Man's Best Medicine: The Mental Health Benefits of Owning a Dog 🧠
Man's Best Medicine: The Mental Health Benefits of Owning a Dog 🧠
From Exercise to Oxytocin: The Physical & Emotional Benefits of Owning a Dog (6min Read)
TL;DR Summary:
Companionship
Purpose & Social Connection
Getting Exercise & Outside
Neurochemicals & Hormones
Results May Vary
Before You Buy
To Dog, or Not to Dog
Dogs have long been known as man's best friend and for good reason.
Their loyal companionship, endless enthusiasm, and unconditional love make them a popular choice as a pet, my personal favorite, in fact!
But did you know that owning a dog can also positively impact your mental health?
There is evidence to suggest that dogs can provide significant benefits for their owners' mental well-being & brain health.
If you already love dogs, you’ll love them more after reading today’s Heroes Digest!
Companionship
Dogs provide a sense of companionship and social support.
For many people, their dog is their closest confidant and provides a nonjudgmental ear to listen to their problems and concerns.
Oftentimes, we just need someone to “listen” to us to release the emotions we’ve pent up, dogs handle this perfectly!
The simple act of spending time with a dog can be a source of comfort and help reduce feelings of loneliness and isolation.
In fact, psychology research has shown that pet ownership was associated with higher levels of self-esteem, social support, and life satisfaction.
This can be especially important for those who live alone or who may not have a strong support system of friends and family.
The benefits of companionship aren’t just for adults!
A study published in the journal Social Development found that children who had a pet in their household had higher levels of empathy and social competence compared to children without a pet.
Purpose & Social Connection
Having a dog can also provide a sense of purpose and structure to your daily routine.
Caring for a dog requires regular feeding, exercise, and grooming, which can help give your day a sense of routine and structure.
This can be especially helpful for individuals who may struggle with mental health conditions such as depression or anxiety, which can often disrupt daily routines.
Not only does anxiety & depression mess up your daily routines, but they can also decrease the amount of time you spend around others.
Owning a dog can provide opportunities for socialization and interaction with others, which can help prevent social isolation and cognitive decline.
Social connection is one of the most powerful brain tools we have access to.
Our brains were made to care & connect with others, and there are tons of benefits from do so, like:
Reducing stress
Enhancing cognitive function
Promoting brain plasticity
Supporting brain health in older age
Improving sleep
Getting Exercise & Outside
Dogs can also encourage their owners to engage in outdoor activities such as walking and playing, which can have a number of mental health & brain benefits, like:
Increasing blood flow to the brain
Reducing inflammation
Increasing levels of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) also known as “Miracle Grow for the Brain”
Enhancing communication between brain cells
Improving learning and memory
Enhancing creativity
Being in nature and getting regular physical exercise have both been shown to also improve mood and reduce stress.
Caring for a dog can also give a sense of accomplishment and boost self-esteem, as individuals see the tangible results of their efforts in their dog's well-being & physical health.
Neurochemicals & Horomones
Some of the coolest benefits of having a dog are under the surface of our brain & body!
Studies have shown that interacting with a dog can increase levels of oxytocin.
This hormone is involved in bonding and attachment, and its release has been shown to stimulate the release of serotonin as well!
Serotonin promotes calm & peace in our Mind & Body!
A recent study published in the journal Psychoneuroendocrinology also found that interacting with a pet can lower levels of the stress hormone cortisol.
This trifecta of effects can help improve overall feelings of well-being and relaxation.
It's not just the act of owning a dog that can have these mental health benefits.
The simple act of petting a dog has been shown to reduce blood pressure and lower heart rate, leading to a sense of calm and relaxation.
This can be especially helpful for those who struggle with stress and anxiety.
Results May Vary
While the benefits of owning a dog for mental health are clear, it's important to note that the impact can vary from person to person.
Some individuals may find that the responsibilities and demands of dog ownership are too overwhelming and may have a negative impact on their mental health.
It's important to consider whether owning a dog is a realistic and manageable commitment before bringing one into your home.
I’ve found this especially true for puppies, yes they are cute, but they are a lot of work up front!
Before You Buy
If you do decide that a dog is a right fit for you, it's important to choose a breed that matches your lifestyle and energy level.
Different breeds have different needs and temperaments, so it's important to do your research and choose a breed that will be a good fit for your lifestyle.
I’m a brain researcher, not the Dog Whisperer, so I can’t give in-depth advice on which breeds are best for which people, however, commonsense can be very useful here.
For example, if you’re struggling with anxiety, a calm dog/breed that will be able to help soothe you would be ideal.
It's also important to consider the costs of owning a dog, including food, vet bills, and supplies, to ensure that you are financially prepared to care for a dog.
While there are tons of benefits to YOUR mental health, the dog’s mental health matters as well, and if you aren’t prepared to care for it, don’t get a dog so they don’t suffer.
To Dog, or Not To Dog
Overall, the evidence suggests that owning a dog can have a number of positive effects on mental health.
Their companionship, sense of purpose they bring to our lives, and ability to encourage outdoor activities can all contribute to improved mental well-being and can be very beneficial for your brain health.
While the impact can vary from person to person, the potential benefits of owning a dog make them a worthy consideration for anyone looking to improve their mental health!
Hopefully, you found today’s post helpful & interesting! If you already have a little fur baby, please give it some extra love today, and if you don’t, what are you waiting for?!
Until next time… Live Heroically 🧠