What’s the Link Between Having a Dog and Levels of Happiness?
Are dog owners really more likely to be content and joyful in their lives? RSPCA explores why and how dog owners could be happier than those without dogs. (Image via: Pexels (Öffnet in neuem Fenster))
Introduction
Canines have long been touted as humans’ best friends. As pets, dogs offer companionship, affection, and joyous moments of humour and laughter. Stories of canine loyalty, love and even heroism abound around the world. As such, it’s no surprise some people consider their dogs to be therapeutic and even essential to their wellbeing.
Health and happiness go hand in hand, so what does the research suggest when it comes to having a dog as a pet and your happiness levels? These are six ways your dog can directly and indirectly support your happiness.
6 ways your dog supports your health and happiness
Studies suggest dogs can support their human owners’ wellbeing, physical and mental health, and so in turn happiness. They can also have a direct impact on our levels of joy and mood. Certainly (Öffnet in neuem Fenster), greater happiness, a sense of fulfillment, and even wealth have been associated with pet ownership.
1. Psychological and emotional benefits
Having a companion animal like a dog can boost your mental health in different ways:
Improve mental state - In particular (Öffnet in neuem Fenster), they can help relieve stress, anxiety, depression, and loneliness.
Resilience - They can help us become more resilient in the face of life’s setbacks.
Emotional support - People with mental health challenges can find it easier to deal with their symptoms with the support they have from their dogs.
Military veterans with PTSD who own dogs, for example, can experience reduced symptoms and higher self-compassion, which can support a happier, healthier state of mind. A strong connection with your dog can therefore lead to improvements in your psychological and emotional state, and in turn form the foundation for higher overall happiness in life.
2. Unconditional love and a calming presence
A significant percentage of pet owners see their pets as close companions and family members, with a strong bond of love, affection, and companionship. Your dog can improve your mood in the following ways:
Calming effect - Simply spending time with your dog could make you feel more peaceful, calmer, and happier.
Non-judgemental - Your dog never judges you and radiates “feel-good vibes” and a playful sense of humour.
Unconditional love - Your dog gives you unconditional love, and this acceptance, along with their calming presence, can be healing factors in themselves, providing a basis for greater contentment and joy in life. Indeed (Öffnet in neuem Fenster), the loving connection between dogs and their owners can, research suggests (Öffnet in neuem Fenster), increase levels of the love hormone, oxytocin, in both canines and humans.
3. Social interaction
Having a dog can also counter social isolation and loneliness in the following ways:
Icebreaker - Your dog can act as an icebreaker when you’re out walking or exercising at the park. You can find it easier to strike up a conversation with others, especially other dog owners.
Build trust between strangers - Notably (Öffnet in neuem Fenster), the presence of dogs can make owners appear more trustworthy, which can encourage people to be more sociable and community-minded.
These social connections can go a long way in elevating your mood and sense of happiness, especially if you’re feeling lonely or isolated.
4. Tactile affection
By and large (Öffnet in neuem Fenster), humans need touch and physical contact for emotional and physical health. Dogs can fulfil our need for tactile, physical affection, especially when we live alone.
Playing and cuddling - Petting, playing, and cuddling with your dog can have a soothing effect, lowering your blood pressure as you express affection. This can make you feel more loved and joyful.
Eye contact - Even simply gazing lovingly into your dog’s eyes could have a positive impact on your mood and happiness.
5. Physical health and fitness
As a dog owner, you’re likely to enjoy better physical health thanks to your dog:
Heart health - For example (Öffnet in neuem Fenster), people with companion animals tend to experience improvements in their cardiovascular health, including lower blood pressure and cholesterol.
More activity - According to (Öffnet in neuem Fenster) research, dog owners are more active than those who don’t have a dog. Your dog can keep you more active with their daily walks and exercise and play sessions.
Reduced risk of death - In fact (Öffnet in neuem Fenster), owning a dog could lower the risk of premature death by up to 33%.
6. Stronger immunity and other benefits for kids
Kids who grow up with a pet tend to develop stronger immunity and have a lower risk of developing allergies. Even exposure to dogs in the womb can lower the risk of eczema. For kids, pet ownership can encourage responsibility through caretaking chores like grooming, bathing, walking, and feeding. It can also teach kids about altruism, compassion, and empathy. It helps them learn about the grieving process and how to deal with the loss of loved ones in life in a healthy way.
For adolescents, successfully managing anxiety, higher self-esteem, and a more positive outlook on life can also be associated with growing up with pets. All of these outcomes can set the stage for a happier, healthier, and more functional adulthood.
Conclusion
Dogs and humans have shared a special bond for tens of thousands of years. From childhood to their retirement years, dog owners can find their canine companions to be one of the most enduring, loving bonds they experience in life. Owning a dog offers mental and physical health benefits, and it encourages you to be more social.
Your dog gives you unconditional love and offers a calming presence that can relieve stress and anxiety. For kids, having a dog at home can also encourage healthier physical and mental development. In all, these benefits can support greater joy, happiness, and contentment in your everyday life.
To ensure your dog enjoys a long, healthy life by your side, it’s worth considering coverage like Buddy Pet Insurance (Öffnet in neuem Fenster). From routine checkups to unexpected illnesses or injuries, having pet insurance can help you provide the best possible care without added financial stress—so you can focus on what really matters: the bond you share.
