Introduction
Mental health issues like depression are increasingly common, especially since the Covid-19 pandemic began. Many people are looking for ways to improve their mood and boost their mental wellbeing. Getting a pet dog is one option some people consider to help combat feelings of depression and loneliness. But will getting a dog actually help alleviate symptoms of depression? There are some key factors to consider.
The Science Behind Dogs and Depression
Research has shown that bonding with dogs can release oxytocin, a hormone associated with pair bonding and social interactions. Oxytocin is sometimes referred to as the “love hormone” or “cuddle chemical” because it is released when people bond socially. Studies have found that when owners interact with their dogs through petting, playing, or other positive engagement, both the human’s and dog’s oxytocin levels increase (https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5645535/).
Higher oxytocin levels from dog bonding may provide mood-lifting effects that could alleviate depression symptoms. One study found that levels of cortisol, a hormone related to stress, decreased in both dogs and their owners during positive interactions. The researchers concluded that dog ownership helps reduce stress and provides social support that benefits mental health (https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6826447/).
Companionship
Companionship is one of the main ways dogs can help with depression. Dogs provide unconditional love and emotional support that can help relieve feelings of isolation and loneliness (Caring for a Dog Provides Companionship). Simply petting a dog can elevate levels of serotonin and dopamine, which calm and relax the mind (The Power of Companion Animals). Dogs are always excited to see you which makes you feel valued and needed. Having a loving companion that is dependable and loyal can make a huge difference for those suffering from depression.
Responsibility
Having the responsibility of caring for a dog can help fight feelings of helplessness and lack of motivation associated with depression. Knowing that the dog is dependent on you to provide food, exercise, affection, and healthcare can give a sense of purpose. This is backed up by a study that found dog owners have increased feelings of self-worth and purpose compared to non-dog owners (Responsibility & Connection: How Pets Can Support Mental Health).
The daily responsibilities of owning a dog such as feeding, walking, grooming, and playing help establish a routine. Having structure is important for mental health. As one article states, “Caring for your pet gives you little choice but to get up each morning, fulfill their needs, and establish a daily routine” (The Health and Mood-Boosting Benefits of Pets).
Exercise
One of the biggest benefits of having a dog is that it gets you exercising more. Dogs require regular walks and exercise, which means the owner needs to take them out every day for walks, runs, or playing fetch. This regular physical activity has been shown to reduce symptoms of depression and anxiety.
According to the AKC, exercise releases endorphins which are “feel good” chemicals in the brain that act as a natural anti-depressant (AKC, 2023). The physical act of walking or running with your dog helps improve mood almost immediately. Exercise also reduces overall stress levels. In a study by K9 Top Coat, over half of dog owners surveyed said their dog motivates them to exercise more, and 73% said their dog helps reduce their stress. Daily dog walking provides mental health benefits by incorporating physical activity into a routine.
Routine
One of the most helpful aspects of dog ownership for depression is the routine and structure caring for a dog can provide. Unlike people, dogs have predictable needs and require consistency in their daily schedules. Having another living being rely on you to provide essentials like food, water, exercise and affection at regular times imparts a sense of purpose. It forces someone suffering from depression to get up and moving every day, which alone can improve mood.
As creatures of habit, dogs thrive on regular walking, feeding, training, and playtime. Taking a dog out first thing in the morning energizes you for the day ahead. Feeding them at the same times keeps your own eating schedule consistent. Bringing them to obedience training or the dog park offers recurring social time. Simply having another heartbeat in the home can motivate you to stick to a routine instead of isolating all day. The American Psychological Association notes that dogs promote healthy habits which are beneficial for depression.
Social Interaction
Taking a dog for walks frequently leads to more social interaction, which can have mental health benefits. When walking a dog, you are more likely to encounter and engage with other people. A study by Discovery Mood found that walking a dog leads to increased social contact, conversations and connections. This social interaction releases oxytocin, also known as the “love hormone”, which can relieve anxiety and improve mood.
Research from Johns Hopkins Medicine also showed that the social interaction between people and their dogs increases oxytocin levels and decreases cortisol, the stress hormone. The companionship of a dog motivates people to go outside and be around others, leading to positive social experiences. Taking your dog on regular walks creates opportunities to meet neighbors, join a community dog walking group, or simply chat with other dog owners. This increased social connection and oxytocin release from dog walking is beneficial for mental health.
Mood Lifting
Dogs can provide immense joy and lift your mood through playtime and affection. Numerous studies have found that interacting with dogs leads to a boost in the neurotransmitters serotonin and dopamine, which are associated with pleasure and mood regulation (source). The act of petting a dog can lower stress hormones like cortisol and increase oxytocin, the “love hormone.”
In one study, interacting with a therapy dog for just 5-24 minutes resulted in significant declines in anxiety and improvements in mood compared to watching a funny dog video (source). Dogs make ideal companions for play, which can be an effective way to alleviate depression symptoms. Simply playing fetch or going on walks with your pup can get you moving and smiling. The unconditional affection from a dog provides constant mood-boosting benefits.
Considerations
Getting a dog can help with depression, but it’s important to consider the costs, time commitment, and training required before making the decision to get one. Some key considerations include:
Costs – Owning a dog can be expensive. Upfront costs include adoption fees, initial supplies like a crate, leash, etc., and potential medical expenses like vaccines and spay/neuter surgery. Ongoing costs include food, toys, medical care, grooming, boarding if you travel, and more. Make sure you can afford these expenses before getting a dog.
Time – Dogs require significant time every day for walks, play, training, and care. Are you able to commit to providing your dog with the exercise, attention, and interaction they need on a daily basis? Having a routine helps dogs feel secure. Hiring a dog walker or sitter can help on busy days.
Training – While some basic training may be included with adoption, owners usually need to invest substantial time into ongoing training and socialization. This takes dedication but pays off in having a well-behaved companion. Consider signing up for a training class. Proper training will make having a dog with depression easier.
While dogs can be wonderful friends and motivators, make sure you fully consider the responsibility involved before getting one. An ill-prepared owner can result in a stressful situation for both dog and human.
Conclusion
There are some clear potential pros and cons when getting a dog to help with depression. On the pro side, dogs provide companionship and unconditional love, which can help boost mood and ward off loneliness. Taking care of a dog also provides a sense of purpose and responsibility which can motivate someone with depression to get up and active. Regularly walking and playing with a dog ensures exercise and interaction with other people, both of which counteract isolation. Having a pet can add more routine and structure too, which helps combat the aimlessness of depression.
However, there are also notable cons to consider. Owning a dog is a major responsibility, especially for someone already struggling with low motivation and energy due to depression. The costs of food, medical care, grooming and other expenses add up too. House training and behavior issues can be frustrating to handle while depressed. There is always the chance of losing the pet eventually, which could worsen the depression. And dogs require daily care and attention – they cannot be ignored even on difficult days.
Overall, dogs have significant potential to help with depression in multiple ways. But the responsibilities and demands of pet ownership should be carefully weighed first. For someone with mild to moderate depression willing to commit to the dog’s needs, getting a canine companion could have profound mood-boosting benefits.