The Power of Paws: How Dogs Can Reduce Stress, Increase Connection and Boost Mood
The Pawsitive Impact of Canine Companionship
At Calm Sanctuary we love dogs and turns out we aren’t alone! Dogs have long been cherished as loyal companions, offering unconditional love, companionship, and joy to their pawrents. Beyond their adorable wagging tails, smiles and playful antics, there’s an abundance of psychological benefits that come with owning a dog. Let’s delve into the fascinating world of canine companionship and explore how our fur babies positively impacts our mental and emotional well-being.
Bonding
Have you ever wanted to say, “Sorry I can’t make it, I have to hang out with my dog”? Because we do too. One of the most profound aspects of owning a dog is the strong bond that develops between human and canine. This bond is not made up; it's backed by scientific evidence. Studies have shown that interacting with a pet, particularly a dog, can increase oxytocin levels in both humans and dogs. Oxytocin, often dubbed the "love hormone" or "bonding hormone," plays a crucial role in social bonding, trust, and emotional regulation. This surge in oxytocin during interactions with our furry friends fosters a deep sense of connection and attachment, contributing to emotional well-being.
Stress Reduction and Mood Enhancement
Although our furry friends can end up in some precarious stressful situations the overall presence of a dog can have a calming effect on humans. These wonderous beings can lead to reduced stress levels and improved mood. Simply petting a dog has been found to lower cortisol levels, a hormone associated with stress. In fact, a study published in Psychosomatic Medicine reported that dog owners had lower blood pressure and heart rates during stressful tasks compared to non-owners. The companionship of a dog can also alleviate feelings of loneliness and provide emotional support, particularly beneficial for individuals dealing with mental health difficulties.
Healing Hearts and Minds
Therapy dogs play a vital role in promoting emotional well-being and providing comfort in various settings, such as hospitals, nursing homes, schools, and disaster relief situations. These specially trained dogs offer companionship, reduce anxiety, and lift spirits, making them invaluable assets in therapeutic interventions. Research has shown that interactions with therapy dogs can lead to reduced pain perception, improved mood, and enhanced social interactions among individuals facing various challenges.
Neuro Mirroring
“I wonder what they are thinking?”. Neuro mirroring, also known as emotional synchronisation, is a fascinating phenomenon observed between dogs and their owners. When we interact with our dogs, our brains synchronise in a way that mirrors emotional states. This means that when we're happy, our dogs are more likely to be happy too, and vice versa. This mutual mirroring of emotions strengthens the bond between human and canine, enhancing feelings of empathy, understanding, and connection.
Promoting Physical Activity and Routine
We need the zoomies too! Owning a dog often leads to increased physical activity and a more structured routine. Dogs need regular exercise, which means their owners are more likely to engage in daily walks, playtime, and outdoor activities. This regular exercise not only benefits the dog's health but also improves the owner's physical well-being. Research has shown that dog owners are more likely to meet recommended daily physical activity levels, leading to lower risks of obesity, heart disease, and other health issues. Go ahead, grab your dog, and go on your mental health walk.
Social Connection and Community
Dogs are natural icebreakers and conversation starters, facilitating social interactions and fostering a sense of community among dog owners. Doggy Daycare, Dog parks, obedience classes, and pet-related events provide opportunities for socialisation and connection with like-minded individuals. This social aspect can combat feelings of isolation and strengthen social bonds, contributing to overall happiness and life satisfaction.
Responsibility and Emotional Growth
Caring for a dog comes with a set of responsibilities that promote personal growth and emotional development. From daily feeding and grooming to training and healthcare, owning a dog requires commitment, patience, and empathy. These experiences can teach valuable life skills, such as empathy, responsibility, time management, and resilience. Additionally, the emotional bond formed with a dog can enhance empathy and compassion towards animals and humans alike.
“I’m a cat person! What about my beloved pet companion?”
While dogs often take the spotlight in discussions about pet ownership, it's essential to recognise the benefits of owning other types of pets. Cats, for example, can offer similar companionship and stress-relieving effects as dogs. Smaller pets like rabbits, guinea pigs, and birds can provide comfort, entertainment, and emotional support. Additionally, larger animals such as horses can play a crucial role in equine therapy, offering therapeutic benefits for individuals with various mental health challenges. The gentle nature of horses and the bond formed during interactions can promote emotional healing, build confidence, and improve overall wellbeing.
This therapeutic approach is particularly beneficial for individuals with autism spectrum disorders, PTSD, anxiety, depression, and other mental health challenges. The rhythmic motion of riding a horse can have a calming effect, reduce anxiety, and improve focus. Additionally, working with horses fosters trust, communication, and emotional regulation, enhancing the individual's overall quality of life
The Take Home
Whether your companion is a dog, cat, bird, rabbit, horse or even a snake, owning an animal is much more than having a pet—it's a transformative experience with numerous psychological benefits. From strengthening bonds and reducing stress to promoting physical activity, fostering emotional growth, and even providing therapeutic support through therapy dogs, animals play a pivotal role in enhancing our overall well-being. As we navigate life's journey, our furry friends stand by us, offering unwavering love, support, and a wagging tail to brighten even the darkest days. So, here's to the pawsitive impact of canine companionship and the joy they bring into our lives!
At Calm Sanctuary we understand the importance of pets so much that we love seeing your fur babies in session. As long as, your companion is not disruptive to your session or therapeutic gains, we love them around!
References
Allen, K., et al. (2001). Presence of human friends and pet dogs as moderators of autonomic responses to stress in women. Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, 80(5), 952-963.
Andics, A., et al. (2016). Neural mechanisms for lexical processing in dogs. Science, 353(6303), 1030-1032.
Marcus, D. A., et al. (2013). Therapeutic benefits of an animal-assisted activity on patients with dementia. Psychogeriatrics, 13(4), 234-242.
McConnell, A. R., et al. (2011). Friends with benefits: On the positive consequences of pet ownership. Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, 101(6), 1239-1252.
Nagasawa, M., et al. (2015). Oxytocin-gaze positive loop and the coevolution of human-dog bonds. Science, 348(6232), 333-336.
Prothmann, A., et al. (2009). Influence of human-dog relationship on child development. Anthrozoös, 22(2), 141-153.
Westgarth, C., et al. (2013). Dog ownership during pregnancy, maternal activity, and obesity: A cross-sectional study. Annals of Epidemiology, 23(11), 681-687.
