Many of us know the power of playing with our fluffy four-legged friends and how simply coming home to a happy dog can put a smile on your face after a long day at work. Playing with your canine friend in the garden can help us forget life’s woes for a moment. Now, researchers are looking into these intuitive truths to see what is actually going on with dogs and their humans. Is it more than just friendship? Can they measurably reduce our stress? And just how useful can animal interventions be when it comes to mental health?
How Dogs Affect Our Brains
A recent study by researchers at Konkuk University in Seoul looked to address some of these burning questions. The study explored how interactions with dogs influence human brain activity and emotions using electroencephalograms (EEGs) to measure the brain activity of the participants–or at least the human ones.
Participants would complete a variety of activities, such as petting or playing, with a four-year-old female “Standard Poodle.” The researchers found that dog interactions generally enhanced the participants’ relaxation and focus. The results further showed increased alpha brainwaves, which have been linked to calmness, and decreased beta waves (often more associated with stress), particularly during direct physical contact with the dog.
The study suggests that human-dog interactions can improve mental well-being and reduce stress, offering valuable insights into the benefits of animal-assisted interventions in terms of our mental health. These findings build on the work of other studies that have attempted to quantify just how dogs relieve stress by measuring oxytocin and cortisol levels in people under similar conditions. As you may have already guessed, playing with dogs can also increase oxytocin levels–a complex neurotransmitter linked to bonding, among other things.
Why Dogs Have Such a Unique Impact on Us
Dogs have an incredibly unique place in human lives due to the thousands of years of domestication and their strong bond with people. They are highly attuned to human emotions, responding to tone of voice, facial expressions and gestures. This emotional intelligence sets dogs apart from other animals, and it allows dogs to provide comfort and companionship to humans that feel deeply personal.
The emerging research discussed in the report supports what many have long suspected: that a human’s interactions with dogs can help reduce cortisol levels, a stress hormone, while boosting oxytocin, making both people and pets happier. Additionally, a dog’s ability to sense and respond to human emotions can help alleviate feelings of loneliness and depression. Their presence can create a sense of security and stability, which is particularly beneficial for any individuals who are dealing with anxiety or stress. The bond between humans and dogs is not just an emotional one but also physiological, as evidenced by the positive changes that occur in our brain chemistry and hormone levels during these interactions. This unique impact underscores the profound and multifaceted benefits of having dogs in our lives.
Focus, Relaxation and Productivity Benefits
Not only is pet therapy on the rise but so is the push for pet-friendly workplaces. Research sourced by Purina shows 50% of people view having pets in the workplace as a benefit, with 40% stating it enhances work-life balance and 45% believing it creates a more relaxed atmosphere. Making the workplace pet friendly has been shown reduce stress levels, enhance coping skills and lower blood pressure. Plus, it helps ease pet-owner guilt over leaving a pet alone at home all day while you’re in the office. The benefits of owning a furry companion go beyond the workplace.
We have known for a while that mental health has a profound effect on our physical well-being. Practises like mindfulness and meditation are great at maintaining optimal mental health but many of the same benefits can be derived from a walk in the park with your dog. According to the American Heart Association, pets reduce work-related stress, make you more active, increase motivation and improve loneliness through bonding.
It’s for this reason that pet therapy has been on the rise. In fact, there is even a national therapy dog alliance to support those in need. Animal-based therapy is a growing field, so for anyone working in the mental health field, from registered psychologists and counsellors to those completing an online clinical mental health counselling or mental health nursing online, learning just how it works could make a big difference.
Practical Takeaways for a Stress-Free Life
Spending more time with your dog or, if you don’t have one, getting a dog can seriously benefit your, ideally, stress-free life. Regular walks with your dog are not only a great way to get in some physical exercise but they also offer the benefit of mental relaxation. The rhythmic motion of walking and the presence of your dog can work to help clear your mind and reduce stress. Engaging in playful activities like games of fetch or tug-of-war can boost your mood and also provide a fun way to bond with your dog, releasing endorphins that combat stress. Conversely, spending quiet moments petting or cuddling your dog can serve as a form of mindfulness, helping you stay present and calm.
Dogs can also be great social facilitators. Taking your dog to a local park or joining a dog-walking group can provide you with a sense of community and reduce feelings of loneliness as it allows you to interact with other people. Dogs thrive on routine, and having a set schedule for feeding, walking and playtime can provide more structure to your day, helping you manage your time better and even reduce anxiety.
Consider involving your dog in therapeutic activities, such as therapy dog visits to hospitals or schools, which can be rewarding for both you and your dog, enhancing your sense of purpose and well-being. Regular training sessions can be mentally stimulating for both you and your dog, improving your dog’s behaviour and providing you with a sense of accomplishment.
MindOwl Founder – My own struggles in life have led me to this path of understanding the human condition. I graduated with a bachelor’s degree in philosophy before completing a master’s degree in psychology at Regent’s University London. I then completed a postgraduate diploma in philosophical counselling before being trained in ACT (Acceptance and commitment therapy).
I’ve spent the last eight years studying the encounter of meditative practices with modern psychology.