How Dogs Can Help with Mental Health – Mind Boosting Benefits of Dog Ownership – Part 1

It is often wondered if dogs can really improve our health, and while there are many studies still ongoing, there are also plenty that have provided us with clear results. Before we move onto how dogs can help specific mental illnesses, here is a general look at the ways in which they can help to improve our health.

There have been many studies – with the earliest dating back to the 1980s – to show that owning a dog (or other pet) is linked to having lower blood pressure when compared to those who do not own any animals.

Similarly, a study was also conducted on married couples in 2002 that showed couples who owned a dog (or other pet) also displayed lower blood pressure levels than couples who had no pets. Other studies have also shown that heart attack survivors are eight times more likely to live another year if they own pets, showing what a great boost they can provide our health.

It has been shown that infants who are raised with dogs are far less likely to develop allergies and wheezing by the time they were three when compared to infants who were not raised with animals. This is because the early constant exposure can help to build up a form of immunity to things like pet dander – which is great news for the whole family.

Dogs have such a positive effect on our moods, and this can have an equally good effect on your overall health as well. Those who own animals often suffer less from common ailments than those without, and they can also provide the positive boost we need when faced with more serious illnesses like cancer.

Patients who receive visits from dogs (their own or otherwise) often feel more positive after the interaction. While a positive mental attitude is certainly not a cure, it has been shown to have an effect on recovery and wellness.

Dogs are also able to help us with lifestyle changes, something else that can positively impact mental health (something we look at further in the next section). Here are some of the ways in which dogs can change the way we live.

Owning a dog means walking a dog, and studies have found that 60% of those who walk their dogs regularly are meeting daily exercise quotas to maintain a fit and healthy lifestyle. This is good news for both your mental and physical health, as exercise not only boosts your mood (and sense of accomplishment), but also ensures that your body is kept in good shape.

Those who walk their dogs well also show higher levels of activity outside of walking the dog, often taking extra steps to squeeze a little more into their day. They also encourage you to do more than you might have without a dog, which is good news in a world that is growing ever larger in terms of waistlines.

Many people who are depressed are incredibly lonely, and mental health issues, in general, can leave you feeling incredibly isolated. Dog walking usually means that you meet others who are walking their dogs, which results in a casual hello or even a quick chat.

Over time, you often see the same people regularly and will build a level of small talk between you when you meet. Whether you just want to say hello or build an actual friendship, dog walking allows for all levels of friendly interaction between you – something we all need.

Having a dog means that there are certain duties you must fulfil each day, including feeding and walking. While it can be hard to take care of yourself when you are low, owning a dog means that you can get some form of routine implemented in your life – forming a pattern in your day and giving you a sense of purpose. Routine can help make life easier and completely change the way you live.

Before we move onto how dogs can help with mental health, here are some interesting statistics for you to look at, displaying how many people (roughly) in the USA and UK suffer from mental health issues.

Never feel as though you are alone if you are struggling with your mental health. There are people you can call for help, and you can find the key ones below:

Australian Assistance: Beyond Blue – 1300 22 4636; Lifeline – 131114; 

UK: Samaritans – (24/7) 116 123

USA: Suicide Prevention Lifeline (24/7) 1-800-273-TALK (8255)

Sometimes, the ways in which a dog can help your mental health is the same for one condition as it is the other, and other times they vary. Regardless, it is never nice to have to read through blocks of text, anxiously searching for your condition to see what kind of advice is there. In this section, we have gathered information for a number of mental illnesses to show how dogs can help you out.

This is often classed as a feeling of unease or fear that can vary between mild and severe. It manifests itself differently for everyone, often resulting in an increased heart rate and feelings of despair. Just hugging your dog causes the body to flood with oxytocin, the hormone that lowers blood pressure, heart rate, and stress levels.

The same goes for stroking them, as this also releases the calming hormone throughout your body to help you feel calmer and more relaxed. They also get you outside for a walk, and gentle exercise combined with fresh air can really help to alleviate feelings of anxiety, something multiple studies have proven, especially as it helps to lower your blood pressure and take your mind off things.

When you are in the middle of a severe anxiety attack, they know what is happening, and the comforting touch of their body against yours can help to calm your heart rate and mind incredibly fast. They create a distraction, but also give you validation as a person and a sense of worth. This creature needs you as much as you need it, providing you with acceptance and purpose.

This is commonly described as a pervasive disorder that can affect almost every aspect of a person’s life. In many ways, it can be seen as a fear of being judged and negatively evaluated by others, and there is a fear of social interactions with other people. There are a few ways that dogs can help those who are struggling with social anxiety.

