Benefits of Dogs for Mental Health
In the UK, around a quarter of adults have experienced a mental illness. From depression to anxiety, mental health in the digital age has taken a plummet, and everyone seems to know someone who’s having a hard time. Fortunately, though, it’s not all bad news. Our growing awareness of mental illness has paved the way for a wealth of treatments, with more medical support available than ever before. One surprising option for mental health recovery comes with four paws, a wagging tail, and a whole lot of love – so let’s explore the therapeutic benefits of dogs for mental health.
A History of Dogs and Mental Health
The relationships between our four-legged friends and mental health goes back some way. In the 1800s, the famous Florence Nightingale discovered that small animals seemed to reduce stress and anxiety levels in patients, noting for the first time the healing power of pets.
Dr Sigmund Freud also found that dogs had a keen nose for mental health. He frequently brought his own Chinese Chow, Jofi, into his office during sessions to calm patients with anxiety and help him diagnose stress, marking the first example of canine-assisted therapy.
It wasn’t until the 1960s, though, that formal research into the benefits of dogs for mental health began. Dr. Boris Levinson, after leaving a young patient alone with his dog, noticed that by the time he returned to the room, the two were interacting and the presence of the pup seemed to have a positive effect on the boy. So began years of exploration into canine-assisted therapy.
Now, animals have become a staple in mental health care. Many therapists will recommend time with dogs to patients who are struggling, and there are even animal therapy rehabs where pets are actively encouraged!
Benefits of Dogs for Mental Health
It’s evident from hundreds of years of research that dogs have a place in mental health recovery. But, how exactly is your furry friend going to help? Let’s take a look at the facts.
Lowers Stress Hormones
From PTSD to anxiety, a lot of mental health issues involve stress. Research has shown that by simply stroking your dog you can lower cortisol levels (the stress hormone) in your body, helping to reduce your symptoms. In one study, almost 85% of PTSD patients paired with a dog saw a drastic reduction in symptoms, and many were even able to cut down on their medication because of their new canine pal.
Increases Happy Hormones
People suffering from mood disorders, like depression, often don’t have the happy hormones they need circulating in their bodies. But in the same way that stroking a dog reduces cortisol, it also increases oxytocin, otherwise known as the feel-good hormone. This makes you feel better, gives a much-needed mental health boost, and bonds you to your dog to create a loving partnership.
Slows Heart Rate and Reduces Blood Pressure
Sufferers of stress-related mental illnesses can see physical health changes when they have a dog in their life that are directly linked to their state of mind. Two prominent benefits of having a dog include slowing your heart rate and reducing blood pressure. In people with chronic stress, anxiety, and PTSD, this can make a drastic difference to how you feel physically and keep you calm in times of panic.
Encourage Outdoor Activity
Everybody knows that having a dog is a responsibility, particularly when it comes to walking them. For people with mental illnesses, though, this is all part of the therapy! Taking a dog out every day can be life-changing for so many reasons. It means having to go outside and take a walk, which is well-known for boosting mental health. Even though it’s a gentle form of exercise, walking can:
- > Increase mental alertness
- > Lift your mood
- > Improve energy levels
- > Boost self-esteem
- > Reduce anxiety, stress, and depression
- > Improve sleep
Getting out of the house every day is such a positive step for people with mental health problems.
Responsibility and Reason
A dog needs to be fed, walked, and loved. As an owner, that gives you a reason to get up, get dressed, and get out, all of which can drastically improve mental health. Dogs bring purpose and pride, as well as encourage you to stick to a routine that’ll calm your mind and bring structure to your life.
You have a responsibility, and for some people that can be the reason they need to simply keep going.
Introducing a Dog Into the Life of Someone With Mental Illness
Dogs are magic, and although they can’t cure every symptom of a mental health issue, they can still transform people’s lives. If you or someone you know could benefit from a dog, there are some tips that’ll make looking after your new furry friend easier.
The first is to find a dog that isn’t high maintenance. Rescue shelters often have personality profiles of pups and will be happy to match you or your loved one to an easy-going, chilled-out dog that doesn’t require tons of work. The key here is to de-stress, not add stress.
It’s also smart to have systems in place to provide care for the dog if the owner ever can’t. Having a loved one to call on when you need help walking your dog, for example, or connecting with Barking Mad’s Dog Sitters for time off on hard days.
Sort out a regular, manageable routine, too. Work out when you or your loved one will walk the dog every day and when you’ll feed them. Maintaining this schedule can make looking after a dog seem a lot less daunting. Keeping a routine is another mental health strategy, too, with its own list of benefits that make this a bonafide win-win.
Final Words
Having a dog can be transformative for people with mental health problems and has literally saved lives in the past. If you or someone you know could benefit from a dog, be sure to check out our Pet Care Services for that little extra support to make the transition easier.
Exploring the Therapeutic Benefits of Dogs for Mental Health. Written by Sophie Bishop
