{"id":36975,"date":"2021-02-03T07:30:00","date_gmt":"2021-02-03T12:30:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.staging4.blunt-therapy.com\/?p=36975"},"modified":"2022-09-30T14:55:13","modified_gmt":"2022-09-30T18:55:13","slug":"mental-health-benefits-of-dogs","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.blunt-therapy.com\/mental-health-benefits-of-dogs\/","title":{"rendered":"5 Amazing Mental Health Benefits of Owning A Dog, According To Science"},"content":{"rendered":"<div id=\"ez-toc-container\" class=\"ez-toc-v2_0_65 counter-hierarchy ez-toc-counter ez-toc-custom ez-toc-container-direction\">\n<div class=\"ez-toc-title-container\">\n<p class=\"ez-toc-title \" >Table of Contents<\/p>\n<span class=\"ez-toc-title-toggle\"><\/span><\/div>\n<nav><ul class='ez-toc-list ez-toc-list-level-1 ' ><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-1\" href=\"https:\/\/www.blunt-therapy.com\/mental-health-benefits-of-dogs\/#5_Mental_Health_Benefits_of_Dogs_According_To_Science\" title=\"5 Mental Health Benefits of Dogs, According To Science\">5 Mental Health Benefits of Dogs, According To Science<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-2\" href=\"https:\/\/www.blunt-therapy.com\/mental-health-benefits-of-dogs\/#One_Dogs_provide_unconditional_love\" title=\"One: Dogs provide unconditional love\">One: Dogs provide unconditional love<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-3\" href=\"https:\/\/www.blunt-therapy.com\/mental-health-benefits-of-dogs\/#Two_Dogs_Force_you_to_Be_More_Sociable\" title=\"Two: Dogs Force you to Be More Sociable\">Two: Dogs Force you to Be More Sociable<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-4\" href=\"https:\/\/www.blunt-therapy.com\/mental-health-benefits-of-dogs\/#Three_Dogs_Help_Reduce_Depression_and_Anxiety\" title=\"Three: Dogs Help Reduce Depression and Anxiety\">Three: Dogs Help Reduce Depression and Anxiety<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-5\" href=\"https:\/\/www.blunt-therapy.com\/mental-health-benefits-of-dogs\/#Four_Dogs_will_help_you_increase_your_daily_physical_activity\" title=\"Four: Dogs will help you increase your daily physical activity\">Four: Dogs will help you increase your daily physical activity<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-6\" href=\"https:\/\/www.blunt-therapy.com\/mental-health-benefits-of-dogs\/#Five_Dogs_Give_you_A_Sense_Of_Purpose\" title=\"Five: Dogs Give you A Sense Of Purpose&nbsp;\">Five: Dogs Give you A Sense Of Purpose&nbsp;<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-7\" href=\"https:\/\/www.blunt-therapy.com\/mental-health-benefits-of-dogs\/#Bonus_Quotes_That_Prove_The_Mental_Health_Benefits_of_Dogs\" title=\"Bonus: Quotes That Prove The Mental Health Benefits of Dogs\">Bonus: Quotes That Prove The Mental Health Benefits of Dogs<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-8\" href=\"https:\/\/www.blunt-therapy.com\/mental-health-benefits-of-dogs\/#Dogs_And_Mental_Health_The_%E2%80%9Cpaw%E2%80%9D-tom_line\" title=\"Dogs And Mental Health : The &#8220;paw&#8221;-tom line\">Dogs And Mental Health : The &#8220;paw&#8221;-tom line<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-9\" href=\"https:\/\/www.blunt-therapy.com\/mental-health-benefits-of-dogs\/#References\" title=\"References\">References<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><\/ul><\/nav><\/div>\n\n<p>Dogs &#8212; man&#8217;s best friend.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>They come in all shapes and sizes in over 195 different breeds.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>At the end of the day, they are the ones who show up for you.&nbsp; If you are having a bad day, it only takes one lick on the face to make everything better.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Dogs will not get mad at you for petty things. They won&#8217;t argue with you or hurt your feelings.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>These handsome boys (and girls) are there to celebrate all your good days and are rays of sunshine on your dark days.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>If you&#8217;re feeling lonely, they fill up the void with their cuteness and loving spirit.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>On top of being cute, the mental<a href=\"https:\/\/www.blunt-therapy.com\/benefits-of-an-emotional-support-dog\/\" class=\"rank-math-link\"> health benefits of dogs<\/a> are clear. Owning a dog helps you better regulate your emotions, improves your social life, and gives you purpose. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>In short, dogs are wonderful for your <a class=\"wpil_keyword_link\" data-wpil=\"url\" href=\"https:\/\/www.blunt-therapy.com\/category\/mental-health\/\" title=\"mental health\" data-wpil-keyword-link=\"linked\">mental health<\/a>. Heck, that&#8217;s why they make such good <a href=\"https:\/\/www.blunt-therapy.com\/benefits-of-an-emotional-support-dog\/\">emotional support animals<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-full is-resized\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"data:image\/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP\/\/\/yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7\" data-src=\"https:\/\/www.blunt-therapy.