Of course, they have a very soothing presence, one where many of our fears and thoughts melt away as we give them the attention that they both crave and deserve. However, when it comes to social situations, they are also able to act as a way to break the ice and get involved in a conversation with another person.

You see, when you meet people with your dog they are unlikely to ask much (if anything) about you – they are more interested in your dog. The questions and casual conversation are the perfect way to start building your confidence, but the other person is often so focussed on the dog that they won’t notice if you have a little trouble with your words. They are social magnets that ease you into things.

There are many different levels of depression, but it tends to be classified as persistent feelings of sadness, hopelessness, and a lack of energy or interest for the things that you used to enjoy. It’s something that affects many of us, and can often couple itself with anxiety. There are many ways that dogs can help get you out of your depressive rut.

One of the hardest things to do when you are depressed is get up every morning. Dogs force you into a structured routine that means you need to get up so that they can be fed, watered, let outside, and walked. A structured day means that you are able to give meaning to your time, providing you with a sense of purpose when it comes to your existence.

The fact that you are able to successfully care for them also adds to feelings of self-worth and validation, increasing your confidence and sense of achievement. They also get you outside to exercise and socialise, two things that boost the serotonin being produced by your body, increasing your overall feelings of happiness and worthiness.

Depression often comes coupled with loneliness and anxiety, so it is essential to get out every day with your dog. They offer you unconditional love no matter how low you feel, and a simple lick on the hand or face can bring on a smile that you didn’t even know you could muster. Even petting them can increase your sense of joy, helping you to start (and continue) your recovery.

This is also known as Emotionally Unstable Personality Disorder (EUPD), and its symptoms can be placed into four main categories: emotional instability, disturbed patterns of thinking or perception, impulsive behaviour, and intense but unstable relationships with others.

It is common for those with BPD to suffer from an intense fear of abandonment, which can lead to the intense relationships with others. Dogs will never purposefully abandon you, and their unconditional devotion to their owners is something that many people with BPD find incredibly comforting in their daily lives, something that can also reduce feelings of depression.

Their soothing natures can help to alleviate stress and calm periods of instability when it comes to moods – reducing the number of angry or upset episodes that they suffer from. They don’t judge like people do either, leaving a feeling of acceptance and validation in place of worthlessness and fear. You can open up to dogs as well, and they make for the perfect confidant when you are suffering.

This was formerly known as manic depression, and it is a disorder that tends to cause dramatic swings between intense periods of depression and abnormally high levels of joy – known as mania or hypomania, depending on its severity. It can sometimes be confused with BPD, but the two disorders are actually very different.

Like many mental health issues, bipolar disorder can leave you feeling very lonely, but it also has many similarities with depression when the low mood phase is entered. It can leave you feeling empty and hopeless, but your dog will ensure that you get outside to exercise and take in some vitamin D – which can actually be very effective at combating low moods.

It is also common for sufferers to experience hallucinations during both high and low periods, which can be frightening to experience. A dog acts as a comfort during these times, helping your brain to produce calming oxytocin, but also giving you the reassurance that everything is going to be alright. The security they bring also reduces feelings of fear and anxiety, making you more comfortable.

This is something that can affect us all, and sometimes on a chronic level. It’s a psychological pain that leaves you feeling strain and pressure on a mental level. We all have a little stress, but for some, it is more severe and constant than others.

Dogs provide a sensory comfort, simply touching them and stroking their fur reduces the level of cortisol (the stress hormone) in your blood, and instead releases oxytocin to help you feel calmer and more relaxed. It also lowers your heart rate and blood pressure so that you can think clearer and start feeling better about yourself. Put simply, they are just incredibly relaxing to be around.

Going for a walk with your dog can also reduce the amount of stress you are feeling, both due to the physical activity and fresh air, as well as giving you a distraction from the things that are causing you stress. It’s a good way to clear your head so that you can return to the problem later with a fresh and rested perspective.

As an interesting side note, studies have shown that when they are being petted, stress levels in dogs are also reduced. So, when you are trying to stay calm by petting your dog, you are actually doing them a massive favour as well – it’s a method that works both ways.

You see it a lot where people will claim they are “a little OCD”, but it is actually a serious condition that often causes a person to have obsessive, and often invasive, thoughts against their will, as well as a set of routines (rituals) that they need to complete in order to feel calm and as though they can continue on with their day. Of course, there are variations, but these are the most common.

OCD can cause panic, anxiety, and unpleasant thoughts that you cannot get out of your head, and many people subconsciously resort to picking their bodies or fiddling as a way to cope. Having a dog to stroke not only provides a great solution to unintentionally hurting yourself, but also releases oxytocin in your body to bring you a sense of calm and order when the world feels like chaos.

