There's a reason dogs are considered "(hu)man's best friend": They give us conditional love and companionship. One psychologist says there are even psychological benefits of having a dog, and it's a good idea for current and prospective pet parents to have this information.
Dr. Goldman shares that it can also help you choose the right pet and type of relationship. For instance, you might do better with going in and out of fostering pets rather than having a forever dog if you benefit mentally from the freedom to travel and socialize spontaneously.
Related: Psychologist Reveals People Who Always Say Goodbye to Pets Before Leaving the House Have These 7 Traits
Do Dogs Help Improve Mental Health?
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Even though it's not true for everyone, as she says, indeed, dogs generally can improve mental health. Some research finds that interacting with dogs has psychological benefits.
We don't mean to be killjoys, but other research suggests dogs have no effect—or even a negative one—on some people's mental health. Dr. Goldman also feels that not everyone will feel all warm and fuzzy about a furry friend.
She suggests considering whether:
You have the time and consistent energy to care for a dog.Finances are or will be a stressor if you get a dog.You have support to care for a dog if you're stressed or need more intensive mental health care.You thrive when you can regularly socialize, travel for long periods and agree to last-minute plans (who will walk and feed your pup?)."It might be best to consider what you’re looking for and/or need from the dog before proceeding," Dr. Goldman suggests.
Dr. Goldman shares that spending time with or interacting with dogs is regularly linked to lower anxiety and cortisol levels.
Related: If You Can Relate to These 9 Phrases, You Might Have High-Functioning Anxiety, According to a Psychologist
2. They can increase positive emotions
"Many dog owners report feeling more day-to-day enjoyment, smiling and laughing more because their dog is doing something entertaining or because they feel a sense of love and affection for their dog," she says.
"Dogs can be a constant during these times of transition or intense emotions," she notes. "The dog might not be trained to provide support, although they might do so naturally. And when we have a constant during periods of change, that tends to feel regulating for most people."
4. They provide a concrete structure and routine implemented
She shares that routines can actually help dogs' mental health because they thrive with predictability.
Indeed, as this writer types, her beagle is letting her know that it's "definitely time to eat."
"Routines for both humans and dogs keep the body on a schedule—when to eat, when to sleep, when to go to the bathroom," the psychologist adds. "Since dogs crave routines, humans with dogs are bound to a schedule. That routine can be exceptionally helpful for a human’s mental health, because it regulates the sleep cycle and appetite. It also creates accountability for the day."
The mind-body connection is real, and Dr. Goldman shares that movement offers psychological benefits. Dogs need walks and other forms of exercise to ensure they "use the facilities" and get the Zoomies out, so these outings are a perfect way to get some movement and steps in for you, too.
6. Dogs improve our emotional regulation
Dr. Goldman shares that some people experience "heightened levels of emotions."
She states that people who tend to dissociate can benefit from having a dog to keep them grounded by barking or demanding to be pet (in addition to therapy, support groups and/or potentially medication, of course).
7. Social connection
Dr. Goldman isn't just referring to the very real bond you share with your dog here. Your dog can also be the ultimate "wingman."
She shares that this practice can boost social connection and improve self-confidence and esteem, providing a mental health boost.
How Dogs Help With Specific Conditions
Dr. Goldman shares that some dogs can undergo specific training to help with various conditions, including:
Epilepsy/seizure disorders. Some service dogs can alert the human before a seizure, such as by getting medication before losing consciousness. Others may alert others that their human is having a seizure by barking. PTSD/anxiety. Dr. Goldman says trained service dogs can interrupt panic attacks, provide deep pressure therapy, retrieve medication and ground humans who are dealing with flashbacks.Diabetes. Alert dogs can be trained to detect changes in blood glucose levels. They let their human know before significant changes or when someone’s levels are becoming too high or too low, so the human can intervene, Dr. Goldman reports.Hearing or vision loss. Dr. Goldman points out that dogs can alert people with hearing loss to alarms, doorbells and smoke detectors. Other dogs can guide people with vision loss, such as crossing the street. Conditions that impact mobility. Dr. Goldman notes that dogs can help people by opening doors, turning off lights, providing balance support and retrieving medications for people with different medical conditions that affect mobility, such as multiple sclerosis, Parkinson’s, cerebral palsy and spinal cord injuries.Dogs give older adults a sense of purpose. Dr. Goldman shares that seniors can struggle to feel purpose in their lives, especially after their retirement. "The daily routine of taking care of a dog, feedings, walking and playing can be a wonderful sense of structure," she says. "A dog can also be the reason someone gets out of bed in the morning—that accountability to another being can instill that sense of purpose." Dogs reduce loneliness. Dogs can lower loneliness for people of any age. But Dr. Goldman shares that older adults are at a higher risk of experiencing loneliness, especially after the death of a friend or loved one. "Dogs offer companionship and loving support for people who are more isolated, including seniors who live alone," she says.Dogs provide a health boost. Dr. Goldman notes that dogs require a certain level of cognition. You need executive functioning skills to measure their food and even talk to them, so it's possible a senior's brain aging process can slow a bit, thanks to the "very good boy/girl" in the house.Dogs help with mobility and balance. With age comes wisdom—and increased fall risk. "Older adults who walk their dogs tend to have better balance and fewer falls," Dr. Goldman reports. "When we continue to keep the joints moving, it reduces stiffness and can also reduce pain in the body, which helps mobility."
Benefits of Having a Dog for Children
Again, people of all ages can benefit from having a dog, and that includes children, even if their name doesn't appear as the pet parent on veterinary and licensing documents.
Dr. Goldman shares her top three benefits of having a dog for children.
Dogs teach responsibility and life skills. Even young children can help pour kibble in a dish or carry a water bowl. Older children can help with walking and grooming. "It teaches basic skills that can impact the child’s accountability to self and others," Dr. Goldman says. "Children who have dogs might also be more independent and productive."Pups help with emotional development. "Children and their dogs can form a very special bond, which comes from them growing and playing together," Dr. Goldman states. Indeed, dogs can serve as a child's source of comfort, reason for empathy and emotional regulation helper.Dogs can assist with social development. The secure bond a child has with a dog can increase a child's self-esteem and confidence, according to Dr. Goldman. "Dogs also demand attention and love socialization," she notes. "This can mean that a child becomes more comfortable in social situations because of their social dog."Related: Psychologist Says if You Give ‘People Names’ to Your Pets, You Likely Have These 7 Traits
Sources:
Dr. Michele Goldman, Ph.D., is a psychologist and Hope for Depression Research Foundation media advisor.Paws for Thought: A Controlled Study Investigating the Benefits of Interacting with a House-Trained Dog on University Students' Mood and Anxiety. Animals (Basel).Dogs Supporting Human Health and Well-Being: A Biopsychosocial Approach. Frontiers in Veterinary Science. Oxytocin and Cortisol Levels in Dog Owners and Their Dogs Are Associated with Behavioral Patterns: An Exploratory Study. Frontiers in Psychology.The Influence of Interactions With Pet Dogs on Psychological Distress. Emotion.Hence then, the article about 7 psychological benefits of having a dog according to a psychologist was published today ( ) and is available on Parade ( Saudi Arabia ) The editorial team at PressBee has edited and verified it, and it may have been modified, fully republished, or quoted. You can read and follow the updates of this news or article from its original source.
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