 by 50 inches.
Kong Cozie Ali the Aligator Dog Toy
This soft, snuggly toy is as good for a game of fetch as it is a night-time cuddle buddy. There’s a squeaker inside to help entice your dog. Other animal options are an elephant, moose, rhino, lion and monkey. It comes in small, medium and extra-large sizes.
Prices listed reflect time and date of publication and are subject to change.
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