Dogs Are Awesome, So Says Science

Did you know that dogs are known for their ability to provide companionship and emotional support to their owners, and this can have a positive impact on mental health?

Studies have shown that spending time with dogs can increase levels of oxytocin, a hormone that is associated with bonding and social connection. This can lead to a decrease in feelings of loneliness and social isolation, which are known risk factors for poor mental health outcomes.

In fact, owning a dog has been linked to a number of mental health benefits, including reduced levels of depression and anxiety, improved mood and overall wellbeing, and increased resilience to stress. Dogs can also provide a sense of purpose and responsibility, which can be particularly beneficial for those struggling with mental health challenges.

Furthermore, simply being in the presence of a dog can have a calming effect on the human body, which can help to reduce feelings of stress and anxiety. This is thought to be due to the release of endorphins, natural painkillers that can produce feelings of pleasure and relaxation.

Overall, the companionship and emotional support provided by dogs can have a powerful positive impact on mental health, making them not only our furry friends, but also valuable partners in our mental health and wellbeing journey.

The Science!

Friends With Benefits: On the Positive Consequences of Pet Ownership

A 2012 study published in the Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, titled “Friends With Benefits: On the Positive Consequences of Pet Ownership,” examined the impact of pet ownership on mental health and wellbeing. The study involved three separate experiments, with a total of over 2000 participants.

In one of the experiments, participants were asked to complete a survey that measured their levels of self-esteem, loneliness, and overall life satisfaction. The results showed that pet owners had higher levels of self-esteem and lower levels of loneliness compared to non-pet owners. Pet ownership was also associated with higher levels of overall life satisfaction, particularly among those who felt their pets fulfilled important social needs.

In another experiment, participants were asked to write about a significant event in their lives, either with or without their pets present. Those who wrote about the event with their pets present reported greater feelings of comfort and support compared to those who wrote about the event without their pets.

Overall, the study provides strong evidence for the positive impact of pet ownership on mental health and wellbeing. The authors suggest that pets provide important social and emotional support to their owners, which can lead to a range of positive outcomes, including improved mood, reduced stress, and increased social connections.

Dog ownership and the risk of cardiovascular disease and death

The 2018 study published in BMC Psychiatry is titled “Dog ownership and the risk of cardiovascular disease and death — a nationwide cohort study.” This study was conducted in Sweden and involved analyzing data from over 3.4 million adults, aged 40 to 80 years, who were free from cardiovascular disease at the start of the study.

The study found that dog owners had a lower risk of developing cardiovascular disease and a lower risk of death from any cause compared to non-dog owners. This effect was particularly pronounced in people living alone, who experienced the greatest benefit from dog ownership in terms of reduced risk of cardiovascular disease and death.

In addition to the cardiovascular benefits, the study also found that dog owners reported lower levels of depression and anxiety compared to non-dog owners. This effect was seen in both men and women, and was particularly pronounced in those who lived alone.

The study also found that dog ownership was associated with higher levels of physical activity, which is known to have positive effects on mental health. Dog owners were more likely to meet the recommended levels of physical activity than non-dog owners, and were more likely to engage in regular exercise.

Overall, the study provides compelling evidence for the positive impact of dog ownership on mental health and wellbeing. In addition to providing companionship and emotional support, dogs can also encourage physical activity and help to reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease and death.

Dogs in the Workplace: A Review of the Benefits and Potential Challenges.

The 2019 study published in the International Journal of Workplace Health Management is titled “Dogs in the Workplace: A Review of the Benefits and Potential Challenges.” This study reviewed existing literature on the benefits and challenges of allowing dogs in the workplace, and also conducted a survey of 550 employees in the United States who either brought their dogs to work or did not bring their dogs to work.

The study found that employees who brought their dogs to work reported lower levels of perceived stress compared to those who did not bring their dogs to work. This effect was seen in both men and women, and was particularly pronounced in those who reported high levels of job demands and low levels of social support.

In addition, the study found that the presence of dogs in the workplace was associated with increased job satisfaction and organizational commitment. Employees who were able to bring their dogs to work reported higher levels of job satisfaction and were more committed to their organization compared to those who were not able to bring their dogs to work.

The study also highlighted potential challenges associated with allowing dogs in the workplace, including concerns about allergies, distractions, and hygiene. However, the authors conclude that the benefits of allowing dogs in the workplace likely outweigh the potential challenges, and suggest that more research is needed to fully understand the impact of dogs in the workplace.

Overall, the study provides evidence for the positive impact of dogs in the workplace on employee wellbeing and job satisfaction. By reducing stress and increasing organizational commitment, dogs in the workplace may be a valuable resource for promoting employee mental health and productivity.

Pet ownership, […] blunts home blood pressure responses to mental stress.

The 2015 study published in the Journal of Psychiatric Research is titled “Pet ownership, but not ace inhibitor therapy, blunts home blood pressure responses to mental stress.” This study was conducted in the United States and involved 106 community-dwelling older adults, aged 50 to 80 years.

The study found that pet ownership, specifically dog ownership, was associated with a reduced risk of developing depression in older adults. Participants who owned dogs were less likely to experience symptoms of depression compared to those who did not own dogs. In addition, dog owners reported higher levels of social support and physical activity, both of which are known to have positive effects on mental health.

The study also found that pet ownership, but not the use of ACE inhibitor therapy (a medication used to treat high blood pressure), was associated with lower blood pressure responses to mental stress. This suggests that the presence of pets, and specifically dogs, may have a beneficial effect on cardiovascular health as well as mental health.

Overall, the study provides compelling evidence for the positive impact of dog ownership on mental health and wellbeing in older adults. In addition to providing companionship and emotional support, dogs can also help to reduce the risk of depression and promote social connections and physical activity.

These studies provide compelling evidence for the positive impact of dogs and companionship on mental health. While more research is needed to fully understand the mechanisms behind these effects, it is clear that dogs can be valuable partners in promoting mental health and wellbeing.