It's Yellow September, a month dedicated to raising awareness about mental health, and what better time to talk about how our dogs can make a difference? Life can be tough, but dogs have an incredible way of lifting our spirits. Whether you're feeling stressed, lonely, or just need a little extra joy, having a dog around can work wonders for your mental well-being.

Why Having a Dog is Good for Your Mental Health

With all the challenges and fast pace of modern life, taking care of our mental health is more crucial than ever. Around 10% of the global population is diagnosed with a mental illness, not to mention the many others who might be struggling in silence. But here's some positive news: studies have shown that having a dog can significantly improve mental health. Here are some ways dogs can help us feel our best:

Dogs for mental health provide a sense of purpose 

Having a dog is a commitment, but it also provides a sense of purpose and responsibility to owners, their partners, and even their kids. Caring for a dog can make you feel needed and wanted. It can help bring joy, meaning, and a sense of self-worth into your life. 

The need to care for another being provides a reason to get up everyday, especially for elderly adults. In fact, studies have shown that people are at their happiest and live longer when they feel their lives have purpose. 

Dogs encourage socialization

When going out for a walk with your four-legged friend, how many times does Fido sniff another dog or get sniffed by another dog? These sniff sessions make for the paw-fect ice-breakers, making it easier to start conversations with the human on the other end of the leash.

Taking your dog for a walk can lead to increased opportunities for socializing, creating friendships, and finding social support, which provides a sense of belonging that is key to our emotional well-being and overall mental health.

In a study of people in wheelchairs, those with a service dog had more conversations and received more smiles from people than those without a dog. Able-bodied people often “exhibit behaviors that show them to be socially uncomfortable upon encountering a physically disabled stranger,”  but the findings from the study found that service dogs greatly “reduced the tendency of the able-bodied people to ignore or avoid the disabled person.” The overall results of the study suggest that dogs are not only beneficial in work tasks, but they have a huge role in enhancing social interactions, as well.

Dogs add structure to your day

Having a routine encourages healthy habits, keeps you calm, and reduces stress levels. Dogs require a regular schedule for feeding, exercise, eating, and sleeping. Providing a consistent routine helps both you and your furry friend stay balanced. 

Regardless of your mood, one nudge or pitiful look from your pup and you’ll have to get out of bed to feed them, exercise, and take care of them. Keeping up with a regular schedule will only have positive effects on your mental health and that of your dog’s.

Dogs help reduce stress and anxiety 

Petting a dog has been shown to lower blood pressure and soothe people when they are anxious or stressed. Because dogs live in the present and without judgement, they can help their owners to become more mindful and calm. 

The comfort and support that dogs are able to provide impact people in a variety of ways. Victims of mass shootings have found particular support in comfort dogs. What differentiates dogs for mental health from household dogs is that they are specially trained to be calm and support people who need it. Victims have even indicated they’ve preferred petting a dog than talking to a counselor as a means of their emotional recovery process. 

Dogs decrease loneliness and depression

Among the benefits of being a pet parent is the sense of companionship and unconditional love provided by four-legged friends. Those with dogs for mental health have been shown to have a lower rate of depression than those without. 

Dogs give out unconditional love and just want to be loved in return. Every time you gaze lovingly into your dog’s eyes, their levels of oxytocin — the “love hormone” — go up, as do yours.

Dogs are more than just pets; they're loyal companions who can have a profound impact on our mental health. During Yellow September and beyond, it's worth recognizing the positive role dogs play in our lives. If you're looking for a way to add more joy and support to your life, consider adopting a dog. You'll not only gain a best friend but also a steady source of comfort and happiness.

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