Dogs have been a part of our lives for millennia—working alongside us in fields, protecting us from predators, and comforting us in times of need. But do dogs truly help our mental health? Most people would agree with a resounding YES. Let’s explore how dogs positively impact our mental well-being!
The Science Behind the Bond: How Dogs Affect Mental Health
Dogs are more than just pets. They can actually help improve our mental health. Studies show that spending time with dogs can reduce feelings of stress, anxiety, and depression. Here’s how it works.
Oxytocin: The “Love Hormone”
When you interact with a dog, your brain releases a hormone called oxytocin. This is sometimes called the “love hormone” because it helps you feel close to others and promotes feelings of trust and affection. Petting or playing with a dog can make you both feel more connected and relaxed. This bond helps reduce stress and boosts your mood.
Dogs Reduce Our Stress Levels
Spending time with dogs can lower the level of cortisol, or stress hormone, in your body. High cortisol levels are linked to feelings of anxiety and worry. By interacting with a dog, your body calms down and you feel less stressed. This effect is what makes dogs great companions when you’re feeling anxious or overwhelmed.
Dogs Encourage Physical Activity
Dogs also help with mental health by getting us moving. Regular walks and playtime with a dog keep us active and exercise is known to improve mood and reduce anxiety. Moving around releases endorphins, chemicals in the brain that make us feel happy and relaxed. Having a dog encourages a healthy routine and helps you stay physically and mentally well. For a unique way to stay active, consider trying Doga, an exercise activity that combines yoga and dogs!
Dogs Reduce Feelings of Loneliness and Isolation
For many people, dogs provide steady companionship and help reduce feelings of loneliness. Their presence can be especially comforting for those who live alone, have social anxiety, or are going through difficult times. Dogs offer unconditional love and their non-judgemental nature can lift your spirits and make you feel more connected to the world around you. Simply having a dog by your side can offer a sense of comfort and belonging when you need it most.
Dogs Provide a Consistent Routine
Caring for a dog also adds structure to your day and can give you a sense of purpose. Tending to your dog’s needs can be especially helpful when you’re going through a tough time, such as the loss of a loved one or a job.
The Value of Emotional Support Animals: What Dogs Do
Dogs don’t just cheer us up with their playful energy. They also provide emotional support that can be deeply comforting. In fact, some doctors and therapists recommend Emotional Support Animals (ESAs) to people suffering from conditions like depression, anxiety, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), to help them cope with mental illness.
Unlike service dogs, which are trained to perform specific tasks to assist someone with a disability, ESAs provide comfort simply by being there. They don’t have the same legal protections and access to public places as service dogs, but their companionship can still make a big difference. Studies show that spending time with a dog can lower your heart rate, along with releasing oxytocin, which can help you feel more calm and connected.
Dogs Help Children
In addition to providing personal comfort and assistance, some service and emotional support dogs even visit schools to help children with special needs. These dogs help students with everything from reducing anxiety to fostering social interactions.
They also play an important role in enhancing focus, motivation, and even academic performance, especially for students with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and autism. Their calming influence helps create a more supportive and connected environment for learning.
Dogs Help Us Connect with Others
Dogs are natural icebreakers. Whether you’re out for a walk, playing fetch at the park, or just hanging out in your front yard, dogs tend to draw people together. When you have a dog, you’re more likely to strike up conversations with other dog owners or passersby who want to meet your dog. This type of casual interaction can help you connect with others and build friendships, especially if you struggle with social anxiety or find it hard to start conversations.
Dog ownership can lead to increased feelings of social connection, as dogs often spark new friendships or strengthen existing ones. For example, dog owners frequently meet one another at parks where they share stories, advice, and experiences. This shared connection creates an opportunity for social bonding that might not happen if people were without their dogs.
One of my own experiences shows just how much dogs help us connect. When I had my first dog, a Dachshund named Bimmer (BEAM-er), I took him to visit a friend. Another guest arrived—one I didn’t know. Bimmer ran up to her, wagging his tail and begging for attention. She lit up, started asking questions about him, and before I knew it, we were deep in conversation. What started as small talk about my dog turned into a real friendship, all thanks to a friendly pup!
The Healing Power of Dogs
Whether it’s a wagging tail, a soft nudge, or a comforting presence, the healing power of dogs is undeniable. If you’ve ever had a hard day that ended with coming home to a dog excited to see you, you know how rewarding and uplifting it can be. From helping reduce stress and loneliness to encouraging social connections and physical activity, dogs provide emotional support in ways that can truly change lives. They offer more than just companionship—they help improve mental health and well-being in ways that can last a lifetime.