Study Shows Interacting with Pet Dogs Can Boost Mood and Reduce Anxiety Levels

Are you feeling stressed or anxious? Maybe it’s time to spend some quality time with your furry friend! A recent study published in the scientific journal Emotion suggests that interacting with your pet dog can have a significant impact on your emotional well-being.

For years, many people have believed in the “pet prescription” – the idea that owning a pet can improve your mood and reduce stress. However, there has been a lack of strong empirical evidence to support these claims. That is until now.

Researchers, led by Hannah Raila from UC Santa Cruz, conducted a study involving 73 adult dog owners to investigate the effects of interacting with dogs on human emotions and stress levels. The results were quite remarkable.

Participants who interacted with their dogs after a stressful task experienced significant improvements in their emotional well-being. They reported greater increases in positive affect and reductions in anxiety compared to those who engaged in other activities or simply waited.

What’s even more interesting is that factors such as prior experiences with dogs, attitudes toward dogs, and the characteristics of their own dogs did not significantly affect the benefits of dog interaction. It was the total time spent actively engaging with the dog that predicted a greater decrease in negative affect and anxiety.

So, the next time you’re feeling down or stressed out, remember to turn to your furry companion for comfort. Your pet dog could be the key to boosting your mood and alleviating distress. And who can resist spending time with a loyal and loving friend who always has your back?

For more information on this fascinating study, check out the full article in Emotion. And don’t forget to give your furry friend an extra cuddle today – it’s good for both of you!