posted 16th March 2023
Dogs love daily walks because they get to sniff, exercise and spend quality time with their owners - and if they're lucky, chase a tennis ball too. The good news is that owners also receive the benefits of these walks, as spending time in nature, exercising and getting fresh air can work wonders for our mental health.
Why is walking your dog good for your mental health?
Studies suggest spending time with a pet is good for you for a variety of reasons, from encouraging regular exercise to providing companionship. In 2019, research by the University of Warwick found that interacting with a dog helped to reduce anxiety1. University students were assigned to either watch videos of a dog or play with a dog before rating their mood in a survey. Although all the students felt less anxious afterwards, those who directly interacted with a dog experienced a greater drop in anxiety.
Counselling Directory member Jennifer Warwick, a member of the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy, says dogs are a great reason to get out and about. "The joy dogs show at the prospect of a walk and knowing they are happy helps you feel happier too," she says. "Being with your pet has a real, positive impact on your mental health, so going for a walk with them has got to be a win-win."
Dog owners get more exercise
Dog owners also tend to get more exercise2, which is known to boost our mental health. Whether it's a quick stomp around the local park or a longer walk in the countryside, regular walks, and physical activity triggers the release of chemicals such as dopamine and serotonin, which boost mood and reduce stress. Additionally, research suggests that sharing a walk with a dog - rather than walking on your own - may be even more beneficial. A 2021 study by the University of Animal Health Technology in Tokyo found that heading outside with your canine companion helps to boost the brain chemical GABA (Gamma-aminobutyric acid), which helps calm us down.
Being outside is good for you
If you've ever felt better after going for a walk, you'll know that spending time outside is one of the easier ways to boost your health and happiness. A study by King's College London found that being amongst trees and birdsong is beneficial to our psychological health5.
And it doesn't take long to reap the benefits of the great outdoors either. In 2020, researchers at Cornell University found that as little as ten minutes in a natural setting can help us feel happier and lessen the effects of both physical and mental stress.
Additionally, feeling the sun - and wind or rain - on your face can help you feel more grounded if you're feeling worried or stressed, Warwick adds. Walking your dog can be a form of mindfulness, a relaxation technique which involves paying attention to what is going on inside and around you, moment by moment.
"It helps you get out of your head and be more present," she explains. "Being present means not worrying about what's happened in the past, or thinking about what may happen in the future. Instead, your focus is on the present, which is great at helping you manage stressful situations and difficult emotions. So get your walking boots on and grab your dog's lead."