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/5-Amazing-Mental-Health-Benefits-of-Owning-A-Dog.jpg\" alt=\"5 Amazing Mental Health Benefits of Dogs, Backed By Science\" class=\"wp-image-36991 lazyload\" width=\"400\" height=\"600\"\/><noscript><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.blunt-therapy.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/5-Amazing-Mental-Health-Benefits-of-Owning-A-Dog.jpg\" alt=\"5 Amazing Mental Health Benefits of Dogs, Backed By Science\" class=\"wp-image-36991 lazyload\" width=\"400\" height=\"600\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.blunt-therapy.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/5-Amazing-Mental-Health-Benefits-of-Owning-A-Dog.jpg 1000w, https:\/\/www.blunt-therapy.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/5-Amazing-Mental-Health-Benefits-of-Owning-A-Dog-83x125.jpg 83w, https:\/\/www.blunt-therapy.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/5-Amazing-Mental-Health-Benefits-of-Owning-A-Dog-200x300.jpg 200w, https:\/\/www.blunt-therapy.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/5-Amazing-Mental-Health-Benefits-of-Owning-A-Dog-150x225.jpg 150w, https:\/\/www.blunt-therapy.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/5-Amazing-Mental-Health-Benefits-of-Owning-A-Dog-768x1152.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 400px) 100vw, 400px\" \/><\/noscript><figcaption>5 Amazing Mental Health Benefits of Dogs, Backed By Science<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n<p>Here are five reasons why:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"5_Mental_Health_Benefits_of_Dogs_According_To_Science\"><\/span>5 Mental Health Benefits of Dogs, According To Science<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"One_Dogs_provide_unconditional_love\"><\/span>One: Dogs provide unconditional love<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Unconditional love is non-judgmental, pure, and profound.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Amongst humans, unconditional love is rare. Human <a class=\"wpil_keyword_link\" data-wpil=\"url\" href=\"https:\/\/www.blunt-therapy.com\/category\/relationships\/\" title=\"relationships\" data-wpil-keyword-link=\"linked\">relationships<\/a> are messy, chaotic, and complicated. People come and go, personalities clash, and feelings get hurt.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>A dog&#8217;s relationship with humans is none of these things.&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Dogs will love you no matter what. They&#8217;re unwavering in their loyalty to human beings.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Rain or shine, they will be there for you day-after-day.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>They won&#8217;t judge you if you fail at something, they don&#8217;t care what you look like, and they will not judge you for being who you are.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><em>This loyalty is true unconditional love.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Unconditional love is enormously beneficial to your <a href=\"https:\/\/www.blunt-therapy.com\/category\/mental-health\/\">mental health<\/a>. It is a <a href=\"http:\/\/simplypsychology.org\/maslow.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">basic psychological need<\/a>. We simply cannot thrive without it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The stability that comes from unconditional love can significantly improve your life.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Benefits include increased self-esteem, a greater sense of purpose, and an optimistic disposition.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Experiencing this gives you the freedom to be yourself, and that is powerful.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Two_Dogs_Force_you_to_Be_More_Sociable\"><\/span>Two: Dogs Force you to Be More Sociable<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>There are A LOT of dog lovers in the world. When you&#8217;re out-and-about walking your dog, you&#8217;re bound to find people who are going to want to pet your dog.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>You may even find other dog owners out on a walk with their own dogs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Dogs are social creatures, and it doesn&#8217;t take them very long to make friends.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>They&#8217;re a natural ice breaker and a great conversation topic.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Their love and admiration for people and other pets will naturally rub off on you. You&#8217;ll find yourself talking with other dog owners and petting other people&#8217;s canines.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>In fact, pet owners<a href=\"https:\/\/www.health.harvard.edu\/blog\/pets-can-help-their-humans-create-friendships-find-social-support-201505067981\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"> are 60% more likely than non-pet owners to meet new neighbors<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Meaningful social interactions are terrific for your mental health. Social interaction lightens your mood, lowers your risk of dementia, strengthens your sense of belonging, and eases loneliness.