Dogs have been humans' best friends for thousands of years and for good reason. Not only do they provide unconditional love and companionship, but they also have a positive impact on our mental wellbeing.
We wanted to further explore the many ways in which our canine companions can support our mental health, from reducing stress and anxiety to improving our sense of social connectedness.
We polled 1,500 British dog owners to find out how their canine companions have affected their mental wellbeing, and we also sought out expert insights on why bonds with our pup pals can benefit our overall wellbeing, from decreasing anxiety to getting us out and about. So, grab your furry friend and let’s dive in!
How have dogs impacted Brits' mental health and wellbeing?
Over 83% of our survey respondents claimed that having a dog has greatly positively impacted their mental wellbeing, while 81% also said that their dogs helped to alleviate their stress and anxiety a lot or slightly. In a previous experiment, owners' heart rates slowed down by 22% when cuddling their dogs, demonstrating just how good our canine pals are at making us feel calm.
Over 80% of Brits feel that their dog has helped them to cope with difficult situations, by making them feel safer and more confident. 18 to 24-year-olds were the group most likely to feel as though their dog had helped them to feel safer and more confident in a difficult situation, an interesting statistic as many of this age group came into adulthood during the pandemic, so are likely to be less familiar with social situations.
A whopping 88% also claim that having a dog has greatly or somewhat improved their physical health and activity. All age groups over 33 significantly agreed that owning a dog had improved their physical activity and health, encouraging them to get outdoors every day and exercise with their pets.
What are the benefits of owning a dog?
For more insights into the significance of owning a dog can have on your mental wellbeing, we reached out to Liz Ritchie, Integrative Psychotherapist from St Andrew’s Healthcare, who was able to fill us in on how our furry friends are actually great for our mental health:
- Dogs provide emotional support and companionship, and engaging in outdoor activities with them can be a source of fun and relaxation for both owner and pet.
- Dog walking can lead to new friendships and has therapeutic value, with petting or stroking a dog shown to lower blood pressure and relieve stress and anxiety.
- Engaging in physical activities with a dog can improve mental and physical health, with the release of endorphins and dopamine improving mood and happiness.
- Having a dog can provide social connectedness and a sense of identity and belonging, with improved social connections and access to the wider community playing a role in mental health and wellbeing.
- Dogs improve our happiness by loving and accepting us without judgement, getting us moving and providing emotional support, ultimately encouraging us to be reliable and trustworthy human beings.
Treat your dog to a pet-friendly break
Our furry friends are not only cute and cuddly, but they also play an important role in supporting our mental health. Whether it's the emotional support they offer or the physical activities they encourage us to engage in, dogs are truly our best companions.
If you're thinking about taking a well-deserved break with your pet in the UK, be sure to check out our collections of dog-friendly cottages including those with enclosed gardens, are near a beach or are big enough to accommodate the whole family. Don’t forget to check out our blog for tips and inspiration while you’re away too. With plenty of dog-friendly places to stay and explore, you and your four-legged friend are sure to have a tail-wagging time!
Disclaimer: Whilst every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the information at the time of writing,
please ensure you check carefully before making any decisions based on the contents within this article.