The Correlation Between Dogs and Mental Health
In honor of May being Mental Health Awareness Month, it's time to highlight the correlation between dogs and mental health. Research has shown that owning a dog can positively impact your mental wellness in a variety of ways. This post covers the relationship between dogs and mental health, how having a dog supports your well-being, and some things to consider before adding a dog to your family.
Introduction to Dogs Supporting Human Well-Being
Having a dog is a big responsibility, but it’s one that reaps big rewards. Dogs support human well-being by providing structure, lowering stress and anxiety, encouraging exercise, and offering unconditional love. Have you ever spent a few minutes petting a dog, then immediately felt more calm? Did your college bring in dogs to visit with during finals week? You've experienced how dogs support well-being firsthand!
8 Mental Health Benefits of Owning a Dog
There's a reason why therapy dogs exist, but you don't have to specifically have a therapy dog to experience how owning a dog can positively affect your mental health.
1. Reduces Loneliness
It's no secret that dogs provide companionship. If you live by yourself, it may get lonely in your space. Having a dog provides you with a constant companion who will greet you the second you enter your home, sit with you on the couch, and sleep next to you in bed (if you allow it). The presence of a pet helps reduce loneliness, even if you don't live with a roommate or partner.
2. Provides Structure and Routine
Dogs require a certain level of structure and routine. They need to be fed and go out to use the bathroom throughout the day. Perhaps your daily routine with a dog looks like waking up, feeding them, taking them for a walk outside, rewarding them with a treat like our Chicken Bites or Sweet Potato Chips, then diving into work for the day. Having a solid routine creates consistency for both you and your dog and helps you develop healthy habits.
3. Lowers Stress and Anxiety
Did you know that spending time with a dog can actually lower your heart rate and blood pressure and decrease cortisol levels (Source)? There's a reason why you feel less stress and anxiety after petting a dog! Animals help you stay grounded and focus on the present—not the looming project you have going on at work or your endless to-do list. Playing with or petting a dog also provides a sensory experience that directs your attention on the moment and not on the stress you may feel.
4. Supports Exercise and Activity
Most dogs need frequent exercise, such as playing catch outside or going for a daily walk. Exercise alone is one of the top things to do to support your own mental health, but it's easy to overlook when life gets busy. However, if you have a dog relying on you to get some exercise, you're bound to make it a priority. Having a pet encourages you to get more exercise in through walks and play.
5. Gives You Purpose
Caring for a pet gives you a purpose beyond caring for yourself or striving in your career. You have a living being that trusts you to feed it, provide it with water, love it, exercise it, and take care of it daily. There's something so fulfilling about having a dog, especially if you adopt and see it transform into a happier animal through your care. Dog ownership gives you new purpose because your days don't just revolve around you anymore—they must take your furry friend into account as well.
6. Gets You Outside
Spending time outside in the sunshine is very beneficial for your own mental health, and dogs have to go outside for bathroom breaks and walks throughout the day. Getting fresh air and connecting with nature reduces anxiety, improves your mood, and supports emotional regulation. Your dog will enjoy that time outside, too!
7. Increases Social Interactions
Caring for a dog increases your social interactions with other people. You may find a dog park near you that you visit often, where you'll have the chance to connect with fellow dog owners in your area. This gives you the opportunity to see the same folks and get to know them.
Even if you don't go to a dog park, you'll likely pass neighbors on the street to chat with on your walks. If your dog enjoys going to public spaces such as farmer's markets or local breweries or wineries, you're bound to meet new friends asking to pet your dog.
8. Offer Unconditional Love
Dogs offer a type of unconditional love that humans strive for. Did you have a hard day at work? Did you forget to run those errands that have been on your list for a week? Your dog doesn't care—they're just excited to see you. The moment you open the door, your dog will still run up to you like you hung the moon. Knowing you are loved so unconditionally by your little furry friend is bound to boost your mental health.
Considering Adding a Dog to Your Family?
Before wrapping up this post about how dogs and mental health go hand-in-hand, it's important to note that while having a dog can support your mental health, it does not replace professional support such as therapy. Keep in mind that while all of these benefits are true, it's also true that having a dog increases your responsibilities. Take that into account before deciding to add a dog to your family.
If you're confident about getting a dog, we always recommending reaching out to your local shelter. You can also use a website such as Petfinder to search for dogs available for adoption in your area. And if you want to have a special treat ready the moment you bring your new pup home, browse our single-ingredient dog treats sourced in the U.S. here!
FAQs about Dogs and Mental Health
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Dogs are a wonderful support for mental health for humans. They can reduce stress and anxiety, provide structure and routine, encourage exercise and getting outside, and increase social interactions. Keep in mind, dogs do require work and add responsibility, so ensure you're ready for that before adopting a new pet.
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Studies have shown that petting or playing with a dog can relieve stress by decreasing cortisol levels (the stress hormone), lowering blood pressure, and lowering your heart rate. It also increases oxytocin, which is your feel-good hormone.
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This depends on your circumstances. If you're emotionally and physically available to care for a pet and are prepared for the time and responsibility that comes with it, getting a dog can positively impact your mental health. Having a dog may reduce your stress, provide structure, get you outside and moving, and offer unconditional love—all things that can benefit your mental health.
About the Author
Karley Parrish is a dog mom to her pug, Rico and pittie mix, Stryker. She’s a Maryland resident, passionate hobby collector, and the founder of Bud to Bloom Marketing, where she helps small businesses grow their communities and boost their sales through ethical strategies. Most days, you can find her sipping a coffee at a local spot or exploring a new hiking trail with her husband and pups.