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Three_Dogs_Help_Reduce_Depression_and_Anxiety\"><\/span>Three: Dogs Help Reduce Depression and Anxiety<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>In the United States, more than 50 million people suffer from depression and anxiety.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>While dogs aren&#8217;t a &#8220;cure-all&#8221; solution, the mental health benefits of dogs are undeniable.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Studies reveal that playing with a dog can release <a href=\"https:\/\/www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/pmc\/articles\/PMC5645535\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">oxytocin and dopamine<\/a>, which promotes positive emotions. Dog owners are also less likely to have <a href=\"https:\/\/www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/pmc\/articles\/PMC5693989\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">elevated blood pressure or develop heart disease<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Research has also shown that dogs <a href=\"https:\/\/www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/pmc\/articles\/PMC6826684\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">alleviate symptoms<\/a> of stress, depression, and anxiety.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><em>How do they do this?<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>According to a survey by<a href=\"https:\/\/habri.org\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"> HABRI,<\/a> 87% of physicians<a href=\"https:\/\/habri.org\/blog\/mental-health-month-shareable-infographic-on-the-mental-health-benefits-of-pets\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"> found that owning pets improved their patients&#8217; outlook and mood<\/a>. When you&#8217;re with your dog, you&#8217;re with a caring and loyal friend, and you&#8217;ll always feel the love.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>They also fulfill humans&#8217; fundamental need for touch.<a href=\"https:\/\/sabeconomics.org\/wordpress\/wp-content\/uploads\/JBEP-4-S2-3.pdf\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"> According to University of South Australia researchers<\/a>, 90% of respondents said touching their pets was soothing and comforting.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Petting a dog can stop threat and stress responses in our brains, lower your blood pressure and heart rate, and <a href=\"https:\/\/www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/pmc\/articles\/PMC3408111\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">increase serotonin and dopamine<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Four_Dogs_will_help_you_increase_your_daily_physical_activity\"><\/span>Four: Dogs will help you increase your daily physical activity<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Dogs need to be walked and require exercise. That means their owners need to go with them.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><em>Are you walking them, or are they walking you? <\/em>&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>It could be both.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Dog owners tend to have <a href=\"https:\/\/www.active.com\/fitness\/articles\/are-dog-owners-healthier-people#:~:text=The%20Journal%20of%20Physical%20Activity,week%20than%20non%2Ddog%20owners.\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">more daily physical activity<\/a> than people who do not have a dog.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Some people go the extra mile (literally) and go hiking, biking, or jogging with their furry companion.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>All this <a href=\"https:\/\/www.blunt-therapy.com\/breathing-exercises-for-mental-health\/\" class=\"rank-math-link\">exercise is terrific for your mental <\/a>and physical wellbeing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Physical activity reduces your risk for obesity, heart disease, diabetes, cancer, osteoporosis, and premature death, which can all affect your mental health.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>In the short-term, exercise <a href=\"https:\/\/www.webmd.com\/depression\/guide\/exercise-depression\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">produces endorphins and enkephalins<\/a>, also known as feel-good hormones.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>On top of that, exercising with your dog will redirect your focus and take your mind off other things. If something is bothering you or you&#8217;re not feeling great, it allows you to step back, <a class=\"wpil_keyword_link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.blunt-therapy.com\/can-cbd-relieve-anxiety\/\" title=\"calm down\" data-wpil-keyword-link=\"linked\">calm down<\/a>, and tackle things when you&#8217;re feeling more whole.