Barking Up the Right Tree: The Mental Health Benefits Dogs Provide

Did you know that spending time with dogs can significantly improve your mental health, reduce anxiety, and boost your mood? Whether you're a dog owner or just someone who enjoys the company of a furry friend, you might have noticed how much better you feel after spending time with them. But have you ever wondered why this is the case? This blog explores dogs' profound impact on mental well-being, drawing from both personal experiences and scientific research to highlight why these animals are more than just pets—they’re essential for our emotional health.

The Healing Power of Canine Companionship

If there’s one thing I’ve learned from having five dogs at home, it's that they’re more than just pets—they’re family and a crucial part of my mental well-being. Whether it’s the wagging tails that greet me after a long day or the quiet comfort they offer when I’m stressed, their presence has a uniquely calming effect. Being away at school or on a co-op term, I often find myself missing not just their playful antics but also the emotional support they provide. It’s a feeling that’s hard to put into words, but I know I’m not alone in this.

Oxytocin Unleashed: The Science of Why Dogs Make Us Feel So Good

When we interact with dogs, our brain releases a variety of neurochemicals associated with positive emotions and social bonding. One of the key chemicals is oxytocin, commonly referred to as the "love hormone" or "cuddle hormone." Oxytocin plays a crucial role in facilitating social connections and trust, and interacting with dogs stimulates its release, fostering a sense of emotional closeness and calm.

Additionally, spending time with dogs increases the levels of dopamine and serotonin, neurotransmitters involved in regulating mood, pleasure, and overall well-being. The combined effect of these neurochemicals—oxytocin, dopamine, and serotonin—helps elevate mood and reduce stress, creating a profound sense of emotional relief when in the company of dogs.

In summary, the release of these neurochemicals explains the strong emotional response we experience when interacting with or even simply observing dogs.

The Science of Canine Comfort

Research strongly supports the idea that dogs significantly enhance our mental health. Studies have shown that interacting with dogs can reduce anxiety and boost positive emotions, even in stressful situations. For instance, research published by the American Psychological Association (Matijczak, Yates, Ruiz, Santos, Kazdin, & Raila, 2024) found that participants who spent time with their dogs after a stressful task experienced greater increases in positive affect and reductions in anxiety compared to other potential stress-relieving activities like colouring.

But it’s not just about the dogs you know and love. Therapy dogs, for example, have been found to significantly improve mood and reduce stress in various settings. Research conducted by Nicole Peel (2023) involving university students during exam periods demonstrated that those who interacted with therapy dogs had better moods than those who did not. This is particularly relevant in academic settings, where stress levels are notoriously high and can have significant consequences on students' mental health and academic performance.

Similarly, a recent study found that university students who engaged in just 10 minutes of hands-on interaction with shelter dogs and cats experienced significantly lower stress levels compared to those who only observed the animals or waited without external stimuli. This stress reduction, measured by biomarkers like salivary cortisol, is not just about feeling better; it translates into real, physical changes in the body that can improve overall health and well-being.

In fact, the impact of dogs on mental health is so profound that they’re increasingly being used in structured therapeutic settings. For example, studies on the impact of assistance and therapy dogs on children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) reveal significant benefits such as enhancing physical safety and improving emotional and behavioral well-being, leading to reduced anxiety, fewer emotional outbursts, better sleep, and a greater sense of security for families (The Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine, 2013). They also help reduce social isolation by integrating families into the community. Therapy dogs in structured settings show promise in decreasing social withdrawal, improving communication, and encouraging positive social behaviors.

Animal-Assisted Interventions: A Powerful Tool for Stress Relief

These studies highlight the importance of incorporating animal-assisted interventions into various settings, especially those prone to high stress, such as universities, hospitals, and workplaces. The data suggests that even brief interactions with animals can serve as a powerful tool for reducing stress and improving emotional resilience. This evidence supports the growing movement to integrate therapy animals into structured programs designed to enhance mental health, providing a compelling argument for expanding access to such interventions. The positive outcomes from these studies reinforce the idea that animals can play a vital role in supporting mental and emotional well-being, making them an invaluable resource in both therapeutic and everyday settings.

This resonates with my own experiences during stressful times at school—nothing beats the feeling of being around dogs when you’re feeling overwhelmed. Given all this information, it’s no surprise that my colleagues and I have recently signed up for puppy yoga. We’ve all been feeling like we could use some puppy love, and what better way to de-stress than by combining yoga with the soothing presence of puppies? It’s a small but meaningful way to bring a little bit of that much-missed canine comfort back into our lives.

Key Takeaways: Dogs and Their Role in Emotional Well-being

Whether through personal experience or scientific research, it’s clear that dogs play a vital role in supporting mental health. They offer a unique form of emotional support that can make all the difference, especially during stressful times.

Additionally, practicing mindfulness and engaging in activities that help you de-stress, such as spending time with dogs or participating in puppy yoga, can have a significant impact on your mental well-being. Mindfulness practices encourage you to stay present and fully engage with the moment, which can reduce anxiety and improve focus. When you make time for activities that bring you peace and relaxation, you’re not just boosting your mood—you’re also setting yourself up for greater success academically.

Research has shown that students who regularly engage in stress-relieving activities tend to perform better in their studies, as reduced stress levels improve concentration, memory, and overall cognitive function. So, if you’re feeling overwhelmed, consider spending some time with a dog—whether it’s your own, a friend’s, a therapy dog, or pop into a puppy yoga class! You might just find that they have the power to lift your spirits and enhance your academic achievements in ways you never imagined.

References

Connors, A. (2023, March 1). Americans note overwhelming positive mental health impact of their pets in new poll. American Psychiatric Association. https://www.psychiatry.org/News-room/News-Releases/Positive-Mental-Health-Impact-of-Pets

Matijczak, A., Yates, M. S., Ruiz, M. C., Santos, L. R., Kazdin, A. E., & Raila, H. (2024). The influence of interactions with pet dogs on psychological distress. Emotion, 24(2), 384–396. https://doi.org/10.1037/emo0001256

Peel, N., Nguyen, K., & Tannous, C. (2023). The impact of campus-based therapy dogs on the mood and affect of university students. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 20(6), 4759. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph20064759

The Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine. (2013, February 14). Use of assistance and therapy dogs for children with autism spectrum disorders: A critical review of the current evidence. Mary Ann Liebert, Inc., Publishers. https://www.liebertpub.com/doi/full/10.1089/acm.2011.0835