The mental health benefits of owning a dog

We adore our pets, but did you know there are mental health benefits of owning a dog? Read on to find out how they could help your mental wellbeing.

Over the years, dogs have deservedly earned their position as our furry best friends. Life can truly be better with them by our side! Not only do we love them and find them great fun to have around, but it’s thought that there are mental health benefits of owning a dog too. For example, some of the benefits of walking a dog can be an improved mood and even more opportunities to socialise.

With around 1 in 10 people living with a mental health disorder worldwide (according to Our World in Data estimates), looking after our mental wellbeing is so important. And it turns out, our four-legged friends might be able to lend a paw.

Dr. Carla J. Eatherington, Senior Research Scientist at Waltham Petcare Science Institute, shares some of the research about how dogs benefit our mental health:

1. Dogs can help reduce depression

Research has found a link between owning a pet and a reduced level of depression. This is likely because spending time with animals increases our levels of ‘happy hormones’, which can leave us feeling more content for some time after.

Owning a pet can also help ease feelings of low mood and depression by providing people with a sense of purpose and helping maintain a routine. This is particularly valuable for older people who live alone and may crave more structure and company in their day-to-day life.

Pet ownership also encourages people to be more active, which is beneficial for both your physical and mental health. For example, the benefits of walking a dog can include adding some exercise to your day, improving your mood with some fresh air and a slice of nature, and even increasing your contact with other people in the neighbourhood. You might even make some new dog walking friends along the way!

2. Dogs can help us feel less lonely

It’s thought that loneliness currently affects as many as 9 million people in the UK, which can have a really negative impact on mental wellbeing. But with a furry friend there to share your day with, things can feel a lot less isolated. Companionship is one of the main benefits of owning a dog and the value of their company isn’t to be underestimated.

Recent research by HABRI in collaboration with Mars Petcare, found that 80% of pet owners say their pet makes them feel less lonely. Just having them there to stroke, cuddle or chat to can really help. Dogs can be great listeners (though they might not respond!) and they’re always more than happy to show you their unconditional love.

And this isn’t restricted to your own pets. Studies have also found that a therapy dog can help reduce loneliness in older people living in care homes. These wholesome interactions with visiting therapy dogs can be just what it takes to ease feelings of social isolation and brighten their day.

3. Dogs can help reduce our stress

Research has also found that interacting with animals can lower our risk of stress, as the simple act of stroking a dog lowers levels of the stress hormone cortisol in your body and increases levels of the feel-good hormone oxytocin. So you’re likely to feel much calmer and more content after a tickle, pat or snuggle with your furry companion.

Dogs have also been shown to help people suffering from PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder), so service dogs are trained to perform a range of behaviours, such as waking their owner when they are experiencing night terrors and being there to stroke during anxiety attacks.

4. Dogs can help reduce anxiety

Most people will experience feelings of anxiety in stressful situations, but sadly for others, it’s a feeling that can linger with them and impact their quality of life. As with depression, contact with animals has been found to help prevent and reduce symptoms of anxiety.

Interacting with animals can also be useful for people with autism, who may find social interactions uncomfortable. For this reason, therapy dogs for children with autism have become increasingly popular in recent years. They can accompany the child when they go out and about, and help reduce any feelings of anxiety that arise.

It’s official, dogs are good for your health! Check out our blog to read about even more of the amazing aspects of having a doggy companion, as well as tips for caring for them in the way they deserve.