Golden Retrievers, Greyhounds and Staffordshire Bull Terriers are among the top dog breeds to benefit your mental health, new research has found.
In fact: Did you know that dogs can play an integral part in your emotional well-being? Dogs can contribute to your happiness. Studies show that dogs reduce stress, anxiety and depression, ease loneliness, encourage exercise and improve your all-around health.
On this note, research shows that dogs can sense depression, and many of them even respond lovingly to their humans in an attempt to cheer them up. In the same way that we pay attention to their behavior, dogs also pay attention to our actions to determine our “energy” that day.
Studies show that dogs reduce stress, anxiety and depression; ease loneliness; encourage exercise and improve your overall health. For example, people with dogs tend to have lower blood pressure and are less likely to develop heart disease.
Studies have shown that even small interactions with dogs cause the human brain to produce oxytocin, a hormone often referred to as the “cuddle chemical.” Oxytocin increases feelings of relaxation, trust, and empathy while reducing stress and anxiety.
In a recent survey by the Human-Animal Bond Research Institute, 74% of pet owners said having a pet improved their mental health. Studies back this up and show that activities with animals help with symptoms of depression.
"Pets can be a fantastic support for people who are experiencing loneliness. Why? The single most important thing about them is that they are amazing social connectors," Sandra explained to CL. There is a wealth of research which has found that, if you go out with a pet, people are more likely to talk to you.
Any dog breed can help to sooth anxiety, but some breeds are typically better suited for the task than others. This includes breeds like Labrador retrievers, poodles, and Great Danes, among others.
Labrador Retrievers have been crowned the best dog breed for lowering human stress, a new scientific study has found.
Dogs can sense when humans are anxious
Dogs are also great observers - our facial expressions, posture, the way we move, the smells we give off, and our tone of voice, all give our dogs vast quantities of information about how we might be feeling.
Psychiatric service dogs (PSDs)
A psychiatric service dog (PSD) is a specific type of service animal trained to assist those with mental illnesses. These include post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), schizophrenia, depression, anxiety, and bipolar disorder.
Labrador Retriever
The Labrador Retriever is arguably the most empathic breed of dog, with an innate skill to know how their owners are feeling. They are gentle, friendly and eager to please.
The best small pets for people with depression are gerbils, rats, dwarf rabbits, and some lizards. These animals offer a similar emotional connection and comfort as dogs and cats. Most rodent pets provide you with intelligent, fun interactions.
Hoy-Gerlach pointed out that people with cats experienced a greater decrease in their depression scores. “This new study highlights the therapeutic potential of cat companionship for human well-being.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the company of a pet can help people who are living with depression. Animals tend to offer unlimited affection and companionship, lift spirits and lower stress. Companion animals can also counteract symptoms such as isolation, rumination and lethargy.
Look at the needs of your family, especially if you have children, older relatives, or other pets. People with allergies, or those who prefer low-shedding dogs, might want to look into hypoallergenic dog breeds, although some allergy sufferers will still have symptoms with these breeds.
With some careful choices and a little planning, you can and should have a dog at any time in your life. As it turns out, when you are not a kid any longer, that may be when you want a dog most.
Dogs provide companionship
Their affection and acceptance can decrease feelings of loneliness or isolation and can fulfil the human need to touch and care for another being. Feelings of isolation and loneliness are normal but can have long-lasting effects on your mental health.
Dogs' ability to communicate with humans is unlike any other species in the animal kingdom. They can sense our emotions, read our facial expressions, and even follow our pointing gestures.
Previous research has shown that when humans cry, their dogs also feel distress. Now, the new study finds that dogs not only feel distress when they see that their owners are sad but will also try to do something to help. The findings were published today (July 24) in the journal Learning and Behavior.
Dogs do emotional mirroring when they sense unhappiness; bowed heads with a tucked tail are examples. As much as possible, they want to act as if they're also sad. Some dogs may lick your face to wipe off tears (this is something tissues can't do!) You may also hear them whine or whimper.