We could all use a little more tail-wagging in our lives right now. According to the CDC, since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, adults in the U.S. are struggling with anxiety and depression at increased levels. Dogs have always been known as “man’s best friend” for a reason—they provide us with companionship, love, and support, especially when we need it most. Here are five ways that dogs can improve your mental health and well-being.
1. Dogs Can Help Reduce Stress, Anxiety, and Depression
Whether you’re dealing with a big life change or just feeling overwhelmed by day-to-day life, spending time with a dog can help reduce stress, anxiety, and depression. According to a study by the American Psychological Association, spending time with a dog can significantly reduce stress levels. Dog owners had lower levels of the stress hormone cortisol and felt more supported than those who didn’t own dogs. Other research has shown that simply petting a dog can help lower blood pressure and heart rate, both of which can be increased by stress. Dog ownership has even been linked to reduced symptoms of PTSD and depression.
Dogs can also be helpful for people suffering from anxiety disorders. Studies have shown that dogs can help lower blood pressure and heart rate, both of which are elevated during anxious episodes. Dogs can provide a sense of grounding and calm during moments of panic or fear. Many therapy programs use dogs for this reason—they’re gentle, nonjudgmental, and always ready to listen (or at least appear to be).
2. Dogs Can Encourage You to Exercise
If you’re trying to get into the habit of exercising more, a dog can be the perfect workout buddy. Walking or running with a dog encourages you to get outside and move your body, even when you don’t feel like it. And because most dogs need to be exercised daily, you’re less likely to skip a workout if you know your pup is counting on you. In addition to getting some vitamin D and fresh air, walking your dog gives you time to clear your head and move your body—both of which are essential for good mental health. So, owning a dog can give you a two-for-one health boost!
3. Dogs Can Help You Meet New People
Being around dogs provides opportunities for social interaction, even if you don’t own one yourself. Dogs are social creatures, which means they usually enjoy being around other people (and other dogs). If you’re feeling shy or isolated, taking your dog out for a walk or to the dog park can be an easy way to strike up a conversation with someone new. And because dogs serve as common ground, meeting someone new who shares your love of dogs can help break the ice and lead to longer conversations and potential new friendships.
4. Dogs Make You More Responsible
Taking care of another living creature requires time, effort, and responsibility—all qualities that come in handy in other areas of life as well. When you own a dog, you have to make sure they’re fed and watered every day, exercised regularly, taken to the vet for checkups, groomed regularly, and trained properly so they can live happily (and safely) among humans. Learning how to juggle all of these responsibilities can help improve your organizational skills and time management skills, both of which will come in handy in other parts of your life as well.
5. Dogs Give Unconditional Love (and Acceptance)
One of the best things about dogs is that they offer us their unconditional love and acceptance—no matter what we look like, how much money we have, or what we’ve done wrong in our lives. They don’t care if we’re having a bad day or if we screw up; they’re just happy we’re there with them in the moment. Having this kind of nonjudgmental support can be invaluable for people who are dealing with anxiety, depression, or other mental health issues. It’s hard to feel down when you’ve got a wagging tail and a slobbery kiss waiting for you at home!
Conclusion:
Dogs truly are man’s best friend—and there’s science to back it up! If you’re looking for ways to improve your mental health and well-being, consider adding a furry friend to your family. From reducing stress and anxiety to providing unconditional love and acceptance, dogs offer us countless benefits that extend far beyond simple companionship.
