For many years, individuals grappling with mental and emotional health challenges have found solace and support in the loyal companionship of dogs. The affectionate gaze and perpetual companionship of your furry friend can serve as a mood enhancer, providing a sense of joy and tranquility, especially on tough days. What is even more remarkable is that researchers and experts are increasingly convinced that dogs are not only attuned to our moods but also have the ability to sense and respond to our feelings of anxiety and depression.
The idea of dogs as emotional support or “therapy” animals is not entirely new. The origins of this concept can be traced back to the late 19th century, marking the initiation of a unique bond between humans and dogs. However, the concept of therapy animals didn’t gain significant traction until the 1960s, when it exploded in popularity, giving rise to a new perception of animal-assisted therapy.
Dogs, with their extraordinary perceptiveness, are able to sense a shift in their owner’s emotions, and they tend to react sympathetically when they perceive distress or discomfort. For instance, if your dog senses you are going through a rough patch, they may react by nudging you reassuringly or sticking closer to you, providing a sense of comfort and security.
Yet, it’s crucial to remember that despite dogs’ surprising emotional intelligence and empathetic response, they are not equipped to diagnose or treat mental health conditions. The comfort and companionship you receive from your cherished canine friend, although therapeutic in its own way, does not replace professional mental health treatment. Therefore, if you find yourself grappling with symptoms of anxiety or depression, it is highly recommended to reach out to a mental health professional for a comprehensive assessment and appropriate treatment.
How Do Dogs Perceive Human Emotions?
Undeniably, dogs have the uncanny ability to mimic and mirror a multitude of human behaviors, exemplified by instances where dogs have been observed to limp empathetically when their owner has a broken leg.
A growing body of evidence suggests that dogs possess a heightened sensitivity to human emotions, enabling them to perceive complex emotional states such as depression, anxiety, and other mental health symptoms.
Dogs Might Mirror Your Emotions
Dogs seem to exhibit a unique ability to empathize with human emotions. One example of this is their demonstration of emotional contagion, a phenomenon where they mirror the emotional state of those around them. This is why a dog might yawn soon after its owner does. Furthermore, dogs have been observed to exhibit higher levels of cortisol, a stress hormone, in response to the sound of a child crying, suggesting their empathy extends to distress signals.
Emotional Shifts Influence Dogs’ Behavior
Researchers have discovered that a dog’s behavior can significantly change in response to human emotions. In one study, dogs and their owners were separated by a door. When the owners either feigned crying or hummed a tune, the dogs were quicker to try and reach their side upon hearing crying compared to humming, indicating a sensitivity to emotional distress.
Dogs’ Recognition of Facial Expressions and Voice Changes
Dogs may possess a more profound understanding of human facial expressions than previously assumed. In one study, when shown photos of either the top or bottom half of a human face, dogs appeared to recognize different positive or negative expressions, likely due to their ability to memorize human faces.
Adding to this, researchers found that dogs had more pronounced responses when facial expressions and accompanying vocalizations matched, such as a person’s smile coupled with the sound of laughter.
Dogs May Be Able to Detect Stress Through Smell
Dogs have an extraordinarily developed sense of smell that might enable them to detect stress. In an intriguing study, scientists collected breath and sweat samples from 36 stressed individuals and presented them to dogs alongside neutral “blank” control samples. The dogs demonstrated an astonishing ability to identify the stress samples with an average accuracy of 93.7%, implying they could potentially “smell” stress.
Can Dogs Detect Depression and Anxiety in Humans?
Dogs have demonstrated remarkable abilities in recognizing and responding to human emotions, suggesting they may have the capacity to sense states of depression and anxiety. They often do this by interpreting subtle cues such as changes in facial expressions or vocal tones, and may instinctively rush to provide comfort when they perceive you as being upset or crying.
