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Owning a dog is good for your mental health — here's why


If you’re a dog lover, you probably don’t need a reason to give your good boi a hug when you get home tonight; his wagging tail and puppy dog eyes are reasons enough.

But on top of offering companionship, unconditional love, loyalty, and slobbery kisses, there’s one more reason to give him a pat on the head: His presence in your life provides plenty of mental health benefits.

 

Photo by Alicia Jones on Unsplash
Photo by Alicia Jones on Unsplash

As the Mental Health Foundation points out, “A pet can be a great source of comfort, companionship, and motivation for their owners. In many ways, pets can help us to live mentally healthier lives.”

And it turns out a large population of pet owners agree: A U.S. survey conducted by the Human Animal Bond Research Institute (HABRI) reveals that 74 percent of pet owners experienced mental health improvements from pet ownership, and 88 percent believe that doctors and specialists should recommend pets to patients for healthier living.

Here’s why they’re right:

Your dog reduces stress. Jojo Isorena, Canine Training and Behavior Specialist at BetterDog Canine Behavior Center, shares that early studies on pets and mental health conducted by psychologist Alan Beck of Purdue University and psychiatrist Aaron Katcher of the University of Pennsylvania found that petting a friendly dog helps reduce stress.

It slows down the heart rate, lowers blood pressure, regulates breathing, and relaxes the muscles.

Dogs even help you deal with job-related stress. A recent study by the Virginia Commonwealth University shows that people stressed out at work could benefit from having a canine companion around the office.

 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

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It turns out, people who bring their dog to work are more relaxed and productive than those who don’t. And because, as most dog people know, puppy love is contagious, having a dog in the office improves the overall mood of everyone at work as well.

Dr Marose Magpily, DVM, Dip CBST, of Pet Centrics, agrees, “Studies have shown that employees experience improved recovery from stressful work-related situations in the presence of dogs at work.” (Quick! Send this page to your company HR.)

Your dog boosts your “cuddle hormone” levels. Of course he does, and not just because he’s so cuddly.

Japanese scientists led by animal behaviorist Takeumi Kikusui have discovered that gazing into your dog’s eyes (for at least five minutes) increases your—and your pup’s—oxytocin levels.       

According to Marga Dela Rosa Carpio, DVM, of Vets in Practice Animal Hospital, a recent study by UCLA Health also reveals that pets boost oxytocin release.

That’s good because, Carpio explains, oxytocin, aka the “love hormone,” “bonding hormone,” or “cuddle hormone,” improves social skills, lowers blood pressure and heart rate, and increases immune function and pain tolerance.

Plus it’s known to enhance social and emotional behaviors like trust and social bonding, and can put people in a positive mood. It’s no wonder bonding with your dog always makes you feel all warm and fuzzy inside.

 


Your dog enhances your social life. Scientists have found that social interaction is key to a long life. The more socially integrated you are and the more close relationships you have, the greater your chances of living well into your twilight years.

And dogs, being the irresistibly social creatures that they are—not to mention huge attention hogs—are great at facilitating social interactions. But Magpily notes that dogs not only aid in socialization but also help develop a sense of community.

Citing a study on the positive consequences of pet ownership, she also adds that dogs themselves are a great source of social support for their humans, which in turn promotes a number of psychological health benefits: a healthier self-esteem, a more outgoing attitude, and being more conscientious.

It’s actually the intense connection people make with their pets that serves as emotional support especially in times of crises for those diagnosed with mental health conditions, Carpio remarks, pointing to the findings of a study headed by Dr. Helen Louise Brooks.

Isorena adds, “People dealing with mental illness have difficulty making connections and socializing with other people. Having a dog and taking him out to the dog park creates opportunities to meet and socialize with other dog owners.”

Your dog offers structure and stability. “Raising a dog and providing for its needs include giving him structure and predictability—a routine,” says Isorena. “Because dogs need to be fed, and walked and engaged everyday—and they will let you know under very clear terms when you are remiss with your duties—they also help people with mental illness create a daily routine, giving their lives structure and keeping them moving forward,” he concludes.

 

 

Magpily agrees saying that research reveals how the routines owners create for their dogs establish order and continuity in their own lives, giving it a sense of meaning. “[It] could be therapeutic especially to people experiencing or recovering from certain emotional distress or trauma,” she says.

Truth be told we don’t even need science to tell us what we already know: Spending time with a beloved dog can do wonders for our mood, health, and well-being. We bet just looking at pictures and videos of dogs on the internet is enough to put you in a good mood. And they’re not even your dog.

It just goes to show how much our canine companions have changed our lives for the better. It’s a privilege to love and be loved by a dog in return, and it has nothing to do with any kind of benefit they have in our lives. They’re family, plain and simple. And we’re family to them, too. And that’s more than enough reason to share our lives with them. — LA, GMA News

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