They don’t judge you for your rituals either, allowing them to become a part of your routine, and one that doesn’t mind doing so. They provide someone to confide in, as well as the ideal distraction from any obsessive thoughts or feelings that you are trying to fight. In many ways, there are there to help you fight the battle and provide you with the unconditional love and affection you need.

This is an anxiety disorder that is caused by very stressful, disturbing, or frightening events – most commonly from childhood trauma or witnessing war (such as soldiers or civilians caught in the crossfire). They often relive the traumatic events through nightmares and flashbacks, and often have triggers that can cause them to occur in seemingly normal situations.

Dogs can help those who are suffering get through the toughest time, especially as treatment and therapy can be very hard in the early stages. Dogs are vigilant creatures that will let you know if something is wrong, allowing you to be able to tell if you just had a nightmare or if something is actually happening, and their protection can lead to you feeling more secure in your environment.

They offer unconditional love and support, sensing when you need them to comfort you, ensuring that they are always there for you to hug and pet – releasing a calming dose of oxytocin in your body so that you can try to relax. Additionally, they can help you to relearn trust in people through the trust that they give you (and you them), as well as remember deep feelings of love and affection.

The road to recovery is not an easy one, and you may never get over your PTSD, but with the love and companionship of a dog, the world will feel like a less lonely and isolated place to be – regardless of the form of PTSD that you are suffering from.

This is often defined as a group of behavioural symptoms that include (but are not limited to): inattentiveness, hyperactivity, and impulsiveness. Usually, it is spotted at a young age, but it is still possible to be diagnosed as an adult. It can be hard to concentrate on this, even when you reach maturity, and you might be surprised how much dogs can help adults with ADHD.

They give you a sense of consistency and routine in your life, allowing for structure to be added to your day. It means that you have to plan ahead, which can help with issues surrounding organisation as well as make it easier to achieve and plan any goals that you want to achieve. Having a dog can even help you improve things like consistency – like making a plan and sticking to it.

As dogs need to be walked every day, they provide you with the perfect chance to burn off excess energy (for both of you) and get yourself focused for the day. You see, exercise increases the flow of oxygen to the brain which can lead to better concentration levels throughout the day. This is ideal for those who really find it hard to focus on work or studies.

Dogs are always happy to see you and offer a level of love that no one else can. It is often difficult to cope with the outside world and judgement of others, but a dog will always love you for who you are. This can boost your confidence, self-worth, and even help you to become a stronger person – as well as one who is less bothered by the opinions of others.

Autism and Asperger’s are essentially the same, but also different. They are both part of the autism spectrum, but every person on it is different, and there are so many different levels to it. Put simply, autism as defined as a developmental issue that affects the way people perceive the world around them and interact with others. Some have difficulty processing information, whereas others appear to function as regular people in everyday life.

Like many people with autism, dogs live in a world that is based around the senses. They understand sensitivity to things like sound, and they also use patterns to sniff things out and track. Additionally, touch is important to them as many dogs like to be close. They relate, and that can be so important to an autistic person as you often feel very isolated from the rest of society.

Anxiety and depression are common feelings among people with autism, and having a dog around means that you have someone to confide in, but also to hug and pet when you are feeling low. These simple activities help to boost your levels of oxytocin and serotonin, leaving you with an overall feeling of calm and pleasure when you are embracing your furry friend.

Autism often contains routines and structures to make life an easier thing for a person to get through. Dogs also love routines, and this can be a great comfort. They follow the rules and can be trained easily, making them both a reliable and rewarding companion for anyone with autism to have.

Some people have meltdowns, which is when everything becomes too much (whether triggered by sensory overload, stress, or something else), and it can result in yelling, hitting themselves, as well as a general feeling of distress. Many service dogs (or even your own dog) are trained to deal with these – offering a comforting paw or licks to help calm their owner down; a method that works well.

Older people suffer from mental health issues as well, although the most common one is depression, which is often caused by severe loneliness. While the above (and below) issues can affect anyone, here are some of the ways that dogs can help older people in particular.

Many studies have found that people who have dogs are less lonely, and for the ageing population, loneliness is often the biggest contributor to mental health – and leads to depression. They help you to rediscover meaning in your life, especially if your children have left home and you aren’t sure where to go from there.

The fact that you get to care for them and love them often causes your sense of self-worth to increase or return, bringing optimism and a boosted mood along with it – as well as increased morale. It is fulfilling as well, looking after a creature that is dependent on you, but can also offer so much in return.

They help you to stay connected with the outside world when they go for a walk or to the vet, but they in themselves provide you with companionship. Getting older can be hard as you lose touch with friends or they pass away, and a dog can be the most essential lifeline that there is. It’s not always easy to maintain your social life as you get older, and a dog is a perfect way to fill it.

