Bringing Your Dog To Work Is Proven To Be Good For Your Mental Health

Having a dog in the workplace can bust stress and boost your mood, according to experts ahead of tomorrow's National 'Bring Your Dog To Work' Day.

Thinking of getting your pooch to join you 'al desko?' "Research has repeatedly shown the positive impact canine companions can have on our lives. It's not surprising that dogs are the most commonly used animal in therapy, regularly featuring as participants in mental health programmes," Dr Daniel Allen, an animal geographer at Keele University tells Pretty52.

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"There's something special about being in the company of dogs. Offering companionship, positive associations and unconditional love, the briefest of encounters can lift the mood, reduce stress levels and make you happy."

"If every day was 'bring your dog to work day,' I think a lot of people and a lot of dogs would be much happier," Dr Allen continues.

A 2012 study, published in the International Journal of Workplace Health Management, found employees who brought their dogs to work experienced lower stress levels throughout the day, reported higher levels of job satisfaction and had a more positive perception of their employer. Another showed a few minutes of stroking your pet dog releases 'feel good' hormones.

Amazon is one of the most pet-friendly companies on the planet with approximately 6,000 pups per day descending on the company's Seattle HQ, according to its blog.

Prezzybox

There are dog treats on all the reception desks, poop bag stations, dog-friendly water fountains and a 'doggy deck' where they can run around.

Brewdog is another a smart choice for dog owners - the British beer brewing company offers any employee with a puppy or rescue dog one week's paid 'paw-ternity leave.'

UK gifting website Prezzybox also welcomes four-legged friends - they have two office dogs as well as three office goats who roam outside the office.

"Because the dogs are so lively, it really boosts energy in the office. The goats also improve staff mood because they love causing trouble - stealing food is their favourite past-time.

"If we've had a particularly tough day, we can go and chill in the meeting room or garden with a Prezzybox pet. They say don't work with animals but we couldn't work without them!"

Emailing this over to my boss ASAP.

Topics: Life News, Health

Amber Ascroft

Amber is a freelance beauty editor and lifestyle journalist. She's written for the likes of STYLIST, Red, Harper's Bazaar, Mail Online and Good Housekeeping and starred on ITV's This Morning.