Dyslexia And Pets: Does it help?

I still remember the first time someone told me animals could help soothe an anxious mind. I thought, “That sounds wonderful,” because who can resist the soft purr of a cat or a friendly wagging tail? But as I discuss in this episode, our furry friends can be both comforting and chaotic depending on what else is going on in our lives.

In today’s podcast, I share a simple story of how my dog’s boundless energy ended up increasing my stress levels on a day when I already felt overwhelmed. I reflect on why animals can have such varied effects on us and offer a few questions to consider before you decide to adopt or borrow a pet. It’s a personal chat about how much we love our animals, and how maddeningly messy they can be when life feels heavy.

Why Animals Inspire Us

There’s a reason so many of us feel drawn to pets. Sometimes, just the sound of a gentle purr can lower our heart rates. Studies have suggested that animals can reduce stress, brighten our mood, and even help us socialise. Dogs especially can open new opportunities for conversation when we go out for walks or trips to the park.

However, the positive impact depends heavily on our mindset and daily pressures. On a good day, nothing beats playful fetch sessions that make us laugh. On a tough day, we might find ourselves mini-panicking because our dog won’t stop barking while we’re on an important call.

“I never realised how much an excited dog could throw off my day until I found myself chasing a little ball of fur while trying to finish a work deadline.”

Pets can remind us to be present. We might be inches from a meltdown, then one wag of the tail brings us back to reality. But it’s not always that smooth, which leads me to my own tale of dog-induced chaos.

My Personal Dog Story

Not so long ago, I woke up a bit frazzled. My to-do list felt like a giant monster, and my brain was already scattered. I’d planned a quick coffee, a moment of quiet, then a calm review of the day. My dog, however, had other ideas.

The minute I opened the door, he sprang out, sprinted to the nearest tree, then demanded my attention for a rousing game of “chase me around the house.” Normally, this would be fun, but on that particular morning, I was anything but relaxed. Instead of calming me, the dog’s antics led to more stress. I kept thinking, “I have no time for this.” Eventually, I decided to stand still and let him come to me, which took some patience, but saved my energy.

This made me wonder: why did I feel more annoyed than comforted? I love animals, but that day I mostly felt weighed down. I realised that our stress levels can flip the effect of a pet from therapeutic to trial-by-fire. We need to acknowledge how we’re feeling in the moment before we blame the animal.

Tips for Finding the Right Balance

Sometimes, it’s about choosing the pet that fits our lifestyle. It’s also about looking at our own ability to pause when things don’t go as planned. Here are a few ways to strike a healthy balance when bringing animals into your world:

• Assess your day. If you’re already juggling ten tasks, it might not be the best time to take on extra responsibilities.
• Set realistic expectations. Pets need time and attention, but so do you. If you don't have the bandwidth, consider another approach for now.
• Let go of small failures. Every day won’t be perfect. A random mess or a bark in the background isn’t worth spiralling over.
• Communicate juggling needs. If you have housemates or family, ask them to take turns caring for the pet to share the load.

Another factor is your personality. If chaos and spontaneity make you smile, you might love a high-energy puppy. If you crave peaceful moments, a calm cat that purrs on your lap might be your best friend. Think of your lifestyle first before choosing a furry companion.

When Animals Might Increase Stress

We often hear about the joys animals bring, but we rarely talk about the other side. Sometimes, a pet can dial up the tension:

1. Unexpected Vet Bills: Emergencies can happen. If you’re tight on finances, the stress of a large bill can overshadow happy dog walks.
2. Constant Interruptions: Some pets demand plenty of time. If you’re prone to distraction, repeated requests for walks or food can derail your day.
3. Allergies or Other Triggers: For some people, pet hair triggers sneezing and watery eyes. The frustration of dealing with allergies can overshadow the fun.

It’s also valuable to consider how you handle noise, especially if you’ve got a dog prone to barking. For me, the day evolves differently if my dog’s in a barky mood. If I’m on a conference call, I might find myself darting between rooms trying to keep him quiet. This leads to tension if I’m not prepared.

At the same time, being mindful can help. If I know a call is coming up, I’ll give my dog an engaging toy or treat to keep him busy. A little planning can ease the chaos.

Wrap-Up and Key Takeaways

My story isn’t meant to paint dogs or cats as a headache. Instead, it’s a reminder that timing and personal circumstances matter. If you’re feeling frazzled, a high-energy pet might tilt you further. If you’re ready for a little laughter and chaos, it can be the best stress reliever in the world. So how can you decide what’s right for you?

• Animals can calm us or stress us, depending on our mood and energy levels.
• A little preparation, like scheduling walks or quiet time, can reduce pet-related frustration.
• Choosing a pet that matches your current lifestyle is key to a happier experience.
• Small adjustments, like giving your pet interesting toys, can help them release energy without overwhelming you.
• It’s normal to feel conflicted when your pet’s antics clash with your day. Take a breath and observe what’s really happening.

If you’d like to hear the full story and get more insights, you can listen to the complete episode using the podcast player at the top of the page. I chat about the day my dog turned my morning upside down and share some ways to keep your cool when you’re already juggling life. I hope it inspires you to create a healthy, happy bond with the animals you love.

Thanks for reading, and I can’t wait to see what you think of the episode!