“Westgarth and her colleagues utilized data from 1,693 dog owners recruited from the United Kingdom to serve as their sample. Participants were recruited online via social media. Participants completed a questionnaire that contained both open-ended and closed questions about their dogs, the relationship, their own physical and mental health, wellbeing, and demographics. Open-ended questions included reasons for acquiring their dog and how they believed having their dog is affecting their mental health.

The researchers found that people who had stronger bonds with their dog tended to have positive outcomes, including greater emotional support and companionship. But there were also some negative outcomes. People who had more interactions with their dogs had worse depression and higher levels of anxiety.

Open-ended questions revealed a lot of great outcomes of having a dog, including fostering self-acceptance, providing purpose, promoting enjoyment, and lessening emotional pain. Additionally, open-ended questions showed that some people may feel that meeting the dog’s needs is a burden. “Although getting a dog can bring us benefits, such as motivation to exercise, fun, and companionship, it also brings challenges. It is not the solution for those suffering from depression and anxiety – in fact it may make it worse in some contexts,” Westgarth told PsyPost.

“Although many people said that having a dog helped them to manage some of their mental health symptoms, such as distraction from negative thoughts, and providing motivation, through instilling a routine and purpose, the burden of responsibility that comes from feeling the need to care for that dog can be overwhelming and prevent owners from socializing with other people as much as they may have done before.””

Some Insights From This Article

• Is having dogs or pets in general always sunshines and rainbows? Research may suggest otherwise. Although it is well known that owning dogs as pets brings many benefits such as increased exercise, social support and general cuteness and cuddles there may also be a more negative side to owning pets.

• These include emotions and responsibilities coming from actually caring for a dog. Dogs, as living creatures and friends, have their own needs as well which include food, exercise, social interaction and in general general living needs. Sometimes these day to day needs may overwhelm owners leading them to cut corners in caring for their companions.

• Dogs are great but being aware of the responsibilities and facets of owning a dog can help you and your dog have a great healthy and sustaining relationship :)

What are your experiences with owning a pet?

Full article is here!

#Dogs #Pets #MentalHealth