Dogs are known as man’s best friend for a reason – they keep you company, love you unconditionally and can be fiercely loyal. But did you know that they can even positively impact your mental health? Keep reading to learn how dogs can help you improve your mental health and get your life back on track.

How Can Dogs Improve Mental Health?

There are several ways in which dogs can improve your mental health, including:

Companionship

No matter your age, old or young, a dog can provide much-needed companionship as you go about your day.  It can also help to feel needed, and dogs offer unconditional love, as well as being excellent listeners! 

Specialist Training

There are emotional support dogs who are specially trained to help with mental health issues. As well as anxiety and depression, those who suffer from PTSD, and even ADHD and Autism can benefit from the support and routine of a psychiatric service dog. 

The dogs can be trained to help their owners have more personal space in public by standing in front of them. They can even check the safety of certain areas. Additionally, they can be trained to spot the signs of anxiety attacks or flashbacks, helping their owner to feel safer.

Therapy dogs are different to service dogs, in that they can’t access the same public spaces, and aren’t tied to one specific individual. Instead, they go to hospitals, schools, nursing homes, hospices and mental health facilities. Once there, it is their job to provide much-needed comfort and company to the residents.

Increased Confidence

According to the NHS, having the company of a pet can help boost your self-confidence when you’re out and about. It can also introduce you to new people in a relaxed setting, such as other dog owners on walks. You can also meet new people through channels, such as training classes or community groups for dog owners.

Establish A Routine & Get A Sense Of Responsibility

When suffering from mental health conditions, it can be incredibly difficult to establish a routine. You may feel unmotivated to get up in the mornings or leave the house. 

Having a furry friend whose needs are your responsibility can be the push you need to get up in the mornings. You may not feel motivated to look after yourself, but you will surely feel obligated to feed your dog in the morning. This will then mean you are up and out of bed, making you more likely to start your day. 

Also, walks and dog care activities can add structure to your day, making you feel a sense of purpose and achievement. This can then encourage you to complete other tasks. 

Encourage Exercise

Additionally, taking your dog out for a walk twice a day is a fun way to incorporate exercise into your routine. The companionship of your dog may make it easier to exercise; you could even invite a friend along. 

Walking your dog will also get you out in the fresh air and daylight, which will be helpful, especially in the colder months when seasonal depression comes around. The NHS advises that even just a 10-minute walk can help clear your head, let alone two longer walks a day.

Their Affinity To Sense Change In Human Emotion

Dogs are incredibly in tune with changes in emotion as they are highly perceptive animals. This is what makes them suitable for their roles as support and service dogs. 

However, it is important to note that their ability to perceive and react to emotions depends on factors like their breed and temperament, as well as whether they are a rescue dog etc. This will also be affected by your bond with them, which could vary depending on their age, and whether they are a rescue with past trauma, for example. You can learn more about how to bond with your rescue dog on our blog.

How To Know If You Should Get A Dog To Help With Your Mental Health

The benefits of having a dog to improve your mental health cannot be overstated. However, there may be some situations in which having a dog may not be suitable. These include:

Time & Space

Getting a pet should never be a snap decision. You should always consider factors such as having enough time to spend with your pet. Additionally, think about whether you have enough indoor and outdoor space for their needs. 

Money

As well as the costs of adopting the dog, there are also a range of additional expenses to factor in, including vet bills, insurance, and food. Consider whether you can afford it, as financial difficulties can worsen your living situation and your mental health. 

Wellbeing

If you feel that the responsibility may be too much with the current state of your mental health, it is best for both the well-being of the dog and yourself to hold off on getting one. You should only get a dog if you are sure you want one and can keep it, as a dog is a lifelong commitment. 

What If You Can’t Get A Dog?

If you are unable to have a dog due to factors such as family members, renting or finances, there are other ways you can appreciate the mental health benefits of dogs. These include spending time with a friend’s pet or signing up to be a pet sitter. You could also contact local rescue centres or charities to find out about their dog walking volunteering opportunities. 

Additionally, fostering could be a great option if you are unable to commit to having a dog long-term. Aside from dogs, if you can, you could consider pets such as cats or hamsters for a slightly less high-maintenance form of companionship.

How To Find The Best Dogs For Your Mental Health

If you have decided to get a dog to help with your mental health, but don’t know where to start – we are here to help. We have listed a few factors that can help you make the decision here:

Are There Breeds That Help More With Mental Health?

Generally, breeds such as the following are chosen as roles in therapy or emotional support:

  • Golden Retrievers 
  • Labrador Retrievers 
  • Border Collies 

This is due to their friendly, outgoing nature, as well as their intelligence and loyalty.

Age & Temperament

Following on from this, the breed that is right for you depends on what you are looking for. For example, therapy dogs need to have the right temperament and socialisation level for the job. This is because they will be more likely to remain calm in busy, loud or unfamiliar environments. If your furry friend suffers from dog anxiety, for example, they are unlikely to be suitable for the role.

Additionally, there are breeds of dogs that may be easier to train, due to their genetics and breed history. Ultimately, if you are just looking for companionship and a sense of routine, your reasons for choosing a breed will be attributed to personal preference. 

Contact A&T Trained Dogs

We can help assess the traits of our available breeds to find the best fit for your needs. Alternatively, we can help train your existing dog to support you and strengthen your bond. Learn about our specialised emotional support dog training and get in touch online or on 01524587315 to get started.

If you are struggling with your mental health, getting a dog is only one of the potential methods to help ease your struggling. You must reach out to a medical professional and follow the advice on the NHS website.