Happy International Dog Day! The psychological benefits of having a dog

Dogs editors-picks Mental health

By Jane Corscadden

26 August 2020

Today, in celebration of International Dog Day, were looking at all the benefits of having a dog especially the impact on our psychological wellbeing.

The relationship between man and dog stretches back at least 14,000 years, showing that dogs really have been mans best friend for as long as we’ve known.

For centuries, dogs have provided a source of companionship and comfort to their owners. This is especially true for anyone who lives alone, and may suffer from loneliness.

A 2019-20 survey from Statista shows that dogs are the most popular pet in UK households. 23 per cent of households in the UK have a dog, out of 40 per cent of households in the country with a pet.

So, what are the psychological benefits of having a dog?

It’s hard to be sad around a cute dog

Life has been tough recently. As coronavirus swept the world, people flocked to social media with cries of show me cute pictures of dogs. Clearly, we all needed cheering up.

You’re welcome.
Photo by�Jametlene Reskp�on�Unsplash

This therapeutic relationship the calming influence of even seeing photos or videos of dogs is recognised by researchers.

The emotional bond between a dog and its owner can even be as intense as a human relationship in some cases, and leads to similar psychological benefits. �

Kit Darling, an infection control coordinator at Texas A&M College of Veterinary Medicine, has been studying the human-dog bond.

Pets are non-judgemental and provide unconditional love, meaning, and joy to our lives, writes Kit.

i made a list. of all the things i do. when you’re not home

1. wait for you to get back
— Thoughts of Dog (@dog_feelings) August 6, 2020

Playing with dogs can reduce stress

The first research on this topic was compiled 30 years ago, wherein psychologist Alan Beck and psychiatrist Aaron Katcher measured what happens to the human body when petting a dog.

They found that a persons blood pressure went down, their heart rate slowed, breathing became more regular, and muscle tension relaxed.

These are all signs of reduced stress and shows how the simple act of petting a dog can calm you down.

In fact, playing with a dog is such a good stress buster that universities have actually started puppy petting days around exam-time to relieve stressed out students.

Dogs can increase our self-esteem and overall well-being

A 2011 study found that pets are good for people’s overall mental health and wellbeing.

This large study consisted of three smaller studies, the findings of which showed that pet owners saw a variety of psychological benefits as a result of having a dog. These included:

Being more physically fit, due to bringing their pet out on walks
Having better self-esteem
Feeling more extroverted and less fearful

All in all, researchers found that dog owners report increased feelings of belonging and meaning in their lives. Similarly, it was found that dogs can even help adolescents feel better after experiencing rejection.

Three cheers for our furry friends

On this International Dog Day, why not thank your dog for all they do for us? Bring them for a long walk, give them lots of belly rubs, and tell them just how good they are.