Every year, over 40 million adults in the United States aged 18 and older are affected by anxiety or depression disorders, making up over 18% of the population. However, there are various ways to fight back against these illnesses, and one of the most effective ways is through our pets. Studies have shown that owning a dog can significantly combat the symptoms and consequences of depression, reducing stress, anxiety, and loneliness, while improving cardiovascular health. Dogs have evolved alongside humans for hundreds of years, making them extremely attuned to our behavior and emotions. They can sense when we’re sad, depressed, or even crying, and will often respond by whining, offering hugs, or matching our uncomfortable state. Dogs can also be trained as emotional support animals to respond to anxiety and depression with specific actions. While dogs can help with depression, it’s important to pair owning a pet with therapy, medication, and other depression-relieving tactics.
Body Language
When your dog knows you’re sad, they may display signs such as being alert, whining, guarding, listening, cowering, dropping their ears, and pacing. Other signs that your dog knows you are depressed include cuddling, crying with you, acting forlorn, and giving slobbery kisses.
The History of Dogs Emotionally Helping Humans
The therapeutic use of dogs can be traced back to ancient Egypt, where people believed that a dog’s lick could heal sores or lesions. Throughout history, dogs have been brought into places like hospitals and nursing homes to calm residents and ease despair. Florence Nightingale, a famous civil war nurse, recognized the benefits of small pets for the sick in 1880. Dogs offer more than just companionship; they can make us emotionally stable and better individuals.
The Science Behind Dogs Helping With Depression
Owning a dog helps with anxiety and depression in five ways. First, dogs provide unconditional love and affection, releasing oxytocin, our feel-good hormone. They remind us that we are not alone and that we are loved. Second, dogs alter our behavior by distracting us from depressive thoughts and forcing us to show love and attention to our furry friends. Third, owning a dog requires exercise, which reduces stress and the symptoms of depression. Fourth, the structure and responsibility of owning a dog promote mental health and provide a sense of purpose. Finally, dogs facilitate social interaction by being adorable conversation starters, leading to new friendships and relationships, which act as an antidote to depression.
“Owning a dog: a furry friend that fights depression with love and wagging tails.”
Tips & Things to Know
1️⃣ Owning a dog can significantly combat the symptoms and consequences of depression and anxiety. Dogs provide unconditional love and affection, alter our behavior, encourage exercise, provide structure and responsibility, and promote social interaction, all of which can help improve mental health.
2️⃣ Dogs are highly attuned to our emotions and can sense when we are sad or depressed. They may display signs of empathy such as whining, cuddling, pacing, or offering slobbery kisses. Their presence can provide comfort and support during difficult times.
3️⃣ While dogs can be a valuable support system, it’s important to remember that they cannot completely solve our depression or anxiety issues. Pairing owning a pet with therapy, medication, and other depression-relieving tactics can help in coping with symptoms and managing mental health effectively.
Frequently Asked Questions, Answered ✅
1. How can owning a dog help combat the symptoms and consequences of depression?
– Owning a dog can reduce stress, anxiety, and depression, ease loneliness, encourage exercise and playfulness, and improve cardiovascular health.
2. How do dogs show empathy towards their owner’s emotions?
– Dogs may approach their owner with their tail tucked between their legs and bowed heads, and may respond with kisses or cuddling.
3. Can dogs completely solve depression or anxiety issues?
– While dogs can help with depression, they should be paired with therapy, medication, and other depression-relieving tactics for effective coping.
4. What are some signs that dogs display when they know their owner is sad?
– Some signs include alertness, whining, guarding, listening, cowering, ears dropping, and pacing.
5. What are the ways in which dogs help with the symptoms of anxiety and depression?
– Dogs provide unconditional love and affection, alter behavior by distracting from depressive thoughts, encourage exercise, provide structure and responsibility, and facilitate social interaction.