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Five_Dogs_Give_you_A_Sense_Of_Purpose\"><\/span>Five: Dogs Give you A Sense Of Purpose&nbsp;<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>The act of caring about others, also known as altruism, encourages positive physiological changes in individuals.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>When you own a dog, you are responsible for the life of another being. You become accountable in a way you might not be if you were only taking care of yourself.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.psychologytoday.com\/us\/blog\/your-neurochemical-self\/201910\/personal-responsibility-and-mental-health\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Responsibility <\/a>promotes healthy mental wellbeing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Having a dog creates structure in your day. Your dog is going to be hungry, and you&#8217;ll need to feed it. When it goes to the bathroom, you&#8217;re going to need to clean it up. Each day, you&#8217;ll need to go for walks so that your dog can exercise.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Taking care of your dog&#8217;s needs shows that you are capable of taking care of another life. You build skills from being responsible for your canine friend, which develops your self-confidence and shows you that you can be independent.&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The altruism that you experience as a dog owner promotes healthy habits and improves overall mental health and wellbeing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio\"><div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\n<iframe class=\"lazyload\" title=\"What Having A Dog Does To Your Brain And Body\" width=\"1170\" height=\"658\" data-src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/w0K6UBzGQ7E?feature=oembed\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture\" allowfullscreen><\/iframe>\n<\/div><figcaption>What Having A Dog Does To Your Brain And Body. Courtesy, YouTube.<br><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Bonus_Quotes_That_Prove_The_Mental_Health_Benefits_of_Dogs\"><\/span>Bonus: Quotes That Prove The Mental Health Benefits of Dogs<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>The research is clear &#8212; the mental health benefits of dogs are undeniable. But I think we both understand that we don&#8217;t always need science to tell us what we already know to be true.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Dogs change people&#8217;s lives. Enjoy the following quotes that illustrate the mental health benefits of dogs all on their own. Can you relate to these gems?<\/p>\n\n\n\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote is-layout-flow wp-block-quote-is-layout-flow\"><p>&#8220;Happiness is a warm puppy.&#8221;<\/p><cite>\u2013 Charles M. Shulz<\/cite><\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote is-layout-flow wp-block-quote-is-layout-flow\"><p>\u201dWhoever said you can\u2019t buy happiness forgot little puppies.\u201d<\/p><cite>\u2013 Gene Hill<\/cite><\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote is-layout-flow wp-block-quote-is-layout-flow\"><p>\u201cDogs are not our whole life, but they make our lives whole.\u201d<\/p><cite>\u2013 Roger A. Caras<\/cite><\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote is-layout-flow wp-block-quote-is-layout-flow\"><p>\u201cYou will never know loneliness when you have a dog, when you lose that dog it will be loneliness like you\u2019ve never known.\u201d<\/p><cite>\u2013 Michael P. Naughton<\/cite><\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote is-layout-flow wp-block-quote-is-layout-flow\"><p>Dogs have given us their absolute all. We are the center of their universe. We are the focus of their love and faith and trust. They serve us in return for scraps. It is without a doubt the best deal man has ever made.\u201d<\/p><cite>\u2013 Roger A. Caras<\/cite><\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote is-layout-flow wp-block-quote-is-layout-flow\"><p>\u201cThe world would be a nicer place if everyone had the ability to love as unconditionally as a dog.\u201d<\/p><cite>\u2013 M.K. Clinton<\/cite><\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote is-layout-flow wp-block-quote-is-layout-flow\"><p>\u201cDogs have a way of finding the people who need them, and filling an emptiness we didn\u2019t ever know we had.\u201d<\/p><cite>\u2013 Thom Jones<\/cite><\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote is-layout-flow wp-block-quote-is-layout-flow\"><p>\u201cDogs come into our lives to teach us about love, they depart to teach us about loss. A new dog never replaces an old dog. It merely expands the heart.\u201d <\/p><cite>\u2013 Author Unknown<\/cite><\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote is-layout-flow wp-block-quote-is-layout-flow\"><p>\u201cI\u2019m a lot less cranky when it\u2019s just me and my dog.\u201d<\/p><cite>\u2013 Bob Peterson<\/cite><\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote is-layout-flow wp-block-quote-is-layout-flow\"><p>\u201cWhen an 85 pound mammal licks your tears away, and then tries to sit on your lap, it\u2019s hard to feel sad.