10 ways dogs boost our mental health

You might have heard that dogs are good for our mental health. But do you know why?

Here are 10 ways your pooch could help make you happier and healthier.

Spending as little as 5 minutes with a dog can begin to decrease stress-related hormones and increase calming ones.¹

“Simply petting your dog can reduce stress by encouraging your body to release serotonin and oxytocin and lower the stress hormone cortisol,” says Karen Donnelly, Vice President of the Australian Association of Psychologists Inc (AAPi).

It also works in reverse. Dogs can experience boosted oxytocin and reduced cortisol when they interact with their owners, resulting in a happier pet. Some studies have also found a link between pets in the workplace and reduced stress levels.²

There’s nothing quite like the feeling of being needed, and dogs genuinely do need us. From keeping them fed and watered to offering them exercise, shelter, mental stimulation and a social group, taking care of a dog can help give us a greater sense of purpose. This can improve conditions like depression and anxiety.³

Dogs can encourage us to interact with new people. Studies have shown that people are more likely to talk to strangers if they’re accompanied by a dog.⁴

Joining dog-friendly community groups and training clubs, visiting dog parks and beaches or taking your furry friend along to local pet-friendly events can all widen your social circle as you meet people with shared interests.

Regardless of size, shape and breed, all dogs need exercise. That means regular walks, which equals regular activity for you. Getting out into the fresh air and moving our bodies is known to improve not only our physical health but also our mental wellbeing.⁵ Taking your pooch for a walk or run helps releases mood-boosting chemicals called endorphins and increases blood flow to the brain (helping you concentrate and think more clearly).⁶

Additionally, spending time in nature can help relieve stress and increase happiness (plus you get an important hit of vitamin D). Just remember to slip, slop, slap to stay sun safe.

Dogs need to be fed, walked, played with and toileted at regular times each day, and thrive on having a schedule to stick to. But routine is good for humans too, giving us stability and injecting meaning and structure into our days.⁷

Being accountable for an animal can also help give us motivation, which boosts our self-esteem and can help manage psychological conditions like depression and anxiety.⁵

Did you know that physical touch is important for our mental (and physical) health? And it doesn’t have to be human touch. Patting animals is associated with better mood and less stress, fear and anxiety.⁴

“Research has found that dog owners often have lower blood pressure, healthier cholesterol levels and a lower risk of heart disease,” says Donnelly.⁸

In fact, simply patting a dog can help reduce your blood pressure and manage pain, and dog owners on average make fewer visits to the doctor and spend less time in hospital. One study found that patting a dog for 18 minutes even improved participants’ immune function.⁹

Loneliness is a huge public health issue that can have a profound impact on our physical and mental health, potentially shortening lifespan by up to 15 years.¹⁰ Dogs can help ease a sense of loneliness by offering companionship and love.¹¹ Dogs are also great to chat to when you need someone to listen but don’t quite feel up to human interaction.

Dogs encourage us to live in the moment and unknowingly practice mindfulness, says Donnelly.

“When we sit with our dog, we sense their love for us, and it helps put our everyday problems into perspective.” Being in the present moment or being mindful helps us fully appreciate life.

Relationships with other people can be messy and complicated. With a dog, it can feel like nothing but pure, simple, unconditional love. They don’t judge you if you’ve had a hard day and don’t argue (even if you’re wrong!).