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- Is Having a Dog Good for Your Mental Health?
- Can Dogs Sense Depression and Anxiety?
- Do Dogs Help with Anxiety?
- The Best Dog Breeds for Mental Health
In recent years, there has been more awareness about mental health and the ways in which it can have a drastic impact on people’s lives. Studies have shown that as many as one in four people will experience a mental health problem each year in England, all of which can have a number of different treatment options.
Aside from traditional medicines and therapies, many people are looking at the mental health benefits of animals. But are dogs good for mental health and how exactly could a furry companion help?
Is Having a Dog Good for Your Mental Health?
We can all attest to the joy we feel when we see a dog - whether it’s our own, or whilst out walking in the local park. The wagging tails, the kind eyes and the soft and fluffy fur - they’re like living, breathing teddy bears.
But when it comes to improving mental health problems, such as depression and anxiety, can they really make a difference?
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Studies have found that they can, in fact, have a pawsitive impact on feelings of depression and anxiety. Even just looking at an image of a dog was shown to be enough to boost low mood.
In addition to just being delightful to be around, owning a dog can improve symptoms in a number of different ways, including:
Increasing physical activity, which can release feel-good endorphins
Reducing feelings of loneliness by providing companionship and the opportunity to meet new people
Giving structure, routine and a sense of purpose to the day
Providing unconditional love
In fact, a study carried out by The Kennel Club during lockdown - a particularly lonely period for many people - found that three in five owners stated that their pooch was their ‘lifeline’ during this period.
So, if you were thinking of introducing a pup into your home to help boost your mood and improve your mental health, it may just be worth it.
Can Dogs Sense Depression and Anxiety?
Dogs are extremely sensitive animals - one whiff of a scent or one slight noise in the bushes and they’re bound to pick up on it. This is because our fluffy companions have over 220 million olfactory receptors - compared to just a mere five million in humans.
 It’s also well-documented that they are able to mirror some of our behaviours - getting excited when we’re excited, or detecting our fear in dangerous situations. But can dogs sense depression and anxiety in people?
Studies have found that they are able to recognise both positive and negative emotional states in humans - especially in their family members.
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Additionally, it’s thought that dogs are actually able to smell depression due to the fact that they can sense changes in pheromones, hormones and brain chemicals, in the same way that seizure alert dogs are able to warn owners of an impending epileptic fit.
They are also able to make associations between these smells, body language and facial expressions to detect our overall demeanour.
When sensing that their owner isn’t feeling too happy, they are thought to show signs of empathy towards humans, such as:
Staying closer or following more than usual
Laying their paw or head on us
Licking our hands or faces
Bringing us their favourite toy
Next time you’re feeling a little bit blue, take note of your pup’s behaviour and see whether they try to cheer you up.
Do Dogs Help with Anxiety?
From meditation to therapy, there are lots of tried-and-tested methods which are thought to help alleviate feelings of anxiety, but do dogs help with anxiety?
Studies have shown that those who own a fluffy friend have lower resting heart rates than those who don’t, which could lead to decreased levels of anxiety overall.
Additionally, exercise is another common way to ease symptoms, so a daily walk could have a huge impact on those suffering.
In fact, the aforementioned study carried out by The Kennel Club found that more than a third of dog owners surveyed said that their canine companion made them feel less anxious during the pandemic.
The Best Dog Breeds for Mental Health
If you’re considering welcoming a pooch into your life to help improve your mental health, you may be wondering which breeds are the best ones to consider.
Naturally, some breeds are better suited to the task than others. For example, particularly yappy pups, those who need intensive exercise or particularly exuberant breeds may actually have the opposite effect than intended. However, calmer, more affectionate breeds are a much better option.
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Some of the best breeds to choose from include:
Labrador retrievers
Golden retrievers
Greyhounds
Yorkshire terriers
Pugs
Chihuahuas
Corgis
Bernese Mountain Dogs
When choosing a breed, it’s important to carefully consider which would suit your lifestyle the best - we want to make sure they reduce stress, not add to it. Some key things to consider are:
Size - you need to opt for a breed that will comfortably fit into your life, including your living space and car
Temperament - calmer breeds are more suited to those suffering from mental health problems, as they’re not as highly strung and less likely to exacerbate anxiety
Cost - when looking for a dog breed for mental health, money worries are the last thing you want. Smaller breeds are generally cheaper to keep as they require less food. Additionally, shorter-haired pooches are also a good option, as they’ll need less frequent trips to the groomers, which can be costly
Maintenance - high-maintenance pooches may exacerbate feelings of anxiety, as there’s a lot to keep on top of, such as walking, grooming, feeding, entertaining. Calmer, more low-maintenance breeds are a better option
We have a lot to thank our canine companions for, but improving our mental health may just be one of the most important. So whether you’ve had dogs all of your life, or thinking about getting your first fluffy friend for companionship - we’ve got everything you need to keep them healthy and happy, so explore our range today.