\u201d<\/p><cite>\u2013 Kristan Higgins<\/cite><\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote is-layout-flow wp-block-quote-is-layout-flow\"><p>\u201cYou know, a dog can snap you out of any kind of bad mood that you\u2019re in faster than you can think of.\u201d<\/p><cite>\u2013 Jill Abramson<\/cite><\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote is-layout-flow wp-block-quote-is-layout-flow\"><p>\u201cDogs leave pawprints on our hearts\u201d<\/p><cite>\u2013 Author Unknown<\/cite><\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote is-layout-flow wp-block-quote-is-layout-flow\"><p>\u201cDoes not the gratitude of the dog put to shame any man who is ungrateful to his benefactors?\u201d<\/p><cite>\u2013 Saint Basil<\/cite><\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote is-layout-flow wp-block-quote-is-layout-flow\"><p>\u201cThere\u2019s just something about dogs that makes you feel good. You come home, they\u2019re thrilled to see you. They\u2019re good for the ego.\u201d<\/p><cite>\u2013 Janet Schnellman<\/cite><\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote is-layout-flow wp-block-quote-is-layout-flow\"><p>\u201cI\u2019m a lot less cranky when it\u2019s just me and my dog.\u201d<\/p><cite>\u2013 Bob Peterson<\/cite><\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Dogs_And_Mental_Health_The_%E2%80%9Cpaw%E2%80%9D-tom_line\"><\/span>Dogs And Mental Health : The &#8220;paw&#8221;-tom line<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>The mental health benefits of dogs are clear. In fact, I searched high and low for research that says dogs are bad for your mental health, and I couldn&#8217;t find a single entry.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Dogs are loyal. They give you purpose, reduce stress and anxiety, improve your social life, provide endless love, and enhance your physical wellbeing. They can even be trained and recognized as official\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/usserviceanimals.org\/blog\/therapy-dog\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">therapy dogs<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>If you get a dog, get ready for endless love. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>If you already own one, take a knee, scratch their ears, and thank them for it. Chances are, they\u2019ll let you.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><em>What are other mental health benefits does your tod bring to the table? Leave your answer in the comments below!<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<section class=\"wp-block-uagb-section uagb-section__wrap uagb-section__background-color uagb-block-540ad93d\"><div class=\"uagb-section__overlay\"><\/div><div class=\"uagb-section__inner-wrap\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-uagb-call-to-action uagb-block-73105e3b wp-block-button\"><div class=\"uagb-cta__wrap\"><h5 class=\"uagb-cta__title\">Private Practice  with No Overhead and No Shortage of Clients.<br><\/h5><p class=\"uagb-cta__desc\">Join\u00a0the more than 34,000 full and part-time therapists who are earning more with BetterHelp! Supplement your income, or build your own practice from scratch. Bonuses &amp; Incentives for High Performers! <strong>Sponsored Advertisement<\/strong><\/p><\/div><div class=\"uagb-cta__buttons\"><a href=\"https:\/\/hasofferstracking.betterhelp.com\/aff_c?offer_id=20&amp;aff_id=1614\" class=\"uagb-cta__button-link-wrapper wp-block-button__link\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Join BetterHelp<\/a><\/div><\/div>\n<\/div><\/section>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"References\"><\/span>References<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul><li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.simplypsychology.org\/maslow.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Maslow&#8217;s Hierarchy of Needs<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.health.harvard.edu\/blog\/pets-can-help-their-humans-create-friendships-find-social-support-201505067981\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Pets can help their humans create friendships, find social support &#8211; Harvard Health Blog<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/pmc\/articles\/PMC5645535\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Oxytocin and Cortisol Levels in Dog Owners and Their Dogs Are Associated with Behavioral Patterns: An Exploratory Study<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/pmc\/articles\/PMC5693989\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Dog ownership and the risk of cardiovascular disease and death \u2013 a nationwide cohort study<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/pmc\/articles\/PMC6826684\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Paws for Thought: A Controlled Study Investigating the Benefits of Interacting with a House-Trained Dog on University Students Mood and Anxiety<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"https:\/\/habri.org\/blog\/mental-health-month-shareable-infographic-on-the-mental-health-benefits-of-pets\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Shareable Infographic: Top 5 Mental Health Benefits Of Pets | HABRI<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"https:\/\/sabeconomics.org\/wordpress\/wp-content\/uploads\/JBEP-4-S2-3.pdf\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Pets, touch, and COVID-19: health benefits from non-human touch through times of stress<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/pmc\/articles\/PMC3408111\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Psychosocial and Psychophysiological Effects of Human-Animal Interactions: The Possible Role of Oxytocin<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.active.com\/fitness\/articles\/are-dog-owners-healthier-people\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Are Dog Owners Healthier People?