However, despite the significant emotional comfort and support your dog may provide, it’s important to remember that their reactions should not be viewed as definitive diagnoses of mental health disorders. Conditions like depression and anxiety encompass a broad spectrum of symptoms, many of which might not be perceptible to dogs.
If you suspect you may be suffering from a mental health disorder such as depression or anxiety, it’s crucial to seek professional help without delay. In the US, the American Psychological Association (APA) directory can assist you in finding a mental health professional near you, and in the UK, the British Psychological Society (BPS) directory offers a similar service. Also, remember, if you’re in the US and are experiencing a mental health crisis, support and resources are available through calling, chatting, or texting 988.
How Can Dogs Help with Depression and Anxiety?
Researchers believe that dogs can provide a level of support for individuals grappling with certain mental health conditions. According to a review of related studies, dogs and other pets can aid in:
- Delivering unconditional comfort without judgment
- Alleviating feelings of loneliness
- Serving as a patient listener when you’re reluctant to share your worries and struggles with another person
- Providing a distraction from challenging or painful emotions
- Diminishing suicidal ideations by giving you a purpose to continue living
Whether your dog can accurately sense depression and anxiety or not, their mere presence can have a positive impact. As noted by Caroline Wilkinson, a certified animal behaviorist and founder of the digital pet coaching service Barket Place, simply having a dog around can stimulate the production of “happy” hormones and improve your overall mood.
Can Dog Walks Alleviate Anxiety?
Walking with your dog can also significantly contribute to your mental well-being. Dogs require regular exercise, and tending to their needs often encourages individuals to care for their own well-being as well, even in challenging times.
Walking outdoors with your dog can bring significant mental health benefits. One study found that walkers who strolled alone had lower levels of state anxiety. However, those who walked with dogs exhibited even greater improvements, with lower levels of both state and trait anxiety, reduced fear, and decreased heart rate.
While dog walking can provide an effective means of managing anxiety, it’s essential to remember that it is not a substitute for professional mental health treatment. Enjoy the benefits it offers but do not hesitate to seek professional help when needed.
How Your Dog May React to Symptoms of Anxiety and Depression
The way your dog responds to symptoms of anxiety and depression can be influenced by several factors, including their individual personality, past experiences, and the depth of your bond with them.
Indicators of Your Dog Providing Comfort
According to animal behaviorist Caroline Wilkinson, a dog attempting to comfort its owner might exhibit behaviors such as:
- Attempting to get physically closer, which could mean suddenly appearing at your side
- Resting their paw on you or laying their head across your lap
- Encouraging you to engage in playtime activities
Your Dog’s Lack of Response
If you’re feeling upset and your dog appears more engrossed in playing with their favorite toy, don’t take it personally. Wilkinson explains that this kind of reaction is quite common. It generally means that your dog is not attuned to your emotional state or doesn’t possess the ability to respond to changes in your emotions at that moment.
Research suggests that dogs with the strongest bonds and attachments to their owners are more likely to react to emotional shifts.
Can Your Anxiety Impact Your Dog?
In certain cases, your dog may start to display symptoms mirroring your own, such as lethargy or apparent sadness. However, this doesn’t mean you’ve “transferred” your anxiety to your dog.
“Dogs can become disturbed when their primary caregiver exhibits signs of anxiety,”
says Wilkinson. “They might interpret it as a response to a potential threat in their environment, or they might simply feel uncertain because their caregiver doesn’t smell like they usually do.”
One study involving 58 dog-human pairs found that when the human partners experienced long-term stress resulting in elevated cortisol levels, their dogs also had higher cortisol levels.
Moreover, dogs are creatures of routine and can become unsettled when their routines are disrupted — especially regarding social activities and exercise. According to Wilkinson, individuals suffering from depression might become less active and skip regular walks or playtime, which can affect dogs accustomed to their usual daily schedule.
If you notice signs of depression, anxiety, or stress in your dog, it’s worthwhile to consult with your vet. Sometimes, these changes in mood could indicate an underlying health issue.