Mental Health Benefits Of Owning A Dog

– Olivia Santos: Professional writer and dog lover

A dog is man’s best friend right? Could they also be your furry therapist?

...No, they can’t. But what they can do is impart some much needed mental fortitude through tough times.

It’s safe to say we have gone through some of the toughest times in human history in the past 12 months. It’s no coincidence that adoption rates of dogs have gone through the roof as many seek solace in the comfort of canine cuddles.

There are scientifically researched ways in which your dog can make your life a little brighter. From reducing loneliness to helping you cope with trauma, dog ownership can help transform your mental wellbeing.

Here are three scientifically proven ways that owning a dog can improve your mental health.

Dogs can make you feel less lonely Dogs can lower your anxiety

Anxiety is a pandemic of a different kind. With adults, teens and children even suffering from more anxiety disorders than ever before, a soothing presence of your dog’s gentle face may just be the cure.

In a study of over 600 children, only 12% of children with dogs in their homes showed symptoms of child anxiety. This is opposed to 21% of children without dogs in their homes.

The researchers suggested that children with dogs may be less anxious because of the bubbly, fun, sociable nature of our lovable canines. Dogs increase play, social interaction with other humans, responsibility, and general feelings of companionship and love. These are all key factors to having a solid sense of wellbeing and avoiding stress.

The responsibility aspect is particularly interesting. The implication is that by caring for another being, a child learns independence, empathy, and compassion. And

Isolation is a huge side effect of the 2020/21 lockdown. We feel trapped in our bubbles and unable to connect in ways we could before. A dog may be the antidote to isolation and loneliness.

A small Australian 2019 study split participants into three groups. Those who newly adopted a dog, those who were thinking of adopting a dog, and those with no desire to own a dog.

The new adopters reported a dramatic drop in feelings of loneliness within just 3 months!

Owning and raising a dog means connecting with them and not just on a surface level. You will care for them, play games and buy the best dog toys for them, share memories with them and interact with them in a deep and fulfilling way. This may not be surprising to you. After all, having a four-legged friend around makes you literally less alone in your life.

But that’s not all. 82.4% of the participants said that they met new people in their neighbourhood because of their dog. 35.3% said that they made a new friend because of their adventures with their dog. Your dog doesn’t just become another sentient, important being in your life, they can connect you to other potential connections that help your social life flourish!