Those who have a dog often feel more obligated and encouraged to care for themselves, as they depend on you for everything. It’s the boost you need to look after your own health and try to pull yourself out of your depressive state – something that is more possible than you might think when combined with the above statements.

There are a variety of behavioural issues displayed by those who suffer from dementia and Alzheimer’s, many of which are actually caused by an inability to deal with stress of any kind. Researchers have found that those who have dementia or Alzheimer’s and have a therapy dog in the care home suffer from less stress and have fewer anxious outbursts than those who do not.

They help to soothe patients, reducing aggression and outbursts. However, much of this stress in patients is caused by the stress the primary caregiver is suffering from as well – something else that dogs are able to help with. They can reduce the stress that both parties are suffering from, creating a more relaxed and calmer environment for everyone.

Just because they communicate nonverbally does not mean that it is not a positive interaction or experience either. Even the playful touch of their nose on a patient’s hand has been shown to massively reduce stress and soothe all feelings of anxiety. Petting them is incredibly therapeutic, just as it is for many mental health conditions.

Kids and dogs are often the best friends there are, and if your child is struggling with their mental health, dogs can be the ideal (and most effective) way of helping them cope. Much like with adults, there is something about the bond between them that is different than it is for two humans. Dogs can help children, and here are some of the ways.

If you do not have a dog already, it is important to understand how to introduce your new family member to your children – especially if you have toddlers. You must teach your kids how to behave correctly around dogs.

This includes where to pet them and how gently to do so, not to wake them when they are sleeping, and also to understand that they feel pain and when to leave them alone. While older children are likely to pick this up relatively quickly, toddlers do not understand the concept of pain when it comes to other living creatures, and so you may need longer to teach them the right way to behave around animals.

As for your dog, ensure that all interactions when around the children are positive ones so that they grow to understand how to behave around the children, and teach them to remain calm and gentle when the kids are in the same room. Using treats and positive reinforcement (as well as commands like “sit” and “stay”) it won’t take much time at all for them to understand.

When children start interacting with a dog, it helps them to build the foundations for communicating with other people as they begin to learn about emotional attachments and friendship. In fact, studies have shown that children who grow up with dogs often have better social skills than those who do not. Dogs teach them respect, how to share, and also how to behave kindly and with empathy.

Unlike parents, teachers, and other figures in the life of a child, dogs are not critical and don’t give them orders to follow. They are an equal in the household, and they do not judge your actions – something that many children crave. They also act as a confidant, someone a child can tell everything when they feel like no one else will listen or understand.

Having a dog that is always around can also help to decrease separation anxiety in children when their mother and father are not around. The love and companionship they offer can also build a positive self-image and give confidence. It gives them someone to play with, stimulating the imagination, as well as bringing an immense form of joy when they successfully teach them a trick.

Often, children with ADHD have incredibly high energy levels that can lead to bouts of aggression because everything, including increased stress levels, is so pent up inside them like a coiled spring. Combined with difficulty concentrating and potential ridicule from classmates, it can be a difficult thing for a child to cope with.

Dogs have been shown to incite calm in many children with hyperactivity conditions, including ADHD. Gentle interactions, and the general presence of the dog, are engaging for a child, producing both a physical and emotional comfort. Playing together can also increase the bond, as well as help to reduce energy levels for both parties.

If a child with ADHD walks their dog in the morning, or spends time outside playing with them, it increases the flow of oxygen through the blood and to the brain – helping to improve concentration levels throughout the day. The interaction also helps to reduce stress, helping them to feel more relaxed over the course of the day.

Dogs can help them to build new social skills as well, both through positive interactions with their pets and using them as an icebreaker when a friend comes over to play. Both children will be engaged with the dog, giving them something to bone over. The routine and care that a dog requires can also help children to learn how to plan ahead, an essential life skill for when they become adults.

Regardless of where a child is on the spectrum, dogs can be a great help to them. There are some autism service dogs that are trained to sense and diffuse a meltdown, offering comfort and a sense of calm so that the child does not feel overwhelmed and can calm themselves faster.

Many autistic children are able to concentrate for longer periods of time just by having a dog in the room, and the fact that the dog communicates without words often leaves nonverbal children feeling more accepted and understood. Those who are not able to communicate well tend to have more things to talk about, even if they are mostly centred around their new dog.

They are better able to form social bonds with others due to the connection that they have with their dog, and the presence of their pet usually leaves them calmer as people and much less anxious. They can also provide a positive sensory experience, with many autistic children enjoying things that are soft to touch and stroke.