Look after your dog and they will look after you!  I’ve grown up with dogs, and  have always loved animals. When I was little I had a massive cross-breed mix of Doberman and Rottweiler. He was my best friend at the time and this dog meant that I am  always happy having animals around me. I have a bichon  frise and a poodle now. Every time I come home (doesn’t matter if I’ve been outside to get the mail or if I’ve been away for a month) they’re thrilled to see me. And no matter how the day has been they always manage to put a smile on my face. How  do they do this? A lot of research has been carried out on how dogs can improve its owner’s mental health. Personally, I have benefitted from this myself when I went through a rough period. While I was studying at university I felt as most other students, the pressure before exams and deadlines for coursework submission. But my last semester the university tried a strategy to help the students calm down. They brought in puppies the students could cuddle. The puppies were future guide dogs, so they benefited from this by getting used to being around new people. Seeing how people cheered up from this event made me think this should be used more in all kinds of environments. Studies show that being around animals can increase the anti-stress hormone oxytocin, and decrease the stress hormone cortisol. And this shows how the puppies could benefit students and other people in stressful situations.  Personally, I’ve felt the benefit dogs do to my mental health. Like everyone else, my life has had its ups and downs, and when I burned out at work and ended up with anxiety and extreme fatigue, it was definitely helpful to have my dogs around me. I could list many ways my dogs were helpful in this difficult situation. First, I was never alone. Having to stay at home while everyone else was working did not only make me feel guilty, but also lonely. To have two dogs who  follow you around,  are happy to see you, or is there for a cuddle when you’re sad does make you feel better. Dogs sense your mood, and will act submissively and will approach you if they see that you are sad. It helps you get out. Even on the worst of days, when I had no energy, I went outside to stand in the garden while they were running around.  And on my good days I’d go for longer walks with them, which really  benefitted me both mentally and physically. This has a double positive effect because fresh air is good for your mental health as well as the walk is good physically. I have definitely felt the positive effect my dogs have had on my health both physically and mentally. However, my case is not unique andrecent research has shown that pet owners  have a higher level of self-esteem. Dogs also make you feel good about yourself. When you have dogs you can see how your presence makes them happy, and how much you mean to them. And when you think about it, it does feel good to be appreciated and needed, whether it’s by a pet or a person.  For your dog, you are their world. Look after your four-legged pal it will do you wonders for your own health and wellbeing!

Marielle’s Column - Dogs Affect on  Mental Health

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by Marielle Pettersen