Celebrating Dog's Impact on Mental Health

October is a special time in Australia, as we shine a spotlight on mental wellness during Mental Health Month. While we celebrate the amazing work of mental health professionals, support services, and community initiatives, we want to give a special shout-out to some of the most dedicated, furry therapists we know: dogs.

For anyone who has ever been greeted by a happy wagging tail at the end of a long day, you already know the magic. But what you might not know is the incredible, scientifically backed role that dogs play in our mental well-being. This month, let's celebrate the unconditional love and support our canine companions provide.

The Science of a Snuggle: How Dogs Help Your Mental Health

It’s more than just a good feeling—the human-animal bond has tangible benefits for our brains and bodies. When you interact with a dog, a few remarkable things happen:

• Stress Reduction: The simple act of patting a dog has been shown to lower cortisol, the primary stress hormone. At the same time, it can increase the production of oxytocin, also known as the "love hormone," which promotes feelings of relaxation and trust. The National Institutes of Health (NIH) has reported that this interaction can also lower blood pressure, providing a physiological calm.

• A Reason to Get Up and Go: Dogs thrive on routine, which can be a lifesaver for people struggling with motivation. The need to feed, walk, and care for a pet provides a sense of purpose and structure, encouraging a healthy daily rhythm. A study by the American Heart Association has endorsed dog ownership as a way to ward off cardiovascular disease, partly because dog owners are more likely to get the recommended amount of physical activity.

• The Ultimate Social Butterfly: A dog is a great ice-breaker!! Taking your pup to the park or for a walk is a great way to meet new people and connect with your community. Research published in the journal Applied Developmental Science found that dog owners are more likely to interact with strangers, helping to reduce feelings of loneliness and isolation.

• Happy and healthy mind: A study done in 2021 demonstrated that interactions between humans and dogs yield observable benefits. These interactions not only promote physical health by encouraging regular activity and reducing the risk of cardiovascular disease, but they also have a positive impact on mental health issues such as depression, ADHD, dementia, and PTSD.

From Companion to Co-Pilot: Dogs in Mental Health Support

The role of dogs in mental health goes far beyond general pet ownership. In Australia, specially trained dogs are making a significant impact:

• Therapy Dogs: These gentle canines, along with their handlers, visit hospitals, aged care facilities, schools, and even workplaces. Their purpose is to provide comfort, reduce stress, and bring a moment of joy to people who may be in difficult circumstances. Organisations like Delta Therapy Dogs are at the forefront of this amazing work.

• Psychiatric Assistance Dogs: These are highly trained service animals that support individuals with mental health conditions like PTSD, anxiety, or depression. A systematic review published in BMC Psychiatry found that companion animals can help people manage long-term mental health problems by providing a sense of routine, purpose, and security. These animals can be trained to perform specific tasks, such as waking their owner from a night terror, providing a sense of grounding during a panic attack, or reminding them to take medication.

Ready to Welcome a New Friend?

If you're considering bringing a dog into your life, remember that it's a big commitment. It's important to be ready for the responsibility of their care and training.

And if you’re not quite ready, that’s okay! There are plenty of other ways to hang out with and enjoy dogs, such as volunteering to walk and play with dogs at a local shelter.

• Adopt, Don't Shop: There are thousands of wonderful dogs in Australian shelters waiting for their forever home. Talk to local rescue organisations like the RSPCA or smaller, breed-specific rescues.

• Consider an Older Dog over a puppy: Puppies are adorable, but require a lot of time and training. Older dogs often come with a calm temperament and are already housetrained, making them a great option for many lifestyles.

• Talk to a Professional: Before adopting, consider speaking with your doctor or a mental health professional to ensure that a pet is the right step for your well-being journey.

This Mental Health Month, let's take a moment to appreciate the furry friends who support us through thick and thin. Their simple presence reminds us of the power of connection, the importance of a good walk, and the profound comfort of unconditional love. They aren't just pets; they're family, and they play a vital role in Australia's mental health support network.

References

1. NIH News in Health. (2018, February). The Power of Pets: Health Benefits of Human-Animal Interactions. https://newsinhealth.nih.gov/2018/02/power-pets

2. Johns Hopkins Medicine. (n.d.). The Friend Who Keeps You Young. https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/wellness-and-prevention/the-friend-who-keeps-you-young

3. Hussein, S. M., Soliman, W. S., & Khalifa, A. A. (2021). Benefits of pets’ ownership, a review based on health perspectives. Journal of internal medicine and emergency research, 2(1), 1-9. https://www.academia.edu/download/73862380/JIMER_2_1_020.pdf

4. Brooks, H. L., et al. (2018). The power of support from companion animals for people living with mental health problems: a systematic review and narrative synthesis of the evidence. BMC Psychiatry, 18(1), 31. https://bmcpsychiatry.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s12888-018-1613-2