<\/a><\/li><\/ul>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>The mental health benefits of dogs are clear. Owning a dog helps you better regulate your emotions, improves your social life, and gives you purpose.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":3,"featured_media":36989,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_uag_custom_page_level_css":"","ub_ctt_via":"","_lmt_disableupdate":"no","_lmt_disable":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[16],"tags":[798,760,972,28,358,874],"featured_image_src":"https:\/\/www.blunt-therapy.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/5-Amazing-Mental-Health-Benefits-of-Dogs-Backed-By-Science.jpg","author_info":{"display_name":"Randy Withers, LCMHC","author_link":"https:\/\/www.blunt-therapy.com\/author\/randy-withers\/"},"modified_by":"Randy Withers, LCMHC","uagb_featured_image_src":{"full":["https:\/\/www.blunt-therapy.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/5-Amazing-Mental-Health-Benefits-of-Dogs-Backed-By-Science.jpg",800,450,false],"thumbnail":["https:\/\/www.blunt-therapy.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/5-Amazing-Mental-Health-Benefits-of-Dogs-Backed-By-Science-150x84.jpg",150,84,true],"medium":["https:\/\/www.blunt-therapy.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/5-Amazing-Mental-Health-Benefits-of-Dogs-Backed-By-Science-200x113.jpg",200,113,true],"medium_large":["https:\/\/www.blunt-therapy.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/5-Amazing-Mental-Health-Benefits-of-Dogs-Backed-By-Science-768x432.jpg",768,432,true],"large":["https:\/\/www.blunt-therapy.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/5-Amazing-Mental-Health-Benefits-of-Dogs-Backed-By-Science-400x225.jpg",400,225,true],"1536x1536":["https:\/\/www.blunt-therapy.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/5-Amazing-Mental-Health-Benefits-of-Dogs-Backed-By-Science.jpg",800,450,false],"2048x2048":["https:\/\/www.blunt-therapy.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/5-Amazing-Mental-Health-Benefits-of-Dogs-Backed-By-Science.jpg",800,450,false],"tiny":["https:\/\/www.blunt-therapy.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/5-Amazing-Mental-Health-Benefits-of-Dogs-Backed-By-Science.jpg",60,34,false],"thumbnail-medium":["https:\/\/www.blunt-therapy.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/5-Amazing-Mental-Health-Benefits-of-Dogs-Backed-By-Science.jpg",480,270,false],"thumbnail-square":["https:\/\/www.blunt-therapy.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/5-Amazing-Mental-Health-Benefits-of-Dogs-Backed-By-Science.jpg",480,270,false],"thumbnail-portrait":["https:\/\/www.blunt-therapy.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/5-Amazing-Mental-Health-Benefits-of-Dogs-Backed-By-Science.jpg",480,270,false],"thumbnail-large":["https:\/\/www.blunt-therapy.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/5-Amazing-Mental-Health-Benefits-of-Dogs-Backed-By-Science.jpg",720,405,false]},"uagb_author_info":{"display_name":"Randy Withers, LCMHC","author_link":"https:\/\/www.blunt-therapy.com\/author\/randy-withers\/"},"uagb_comment_info":1,"uagb_excerpt":"The mental health benefits of dogs are clear. Owning a dog helps you better regulate your emotions, improves your social life, and gives you purpose.","_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.blunt-therapy.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/36975"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.blunt-therapy.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.blunt-therapy.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.blunt-therapy.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/3"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.blunt-therapy.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=36975"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.blunt-therapy.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/36975\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.blunt-therapy.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/36989"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.blunt-therapy.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=36975"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.blunt-therapy.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=36975"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.blunt-therapy.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=36975"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}