Human-dog interactions have many positive physical health effects, including decreased heart and blood pressure rates, lower cortisol levels, and increased oxytocin levels. Mental health effects include lower levels of stress, anxiety, and improved mood. Dogs are naturally sensitive to emotions and can recognize the emotional expressions and vocalizations of humans. A longer relationship creates an oxytocin-mediated bond, benefiting both the dog and human by enhancing their understanding of each other’s emotional states.¹ 

Dogs are often seen as family members and can serve as attachment figures by providing enjoyment, comfort, being missed when absent, and being sought out in times of distress. A dog’s nonjudgmental nature makes them a valuable resource for individuals who struggle to open up and be comfortable in social relationships.¹ 

Mental Health Benefits

While dogs are popular household pets, they are increasingly recognized as assistance animals for individuals with disabilities and mental health conditions, such as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).² Therapy dogs visit hospitals, care facilities, schools, and mental health treatment centers.³ In the early 1960s, animal-assisted interventions (AAI) became increasingly popular through the work of child psychologists.² 

The hormone oxytocin is associated with decreased levels of stress and increased levels of emotion, trust, and bonding. As such, interacting with and petting a dog can activate oxytocin and decrease cortisol levels for both the dog and the human.³ 

Studies have shown that short-term interactions with therapy dogs can help reduce stress and anxiety among children in comparison to them being alone, with a parent, or a stuffed plush dog. During psychotherapy, having a dog present can help decrease anxious arousal and distress for individuals with a history of trauma, thereby increasing the effectiveness of therapy.² 

For individuals with PTSD, therapy dogs can help to reduce PTSD symptoms, depression, and anxiety, along with being a source of love, social support, and companionship. Similar research has been conducted on individuals with ASD and ADHD, as therapy dogs can help regulate emotions and mitigate problematic behaviors.² 

Therapy Dogs at Universities

College students are often faced with social and academic challenges, resulting in high rates of stress and anxiety. Since some students may be reluctant to seek psychotherapy counseling, studies have discovered that therapy dog activities often have a higher participation rate. Overall, these programs can help create a supportive environment and develop students’ personal skills and connections to others, and reorient student support to be inclusive for all students. In particular, on-campus therapy dogs are effective at reducing students’ stress levels, particularly before exams. Therapy dogs can help reduce the likelihood of homesickness for students who are away from home, creating a comforting atmosphere. In general, therapy dogs have been shown to offer stress relief for the whole university community.⁴ 

Physical Activity Benefits

Many of the benefits associated with dog ownership are acquired through physical activity, such as taking the dog for a walk. Humans naturally bond with dogs, finding comfort in their presence. As such, dogs are a popular non-pharmaceutical option that can help treat and manage a variety of diseases, such as Parkinson’s disease, multiple sclerosis, dementia, and seizures.⁵ 

Parkinson’s disease. Dogs trained to work with patients with Parkinson’s disease can help their owners navigate the physical and psychological aspects of the disease by helping their owner move around safely and providing assistance if they fall. Walking with the dog can also help slow the progression of this disease.⁵ 

Multiple sclerosis. A therapy dog can help patients with multiple sclerosis by alerting their owner to sounds, helping open doors, assisting with balance, and overall helping their owners to live an active and independent lifestyle.⁵ 

Dementia.Patients with dementia exposed to therapy dogs have been shown to experience less agitation, anxiety, and depression. Physical activity with a therapy dog can result in temporary cognitive improvements, which can also help patients with dementia feel more hopeful.­⁵

Seizures. Seizure-trained service dogs can activate alarms, alert caregivers of a seizure, and protect their owner. Exercise has been shown to reduce the likelihood of seizures for people suffering from epilepsy.⁵

Sources

1. Gee NR, Townsend LD, Findling RL, eds. Introduction. In: The Role of Companion Animals in the Treatment of Mental Disorders. American Psychiatric Association Publishing; 2023:1–3. 
2. Gee NR, Rodriguez KE, Fine AH, et al. Dogs supporting human health and well-being: a biopsychosocial approach. Front Vet Sci. 2021;8:630465. 
3. McDowall S, Hazel SJ, Cobb M, et al. Understanding the role of therapy dogs in human health promotion. Int J Environ Res Public Health. 2023;20(10):5801.
4. Peel N, Nguyen K, Tannous C. The impact of campus-based therapy dogs on the mood and affect of university students. Int J Environ Res Public Health. 2023;20(6):4759. 
5. Boldig CM, Butala N. Pet Therapy as a nonpharmacological treatment option for neurological disorders: a review of the literature. Cureus. 2021;13(7):e16167.