Why do dogs make us happy?

September, 2019

It is no secret that dogs make us happy. Ask anyone who spends time with a
pup on a regular basis and they will let you know just how much joy their tail-
wagging companion delivers.

In fact, according to a Dog Parent Study conducted by BarkBox, most dog

parents believe that their dogs have made them happier people. They find it
easier to awake in the morning because their dogs greet them. And they also
stated that they are better people overall because of their dogs.

But why exactly is this? Just how and why do dogs make us happy?

LOVE RULES
Dogs have served as man’s best friend and worked alongside us for
thousands and thousands of years. The loyal companionship
and unconditional love of dogs has been written about throughout human
history.

Our canine buddies are always there for us, in good times and in bad. They
are our friends when we are lonely and a reason to laugh when we are down.
They are faithful, judgment-free, we can play with, snuggle with, and – most
importantly – be ourselves with.
Our four-legged friends teach us patience, compassion, generosity, and
kindness. These are all qualities that carry over into our personal and
professional lives, and make us better equipped to work and socialize with
others.

A study published in the Journal of Personality and Social

Psychology revealed that “pet owners exhibited greater self-esteem, were
more physically fit, were less lonely, were more socially outgoing, and had
healthier relationship styles.

Dogs inspire us to get outside and be more active, which can lead to increased
mental well-being over time. One way to look at it is that dogs make us happy
because they are the catalyst for other healthy behaviors in our lives.

DOGS, DEPRESSION AND VITAMIN D

Physical exercise causes the human body to release endorphins – chemicals
that make us feel happy. Research has also found a possible link between
a lack of vitamin D – obtained through sun exposure – and depression. By
walking our dogs or just spending time with them outside on a sunny day we
are likely to become more content.

DOGS MAKE US HAPPY BECAUSE OF OXY-WHAT?

We know that unconditional love and increased physical activity can make
people feel better. But what if we could prove scientifically that dogs make us
happier?

Studies have shown that even small interactions with dogs cause the human
brain to produce oxytocin, a hormone often referred to as the “cuddle
chemical.” Oxytocin increases feelings of relaxation, trust, and empathy while
reducing stress and anxiety. That warm and fuzzy feeling you get when you
cuddle with your puppy? Oxytocin!

So, if you're feeling down or stressed, spending some time with a furry friend
could be just what the doctor ordered. Whether it's playing fetch, going for a
walk, or just cuddling on the couch, interacting with a dog can increase your
levels of oxytocin and help boost your mood. So, the next time you're feeling
a little blue, don't underestimate the power of a wagging tail and a wet nose.
Dogs truly have a special ability to make us happy, and the science behind it
proves it.