Psychological Health Benefits

Research has shown that short-term interactions with a dog can decrease “subjective stress and circulating cortisol concentrations” (Frontier). Human stress manifests itself in several forms including, but not limited to, physical and biological health. There can be a negative stigma around certain terms such as “mental health,” which is why I prefer the term “psychological health.” Psychological health is observed through biological assessments of stress, anxiety, and depression. These are all indicators impacted positively when a dog is present. Interaction with a dog impacts psychological functioning, cognition, and learning. Interacting with a dog can improve speed and accuracy in cognitive skills.

Reduction in Depression

This reduction in depression is the result of biological and social influences which we discussed in last week’s blogs. One study in the Frontier article found that “an attachment relationship with a pet dog may serve as a coping resource for older women by buffering the relationship between loneliness (also measured by self-report indices) and depression, such that the presence of the pet dog appears to ameliorate the potential for loneliness to exacerbate depression.” Those who are already suffering from loneliness or depression are more inclined to own a pet. The bond with pets helps people feel less alone. Owners can touch, see, hear, or talk to their companion animals, which brings happiness, connection, and physical contact.

Managing Anxiety

“Studies have found that short-term, unstructured interactions with a therapy dog can significantly reduce self-reported anxiety and distress levels” (Frontier). Children exposed to a pet dog experience lower perceived stress when exposed to a stressful situation, compared to those without a pet dog. Dog interaction also reduces anxiety and distress by influencing “emotion regulation, while coping with a stressor” (Frontier). Have you ever wondered why your co-workers bring their pets to work? Just like animal-assisted therapy, having dogs present has shown a decrease in self-reported anxieties or stresses in individuals who have experienced trauma. The other day, I went to the hair salon and noticed three mini chihuahuas running around. I asked my hair stylist, who they belonged to, and she said her boss. The owner brings them in for customers to hold or pet while they wait to get their hair done. She said the animals have a calming effect. With the increase in work-from-home jobs since the COVID-19 pandemic, more people are struggling with their psychological health. Pets can provide companionship and support once found in the office.

Reducing Stress

According to The Mayo Clinic, “Two out of three employees say work stresses them out, and 40% say their job gets in the way of their health” (Mayo Clinic). Many companies are starting to consider how to reduce the stress of the workplace while keeping employees productive. Whether you work from home or in an office, pets in the workplace reduce stress and improve employee satisfaction. This has been proven by research. While most offices do not permit dogs in the workplace, for understandable reasons, service animals are becoming more and more accepted. Simply petting a dog lowers the stress hormone cortisol. In the article “The Friend Who Keeps You Young,” research done by Johns Hopkins Medicine cites that 84% of post-traumatic stress disorder patients paired with a service dog reported a significant reduction in symptoms. If petting a dog or walking it for a short time yields all these health benefits, why not try short-term fostering?

Are you looking for a canine companion to increase your psychological health? Let us help you get started in your journey of finding one here.

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