Do you know how many studies have been conducted on the relationship between dogs and humans?
Ten? Two hundred? Five Thousand?
Truth be told, we have no idea! All we know is that when you search online, you’ll literally find hundreds of studies and research articles that relate to this topic. And rather than asking what the results of the studies show, we might ask: Why all this research on humans and their animal friends?
I think we have the answer to that. We’re utterly enchanted by dogs, and intrigued by our relationships with them.
Oh, We Go Way Back
The relationship between dogs and humans spans back thousands of years – as far back as 11,000 years ago. DNA testing shows that dogs are human’s oldest and closest animal partners.
But despite literally decades of research, we don’t really know exactly why or how domestication of dogs happened. All we do know, is that the strong bonds forged between dogs and humans has not only endured – but has grown stronger with time. Dogs, indeed, are our most trusted constant companions.
As you may know, the 10th of October was World Mental Health Day, and in South Africa, we dedicate the entire month of October to Mental Health Awareness. We wanted to remind you of just some of the ways that our oldest companions help our mental health.
Constant Companions, Constant Comfort
Pets provide comfort, alleviate worry, and ease feelings of isolation and loneliness.
One research article on The Power of Support from Companion Animals for People living with Mental Health Problems showed that pets benefit people who struggle with mental health conditions, citing that 15 of the 17 studies examined, reported positive aspects of pet ownership for people experiencing mental health problems.”
Evidence shows the benefits of dogs as companions for military veterans who suffer with PTSD. Dogs helped these PTSD sufferers by reducing worry, irritability and depression, while at the same time boosting feelings of calmness and overall mood.
Cellular Super-chargers
We know that when humans and animals cuddle and interact positively, both release oxytocin – the “love hormone. “Oxytocin helps us regulate our emotions – which not only improves our own mental health, but can also strengthen our social bonds. Oxytocin is known to reduce stress levels and anxiety. It promotes a sense of well-being by boosting feelings of happiness and connectedness.
Health Enhancers
There’s a correlation between dogs and improved overall health of their owners. Pets tend to have a calming effect on their owners, which in turn lowers stress levels, lowers blood pressure and improves heart health.
Our pets make us laugh, which we know relieves stress. Laughter helps us physically by lowering our blood pressure, reducing stress hormones, boosting our immune systems, stimulating our organs, and relaxing our muscles. Laughter also helps our mental health by increasing endorphins, strengthening relationships, improving our mood, and providing a distraction from our worries and cares.
Pets tend to get us out-and-about – which is good for both our mental and physical health. A mindful walk not only gets our blood pumping, it clears the cobwebs from our mind and recalibrates the cogs.
Catalysts for Connection
Even before Covid19, reports of loneliness – which in turn leads to depression – had reached unprecedented levels of epidemic proportions.
Animals have proved to be great catalysts for creating connections between people. From simple smiles to friendly conversation, our fur friends are the ultimate ice-breakers.
Because pets encourage us to take walks, we expose ourselves to micro-social interactions, which are good for our mental health and overall sense of well-being.
We know we’re not alone when we say a heartfelt THANK YOU to all the animals in our lives. You not only foster mental fortitude, you also bring us so much joy and meaning and save us from loneliness.
Pets and Mental Health
Do you know how many studies have been conducted on the relationship between dogs and humans?
Ten? Two hundred? Five Thousand?
Truth be told, we have no idea! All we know is that when you search online, you’ll literally find hundreds of studies and research articles that relate to this topic. And rather than asking what the results of the studies show, we might ask: Why all this research on humans and their animal friends?
I think we have the answer to that. We’re utterly enchanted by dogs, and intrigued by our relationships with them.
Oh, We Go Way Back
The relationship between dogs and humans spans back thousands of years – as far back as 11,000 years ago. DNA testing shows that dogs are human’s oldest and closest animal partners.
But despite literally decades of research, we don’t really know exactly why or how domestication of dogs happened. All we do know, is that the strong bonds forged between dogs and humans has not only endured – but has grown stronger with time. Dogs, indeed, are our most trusted constant companions.
As you may know, the 10th of October was World Mental Health Day, and in South Africa, we dedicate the entire month of October to Mental Health Awareness. We wanted to remind you of just some of the ways that our oldest companions help our mental health.
Constant Companions, Constant Comfort
Pets provide comfort, alleviate worry, and ease feelings of isolation and loneliness.
One research article on The Power of Support from Companion Animals for People living with Mental Health Problems showed that pets benefit people who struggle with mental health conditions, citing that 15 of the 17 studies examined, reported positive aspects of pet ownership for people experiencing mental health problems.”
Evidence shows the benefits of dogs as companions for military veterans who suffer with PTSD. Dogs helped these PTSD sufferers by reducing worry, irritability and depression, while at the same time boosting feelings of calmness and overall mood.
Cellular Super-chargers
We know that when humans and animals cuddle and interact positively, both release oxytocin – the “love hormone. “Oxytocin helps us regulate our emotions – which not only improves our own mental health, but can also strengthen our social bonds. Oxytocin is known to reduce stress levels and anxiety. It promotes a sense of well-being by boosting feelings of happiness and connectedness.
Health Enhancers
There’s a correlation between dogs and improved overall health of their owners. Pets tend to have a calming effect on their owners, which in turn lowers stress levels, lowers blood pressure and improves heart health.
Our pets make us laugh, which we know relieves stress. Laughter helps us physically by lowering our blood pressure, reducing stress hormones, boosting our immune systems, stimulating our organs, and relaxing our muscles. Laughter also helps our mental health by increasing endorphins, strengthening relationships, improving our mood, and providing a distraction from our worries and cares.
Pets tend to get us out-and-about – which is good for both our mental and physical health. A mindful walk not only gets our blood pumping, it clears the cobwebs from our mind and recalibrates the cogs.
Catalysts for Connection
Even before Covid19, reports of loneliness – which in turn leads to depression – had reached unprecedented levels of epidemic proportions.
Animals have proved to be great catalysts for creating connections between people. From simple smiles to friendly conversation, our fur friends are the ultimate ice-breakers.
Because pets encourage us to take walks, we expose ourselves to micro-social interactions, which are good for our mental health and overall sense of well-being.
We know we’re not alone when we say a heartfelt THANK YOU to all the animals in our lives. You not only foster mental fortitude, you also bring us so much joy and meaning and save us from loneliness.
https://www.science.org/content/article/how-dogs-tracked-their-humans-across-ancient-world
https://www.health.harvard.edu/staying-healthy/having-a-dog-can-help-your-heart–literally
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3408111/
https://www.psycom.net/oxytocin
https://www.theguardian.com/lifeandstyle/2019/jul/28/its-a-superpower-how-walking-makes-us-healthier-happier-and-brainier
https://www.usa.edu/blog/how-laughter-can-relieve-stress/
https://edition.cnn.com/2020/04/17/health/loneliness-epidemic-coronavirus-healing-wellness/index.html
Image attribution: https://www.rawpixel.com/image/80866/premium-photo-image-pet-kids-dog-happy