Health Benefits of Dog Ownership – Part 2

Our previous blog post described the many ways dog ownership can bolster the physical well-being of humans in the family. The companionship of our canine companions also brings other far-reaching benefits, however. This blog will explore the ways dog ownership can enhance our emotional and psychological health.

 Non-judgmental Affection

Unlike many of us humans, dogs don’t hold grudges. They forgive us our trespasses and love us for who we are (or who they think we are). This open-minded attitude leads to unconditional affection we can always count on.

Dogs can also be an indirect source of social support from other humans (for instance, the neighbors you meet and chat with as you walk your dogs each morning). Think of them as social catalysts.

 But It's Complicated

As with most factors that influence human experience in modern society, the emotional effect of having a dog varies across several factors. For example, one research study suggested that the emotional and psychological influences associated with dog ownership depend on elements of family structure. The research discovered that marital status matters, that single people, rather than those in long-term partnerships, benefit more from having a dog. The researcher speculated that owning a dog may just complicate the lives of married people, giving them one more living entity to deal with and increasing, rather than decreasing, the strain associated with playing multiple roles.* After all, if you’re dealing with a spouse, a teenager, a stressful job and aging parents, a dog may sometimes seem like just one more source of demands.

 Similarly, the study findings indicated that women derive a greater psychological benefit from dog ownership than do men. Women tend to show higher levels of positive behaviors and attitudes toward animals than do men, and are more likely to seek social support from available sources. Women, research has shown, tend to value companionship and emotional connections, whereas men value activity-based relationships.* Women, in other words, experience doggie love more deeply.

 The COVID-19 pandemic saw an increase in the acquisition of pets of all kinds by people homebound by the effects of the virus. The experience intensified the emotional support role played by pets. Dogs and cats filled a social void created by quarantine and social distancing requirements.** “Pets…became essential for folks. They really (were) holding the weight of the world in terms of anxiety, fears and a sense of connection,” said one academic.**

 The Oxytocin Effect

Studies have consistently shown that interaction between dog and owner results in increasing oxytocin levels in both humans and canines. Oxytocin is a hormone and neurotransmitter primarily known for its roles in social bonding, reproduction and childbirth. It's often called the "love hormone" or "cuddle hormone" because of its role in social and romantic relationships. Activities like playing, petting and even mutual gaze between humans and dogs can trigger the release of oxytocin, which in turn decreases levels of the stress hormone cortisol and reduces blood pressure. 

 A research group in Europe confirmed the oxytocin-increasing effect of various forms of human-dog contact (patting, scratching, verbal rewarding) for both humans and dogs. As expected, cortisol levels also dropped for humans. Interestingly, the canines’ cortisol levels increased with contact. The researchers suggested this occurred because, whereas the people knew they would have a calm and soothing interaction with their pets, the dogs were always a bit wary and so felt at least some stress.***

 It's All Good…But It Does Depend

No doubt our relationships with our dogs improve our lives in many ways. Some of the benefits, however, depend on our personal and family situations. Does having a dog promote healthful exercise? Probably, but it could also be true that active people are more likely to have walk-loving dogs. Does a dog provide valuable companionship to owners? Certainly, but the effect is probably strongest for single people and perhaps for women. Do dogs reduce our stress? Surely, but we should be aware that when they are decreasing our stress, we may be increasing theirs.

 We found in the aftermath of the COVID-19 crisis that some people, freed from their in-home quarantine, abandoned the pets they had acquired for affection and comfort. We want our pets to be dedicated to soothing and serving us, so we must remain equally dedicated to their well-being. As one clinical scientist said, “It’s important that we acknowledge that pets are (an) important part of people’s lives and we need to treat them like the priority that they are.”**

*Cline, K.M.C., “Psychological Effects of Dog Ownership: Role Strain, Role Enhancement, and Depression,” The Journal of Social Psychology, 2010, 150(2), 117–131, VSOC150(02).book(VSOC_A_437031.fm)

**Ledbetter, E., “Survey finds pandemic strengthens bonds between humans, pets,” The Daily Evergreen, June 17, 2020, Survey finds pandemic strengthens bonds between humans, pets – The Daily Evergreen

***Petersson, M., et al., “Oxytocin and Cortisol Levels in Dog Owners and Their Dogs Are Associated with Behavioral Patterns: An Exploratory Study,” Frontiers in Psychology, 12 October 2017, Sec. Comparative Psychology, Vol. 8 – 2017, https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyg.2017.01796