As a Dog Owner, you probably already know how much dogs improve your mental health. How can you not have a smile on your face when your furry friend is around?! But what exactly is happening in our brains that make us light up around dogs?
Is there scientific research to back up the claim that dogs are the perfect mood-boosters? In this article, we’re going to take a deep dive into the mental health benefits of Dog Ownership. Here are eight ways that our furry friends help us feel better ♡
#1: Dogs boost feel-good chemicals
Our dogs make us happy – it’s just a fact! And according to the research, it’s happening on a neurochemical level.
Every time you interact with your dog, whether it’s through play, cuddling, or simple eye contact, your brain releases oxytocin. This brain chemical is responsible for feelings of trust, empathy, and relationship-building. When it’s released in the brain, we get that warm, fuzzy feeling that makes us say, “Who’s a good doggy?” every time we see our pup.
And it’s not just oxytocin that’s bouncing around in our brains when our dogs enter the room. Dopamine, another neurochemical that’s released when we interact with dogs, helps us to feel happy, alert, and motivated. So, when you’re having trouble staying focused at work, who knows; you may just need a play break with your pup!
#2: Dogs relieve stress
If you’ve had a ruff day, your first instinct might be to put your feet up and have a good cuddle session with your dog. And, that’s actually a great idea!
According to a study released in 2011 featuring Dog Owners and Labradors, the act of petting your dog can reduce the levels of the stress hormone cortisol in the blood, while also lowering heart rate. Scientists believe this is because calm tactile interaction with animals is a stress-reducing activity.
Keep in mind, though, that our doggos tend to be sensitive to our own stress levels! If you’re coming home as a ball of stress everyday, your fur friend might experience an increase in stress, themselves. So, you might opt for a stress-reducing activity that is good for you and your furbaby, like exercise or a walk.
To learn more about doggy mental health, take a look at our article on improving your pup’s wellbeing.
#3: Dogs ease loneliness
The fact that we call doggos (hu)man’s best friend says it all. Dogs are wonderful companions!
After all, even if you’ve got a traditionally independent dog, it’s comforting to be in the presence of a friend. And, dogs give us a sense of belonging, trust, and purpose. They rely on us for food, walkies, and playtime, which makes us feel more connected, therefore, less lonely.
Again, there’s a neurochemical element at play here, too. Remember that oxytocin makes us feel that all is right in the world, but it’s is also a key neurochemical for relationship building. Every time we interact with our dogs, we’re reminded of how wonderful it is to have a friend.
#4: Dogs introduce us to new people
On the one paw, our dogs ease our loneliness by being our constant companions. But our fluffy friends also expose us to a whole new network of people that we may otherwise have never met.
Whenever you leave the house with your doggo, for instance, you may meet other dog lovers on the sidewalk, at restaurants, and dog-friendly events. If you and your pup tend to visit the same places consistently, you might also start to build relationships with your community members, including neighbours and business owners.
And of course, there’s the network of other Dog Owners and Dog Sitters with whom you can bond over the joys and challenges of Dog Ownership.
#5: Dogs improve your mental health by getting you outside
Whether your puppy is dragging you out of bed at sunrise, you’re exploring nature with your energetic dog, or simply stepping into the backyard to play a quick game of fetch, your dog is giving you a wonderful gift: outside time!
According to a collection of research, being outside has been linked to short- and long-term mental health benefits, including stress resiliency and a decreased risk of depression.
If you can get you and your doggo to a place where the sounds of nature resound, even better! Bird calls, crashing waves, wind through the trees, and other nature sounds are great for relaxation.
#6: And they get you moving, too!
Going outside with your dog provides you the benefit of stress-relief and relaxation. But when you can get outside and move, you’re opening up a whole additional layer of mental (and physical) health benefits.
Exercise and mental wellbeing are closely related, and even mild activities can release an array of feel-good neurochemicals. Serotonin, dopamine and norepinephrine are three main neurochemicals that are released during exercise, giving you both short-term happiness and long-term satisfaction.
The key is to find a form of exercise that you enjoy doing with your dog. Whether it’s brisk walking, bicycle riding, or going for a jog, choose an activity that you and your pup can return to regularly. The more consistent you are with your outdoor adventures, the better your mental health will be in the long term.
#7: Dogs help you snooze
It’s something we’ve known for thousands of years: having a dog around makes us feel relaxed and protected. And that’s why having a dog in the home may actually give you better sleep.
Women, in particular, experience a significant improvement in sleep from sharing a bed with their furry friend, according to research from Canisius College in New York. The results show that women may get a better night’s sleep next to a dog than a human partner!
In terms of mental health, the benefits of quality sleep are numerous. Consistent sleep can reduce the effects of depression, anxiety, and a number of other mental illnesses. And, it can improve self-esteem and cognitive functioning. The keyword here, of course, is quality. If your pupper is interrupting your sleep, take a look at our article, How to Train Your Dog to Sleep Through the Night.
And remember, your dog will sleep better when they’re in the presence of a caring human, too! If you’re going to be gone for the night, make sure your pup stays with a friendly local Dog Sitter.
#8: Your dog makes you laugh!
It’s easy to overlook this final mental health benefit of Dog Ownership, but the truth is, humour is healing. Laughing releases a flood of feel-good chemicals in the brain, like endorphins, while also decreasing stress chemicals. Humour can instantly change our moods and block feelings of anger and frustration. And, it can help us connect with others, especially if they also witnessed that very funny doggy moment.
So, the next time your dog makes you laugh, take a moment to acknowledge how lucky you are to have a health-boosting comedian living under the same roof!
The science is clear: dogs improve your mental health in all kinds of ways
We can bet that you already knew just how much dogs improve your mental health. Now that you’ve seen the research, let us know which furry fact surprised you the most!
1 comment
Yes, dogs are great for mental health. Having said that, does anyone know if it is possible to get some sort of “accreditation” for a small dog (Pomeranian) who has had no formal training, to be a companion animal? I have such a dog who behalves totally well in a “doggy bag”, a woman’s handbag, where she only has her head poking out. I get upset having to leave her at home when I go shopping and she gets upset at being left behind. She can not be left outside the grocery shop. Any suggestions?