4 Reasons Why Dog Socialization Is Important

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Socialize Your Dog For Their Health

Most dog owners know about the more obvious aspects of keeping your dog happy and healthy. Making sure your dog has proper nutrition, gets the right vaccinations, and has regular visits to the vet are all important. Did you know, though, that socializing your dog is just as important to their quality of life?

4 Ways Socialization Benefits Your Dog

Socializing your dog with other dogs will contribute to their overall health and behavior, so it is important for dog owners to find ways to offer their dogs supervised socialization.

1. It Makes Your Dog Less Fearful

If your dog is poorly socialized, they will likely be fearful of unusual or new circumstances. This fear response sets off neurological signals that result in hormone secretion by various glands in the body. Adrenalin and corticosteroid hormones lead to increased heart and respiration rates as well as blood pressure. Corticosteroids also decrease blood flow to the kidneys and intestines, promote muscle breakdown, and suppress immune system function.

If your dog is frequently stressed due to poor socialization, these fear responses in their body can lead to more serious conditions. To prevent your dog from becoming chronically stressed, it is crucial to make sure they are well socialized.

2. It Minimizes The Chance Of Your Dog Running Away

Did you know that anxious and non-socialized dogs also pose a higher risk of running away from home? When a poorly socialized dog comes into contact with something they're not used to, they're likely to bolt. The fear response overrides even the need for the comforts of home. You don’t want to lose your pet, of course, so teaching them how to deal with unfamiliar things is important. Socialization can help with this.

3. It Makes It Easier To Travel With Your Dog

If you travel frequently and bring your dog with you, socialization becomes even more important. Travel presents a lot of new experiences to your dog, and socialization can make this easier for them. A dog that is well-socialized will also be easier to manage inside a car. So, make sure you're taking your new puppy on plenty of car rides, whether it's a long drive or a quick trip around the block.

4. It Makes Vet Visits Easier And More Thorough

In order to get a complete and accurate reading on your dog’s health, veterinarians must complete a total physical examination. Poorly socialized dogs that respond to fear with aggression make a complete physical exam very difficult. Even the simple solution of a muzzle to prevent biting prevents a veterinarian from evaluating gum tissue to assess dental health, detect anemia or low blood oxygen levels and determine hydration. Also, if your dog is fearful and struggling, it can be difficult to get an accurate check of heart rate, breathing rate, and other important health markers. When your dog is well socialized, they’re able to have an exam without fear and stress responses, which allows your vet to get a more accurate reading of their health.

Find Healthy Ways To Socialize Your Dog

There are many ways to give your dog healthy, supervised socialization. Whether you’re having friends over to your house, meeting up with friends and their dogs, going to a dog park, or going to a doggy daycare – getting your dog used to being social with other dogs and humans will contribute to their health and happiness in many ways.

Vesna Ader