Boost your mood and bring your dog to Kingham Cottage

Science is helping us understand that our relationships with our pets come with some pretty powerful mental and physical health benefits. Dogs and cats in particular can reduce stress, anxiety, and depression, ease loneliness, encourage exercise and playfulness, and even improve your cardiovascular health. With this in mind, we will be welcoming new guests with their small dogs to Kingham Cottage. This will take place officially from 2020.

Kingham Cottage
Kingham Cottage opens its doors to dogs

Recent research discovered during Mental Health Awareness Week

Last week during #MentalHealthAwarenessWeek there was a wealth of information available for those like us eager to learn about emotional health. We learned that dogs can boost your mood.

Apparently, it’s only recently that studies have begun to scientifically explore the benefits of the human-animal bond. Pets, especially dogs and cats, have evolved to become acutely attuned to humans and our behavior and emotions. Dogs, for example, are able to understand many of the words we use, but they’re even better at interpreting our tone of voice, body language, and gestures. 

Maggie (pictured), The After Umbrage Dog, owned by our founder Tara Belcher, has enjoyed the many walks around Kingham Cottage

At After Umbrage, we focus on wellbeing and helping carers experience the mood boost that Kingham Cottage offers. Here we share some ideas behind our recent decision to allow small dogs to stay at Kingham Cottage along with their owners. The only reason we specify small dogs is because the cottage is cozy and small and a big dog would find it challenging.

Caring for a pet can make healthy lifestyle changes

Increasing exercise. Taking a dog for a walk, hike or run are fun and rewarding ways to fit healthy exercise into your day. Studies have shown that dog owners are far more likely to meet their daily exercise requirements. And exercising every day is great for the animal as well. 

Providing companionship. Companionship can help prevent illness and even add years to your life, while isolation and loneliness can trigger symptoms of depression. Caring for your pet can help make you feel needed and wanted, and take the focus away from your problems. 

Helping you meet new people. Pets can be a great social lubricant for their owners, helping you start and maintain new friendships. Dog owners frequently stop and talk to each other on walks, hikes, or in a dog park. Dog owners also meet new people in pet stores, clubs, and training classes.

Reducing anxiety. The companionship of an animal can offer comfort, help ease anxiety, and build self-confidence for people anxious about going out into the world. 

Adding structure and routine to your day. Many pets, especially dogs, require a regular feeding and exercise schedule. Having a consistent routine keeps an animal balanced and calm—and it can work for you, too. 

Providing sensory stress relief. Touch and movement are two healthy ways to quickly manage stress. Stroking a dog, cat, or other animal can lower blood pressure and help you quickly feel calmer and less stressed.

Bring your dog to Kingham Cottage

We love welcoming all our visitors to our idyllic country cottage in Coombe Down. With our new approach your dog will soon be included in that warm welcome.