Dogs can be good for your mental health in many ways. They have a calming effect and can make you feel less lonely. Studies have found that dogs’ companionship can help lower blood pressure, lower cortisol, and improve your mood. Research is ongoing and is funded by organizations such as the NIH/Mars Partnership. There are even studies examining the benefits of animal interactions with people who have ADHD or autism.
Exercise increases mood
Regular exercise is beneficial for your dog’s mental health. It helps to relieve stress and socialize your dog with other dogs. It also releases endorphins, which are chemicals in the body that improve your mood. Exercise also helps your dog get rid of excess energy. The happier your dog is, the less likely he is to engage in destructive behaviors.
Dogs can provide therapy for people who are suffering from depression. Dogs are highly intelligent and enjoy the company of humans. A good exercise regimen can help you get back on track mentally and physically. In fact, regular exercise has been shown to be beneficial for people with depression. Dogs are social animals and benefit from new challenges and learning experiences.
Oxytocin in dogs reduces anxiety
Researchers have studied the human hormone oxytocin and its role in reducing anxiety in dogs. They administered the hormone via the nose to test its effects. Results indicated that female dogs had higher oxytocin levels than male dogs. However, male dogs did not respond to the hormone as positively as female dogs.
Oxytocin increases the receptivity of dogs to social signals. However, it also makes memories of negative interactions more vivid. Oxytocin helps animals focus on social information that makes them feel good. However, in certain circumstances, oxytocin can be harmful.
The research also identified the relationship between the maximum oxytocin concentrations in dog owners and their dogs’ behavior. It was found that the dogs with higher levels of oxytocin reacted more positively to signals from humans, including pointing and gazing at a food dish. Moreover, dogs with higher levels of oxytocin were less anxious.
Canine companionship reduces loneliness
The social connection between a pet and the owner can help reduce feelings of loneliness and stress. Loneliness has several negative effects on human health, including higher blood pressure, lowered immunity, and increased inflammation. Despite these negative effects, scientific research supports the benefits of pet ownership and human-animal interaction in reducing loneliness. In fact, many hospitals are now incorporating animals into their treatment plans. For example, HABRI has teamed up with Mars Petcare to make sure that pets are included in the treatment of people with mental illness.
One study found that pets can reduce loneliness in depressive episodes by helping people feel more connected to others. This type of socialization can help people combat depression, especially older adults. Service and therapy dogs can also help people overcome depression and reduce feelings of isolation. Caring for an animal also gives a person a sense of purpose. Dogs often sense when the owner is feeling down and offer comfort and support.
