Ep. 116: Can A Dog Improve My Mental Health?
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Dog ownership skyrocketed in recent years, with one survey estimating that Canadian households welcomed three million new pets into their homes. Our canine companions are able to understand our language, tone of voice, and gestures. Like any good human friend, a loyal dog will look into your eyes to know how you’re feeling and check on you. So can owning a dog boost your mental health? Which breeds are best? Is one type of dog better at reducing stress, while another breed may help treat depression or ease loneliness? To start off Mental Health Week, Dan McCann (pictured above), of the legendary McCann Dog Training family, joins Medcan’s mental health clinical lead Samantha Charan to explore the mental health benefits that can come with owning a dog. They’ll help you figure out if dog ownership is right for you, and unpack the reasons why these furry friends can keep us happier and healthier.
LINKS
Mental well-being is a critical component of overall wellness. To book an appointment with a psychologist from Medcan’s Mental Well-being program, call 1-416-350-3632 or visit its webpage.
Learn more about the Canadian Mental Health Association’s Mental Health Week here.
Check out McCann Dogs Training on their website, Twitter, Instagram and their Youtube channel.
Read more about the mental health benefits that can come with owning a pet, from the Human Animal Bond Research Institute.
Check out this study on dog ownership and the risk of cardiovascular disease and death in Nature: Scientific Reports, 2017.
Learn more about the Canadian Mental Health Association’s Mental Health Week here.
Apply to adopt a dog or become a volunteer with the Toronto Humane Society.
INSIGHTS
“It's a broad statement to say that dogs can improve our mental health,” Medcan’s Samantha Charan says to McCann Dogs’ Dan McCann. “Can you talk us through… what exactly a dog might contribute to our overall mental health?” Dan responds: “I think the first thing that comes to my mind is that quintessential scene of a dog owner coming through the door, and a loyal, loving, passionate, excited dog, wagging it’s tail, meeting them on the other side—to me at the highest level, that is what makes a good life… I try and take a pause and a breath to really appreciate those moments… And what I really love is that in good times, and in bad, we can turn to our pets for comfort, for joy, for support. And I think that there is such a diversity of relationships we can have with dogs. Certainly companionship, love, affection, the impact that a dog can have on your well being… is something that some people call the pet effect.” [07:37]
More on “the pet effect”: “[L]ooking for those pockets of sunshine in our days, like having your dog greet you, regardless of what's going on in your day—That's very sentimental, and grounding, and it brings us back into that present moment,” observes Charan. “You know, for me, if I were to just sort of sum up at a higher level, typically folks that are in a depressed state are stuck in the past and ruminating on past thoughts,” says McCann. “Those that are anxious are worrying and future forecasting. And… when you have another being that's relying on you, that, in fact, if you don't take it out every two hours or so, might pee on your floor, it can be incredibly grounding, and an experience that brings you into the present moment. Absolutely. I think pets and therapy animals can alleviate stress, anxiety, depression, certainly feelings of loneliness, and social isolation. And beyond that, they can help us open up to other humans making sort of that icebreaking conversation, whether you're riding an elevator, in an apartment building, or whether you're at a local park.” [09:21]
Which breed of dog would help your mental health most? That depends on you. “It really has a lot to do with your lifestyle and your goals. You need to consider energy level, size of dog coat type, grooming requirements, general temperament,” says McCann. “If you're an active person, then you might want to choose a dog that's of a more active breed. And if you're someone who likes more quiet time and relaxation, then choosing a breed that doesn't require as much exercise would be really smart in terms of your future success and happiness together. It really does more than anything else come down between the fit in personalities.” Before deciding to get a dog, you should be certain you are ready for the time commitment, the dedication to training your dog, and the funds to cover all your dog’s expenses. “If you look at about 10 years, you could be looking at anywhere between 30 and $50,000.” [15:08]
Sharing a bond with a well-behaved dog takes work. How can you make sure both you and your dog are set up for success? “Early training is easy training,” says McCann. “Those first six months are so crucial to develop your relationship and the bond with the animal.” If you have a puppy, McCann Dogs Training recommends 100 percent supervision. When you can’t be home with your puppy, training it to use a crate as a safe space will protect it from getting into trouble. “Dog training success really comes down to consistency and repetition from a leader that is positive and fair, and can give the right guidance at the right time, so that the dog can learn through that consistency and repetition,” he says. [19:27]
Research from the Human and Animal Bond Research Institute found that owning a pet has been linked to lower heart rate and lower blood pressure in response to stress. Roughly 87 percent of physicians surveyed said that their patients’ mood or outlook had improved as a result of pet ownership, and 96 percent of owners said that their pet has had a positive impact in their life. Habits like taking your dog for a walk are what contribute to these differences, according to Charan. “For people that are experiencing high stress, five minutes [outside] is all you really need to have a grounding moment, take a break, allow your nervous system to decompress and then go back into your house,” she says. “That's why there's so many reports where you know, dogs have this ability to lower your heart rate. If you're breathing really fast, they're great at picking that up.” [28:46]
*LEGAL
This podcast episode is intended to provide general information about health and wellness only and is not designed, or intended to constitute, or be used as a substitute for, medical advice, treatment or diagnosis. You should always talk to your Medcan health care provider for individual medical advice, diagnosis and treatment, including your specific health and wellness needs.
The podcast is based on the information available at the time of preparation and is only accurate and current as of that date. Source information and recommendations are subject to change based on scientific evidence as it evolves over time. Medcan is not responsible for future changes or updates to the information and recommendations, and assumes no obligation to update based on future developments.
Reference to, or mention of, specific treatments or therapies, does not constitute or imply a recommendation or endorsement. The links provided within the associated document are to assist the reader with the specific information highlighted. Any third-party links are not endorsed by Medcan.