How Dogs Help with Mental Health and Emotional Support
In this cruel world, we feel overwhelmed, anxious, or lonely, but we find the greatest comfort in a four-legged, wagging tail, and a warm furry cuddle. Dogs are “man’s best friend,” and they will stay by our side whatever happens, and go far beyond mere companionship.
Dogs provide emotional support for people struggling with anxiety, depression, and emotional burnout. They offer profound healing, unconditional love, emotional support, and a reason to smile every day.
Photo from The Spruce Pets
According to the Social Weather Survey, 64% of Filipino households consider themselves “fur parents”, meaning they view dogs as guardians, companions, and family members.
Let’s explore the science and soul-soothing power behind this unique human-dog bond.
The Science Behind the Bond
Photo from Pooch Mag
According to Petersson et al.(2017), petting, playing with, and simply interacting with a dog can increase oxytocin, which is the “feel-good” hormone. The response promotes feelings of calm and contentment. It can also reduce cortisol, the stress hormone.
This natural response promotes feelings of happiness, safety, and emotional connection. Even short periods of interaction can lead to lowered blood pressure, slower heart rates, and reduced symptoms of anxiety and depression.
After a long, tiring day, at school or work, you may feel tired, anxious, and burned out, your mind bombarded with random thoughts, deadlines, and even expectations. But when you get home, a four-legged creature with a wagging tail greets you, saying “Sasalubong kahit walang pasalubong.” The negative emotions instantly meltaway, replaced by happiness and a warm loving hug.
Unending Emotional Support
Photo from San Antonio Behavioral Healthcare Hospital
Dogs provide emotional support in many ways that often go unnoticed but are deeply felt. Their presence helps create structure and routine, such as feeding times, daily walks, and random play, and fetch offers a sense of purpose.
For people struggling with depression or anxiety, these simple routines can be incredibly comforting. Dogs also listen well; they don’t judge or interrupt you—they simply are happy with you and love you unconditionally.
Trained Dogs VS Natural Companions
Photo from Service Dogs Alabama
There is a common belief that dogs exist mainly to guard our homes, protect us from harm. But beyond their barks and playful mischief, they form a deep emotional bond with us through their ability to comfort, protect, and connect.
That’s the reason why some dogs undergo years of training to support individuals with disabilities and mental health challenges.
Therefore, it’s important to understand the difference between service dogs, emotional support animals (ESAs), and regular pets. Service dogs are specially trained to perform specific tasks for people with disabilities.
While ESAs provide comfort and emotional support, they don’t require formal training. Even untrained dogs can offer emotional benefits.
Additionally, dogs also make their way into hospitals, trauma centers, schools, and rehabilitation programs. Therapists often use therapy dogs in sessions with patients coping with PTSD, anxiety, and autism.
For people recovering from addiction or trauma, dogs often act as nonverbal motivators for healing, teaching patience, trust, and consistency.
Own Testimony
As a person who has 2 dogs; I named the first one Tantan, a Pomeranian and Japanese spitz mixed, and I named the younger one Hobi, a golden retriever. I can personally say they bring a euphoric feeling to us and our home. Our life before was boring, quiet, and lacked fur, but regardless of the fur we’ve always had, they became part of the family.
Every time one of us goes out, our clingy Hobi peeks at our terrace until we leave and that’s his way of saying goodbye to us. When we finally come home, Tantan and Hobi excitedly greet us, kiss us, and sniff us one-by-one.
And when I feel down and stressed by the things in my surroundings, Hobi senses it and randomly comes to me while poking his nose, and I know it’s his way of comforting me. They are one of the best blessings we have had in our lives.
Things to Consider
While dogs offer emotional support, they also require money, attention, care, and love. Don’t ever think of getting a dog and then abandon it. It’s also important to match your lifestyle and emotional needs.
Owning dogs is like raising a child. They require food, grooming, vet checkups, vaccinations, emergency care, and more. Also, dogs need time and attention; you must walk, train, play with, and emotionally nurture them. Most importantly, you must be ready because sometimes, dogs can be stubborn, noisy, and expensive; you should prepare for everything that may happen to your dogs.
Adopting a dog for emotional support should always be a two-way street. Just as dogs care for us, we must care for them.
