Walkies! Why having a dog is good for your wellbeing
Anyone that’s spent time in the company of a puppy or a dog will tell you that it’s a joyful experience. But did you know that dog ownership has some surprising and very real benefits for both mental and physical health?
If you’re a dog owner, you’ll understand that feeling. That feeling you get from your four-legged friend is like no other - one of utter love and loyalty. Those puppy dog eyes, hopeless devotion and wagging tail tell you you’re the most important person in their entire world. Nothing else matters to them, as long as they’re with you.
I have a six-year-old apricot cockapoo called Ted. (He’s also called Teddy, Teddy Bear, Pup, Puppy, Puppa and Croissant Boy because of his remarkable likeness to a croissant when he’s curled up asleep, although I guess croissants don’t snore or pass wind.) He brings me joy every day, and if you have a dog, you’ll understand that joy, even if it’s raining and it’s time for walkies.
If you don’t have a dog and you’re considering getting one, you may be surprised to learn that doing so doesn’t just have emotional benefits. Owning a companion animal, especially a dog, has far-reaching benefits for human health and wellness.
The physical benefits of having a dog
Studies have found that owning a dog is linked with living longer. It’s thought that this is due to the benefits of the increased activity that comes from taking our pets for a walk and dogs in particular providing us with a stronger sense of support.
A Swedish study found that heart attack patients are more likely to live longer after their heart attack if they own a dog than if they didn’t. A similar Canadian study found that overall, people with pet dogs were less likely to have died in the decade that the study was conducted.
The authors of the studies attributed this physical health benefit to several factors, not least because dogs need walks, and physical exercise lowers our risk of having heart attacks and strokes, and from dying due to them if we do. Studies also conclude that those with dogs have a better attitude towards stress and have a more robust microbiome (the collection of trillions of good bacteria that live in our guts) that helps to support a healthier immune system.
The emotional benefits of dog ownership
Dogs also provide company, which is especially beneficial for the elderly or those who live alone. Loneliness and mental health conditions such as depression and anxiety often go hand in hand. Studies have repeatedly shown that owning a dog helps to ease feelings of loneliness. Further studies show that dogs and other pets have a calming presence and help to reduce the burden of negative thoughts that is common in people with depression. Spending just a few minutes cuddling a dog can reduce the stress hormone cortisol, and replace it with the feel-good hormones, serotonin and dopamine.
The comfort that humans get from having a canine companion is immeasurable, but dogs also provide purpose and motivation. Having something to care for makes us feel wanted and that look of excitement at the word “walkies” motivates us to get outside into the great outdoors. Being outside, getting physical exercise is empowering – the fitter we are, the less likely we are to succumb to physical ailments. But on top of that, being fit and well means we’re more independent and less likely to suffer the mental ill effects of being physically unwell.
Walking our dogs also bolsters our social skills, and provides a sense of community. You only need to stop a person in the street who’s walking their dog to realise how a shared sense of appreciation for a dog can spark a conversation. Socialisation and belonging aside, walking the dog allows us to explore our local areas in ways we might not if we didn’t have a pet. Simply being in nature boosts our mental health by reducing feelings of stress and anger, improving our mood and making us feel more relaxed. How often have you felt better by taking time out to go for a walk and getting some fresh air?
On a personal level, I’ve made good friends from walking Ted around my estate, and have things in common with a broader range of people I ever thought possible. (On a side note, I urge you to read People Who Like Dogs Like People Who Like Dogs by Nick Duerden, it’s beautiful.)
Of course, there’s also the pure delight and humour that dogs give too, as they go about their day - from finding something new and curious to have a good sniff of to the excitement of you coming home as if you were never going to return (and repeat, every single time you return home). They’re always so completely engaged in whatever’s happening in their world at that moment, that they can also teach us a lot about being present and mindful in our own lives.
Choosing the right dog
Owning any pet is a responsibility, and having a dog means looking after their welfare as much as they help yours.
Choosing which dog to own needs considerable thought to your lifestyle and living arrangements; what type of breed will suit you, your family, lifestyle, circumstances or home best, how much time do you have to devote to a dog’s needs, what type of nature will suit you best - shy, calm, confident, energetic?
Think too, about where to get your dog from. Buying from a breeder means having a puppy that you can teach good habits to, but will the training stage be too difficult? On the other hand, will a rescue dog with a troubled past be too challenging?
Also consider the financial aspect, on a broader level than simply food, vet bills and insurance (that can really add up). Who will look after your dog when you’re away? Do you have a trustworthy neighbour or relative? Is there a nearby kennel with good reviews? If you’re at work all day, will you need to employ the services of a nearby dog walker?
But once we decide, we humans have a lot to thank our canine pets for. Giving a loving home to a furry companion and getting love and dedication in return is the ultimate in feel-good!
