A new study shows that spending just a short time playing with your dog can significantly reduce your stress levels. The research, published in Plos One, reveals that even brief interactions with dogs can help humans unwind and lower their stress hormones.
Researchers in Thailand and the U.S. conducted a study with 122 undergraduate students aged 18 and older, all reporting moderate to high levels of stress. The study also involved six dogs (five Chihuahuas and one Shetland Sheepdog), none of whom had been part of a canine-assisted therapy program before. The study examined participants’ cortisol levels (a stress hormone), pulse rate, and blood pressure before and after interacting with the dogs.
The findings were striking: even the mere expectation of interacting with a dog helped reduce stress, with participants’ cortisol levels and pulse rate dropping significantly. However, the most notable result came after just 15 minutes of playing with the dogs, where stress levels dropped by an impressive 33.5%.
The interactions included activities like looking at, touching, and hugging the dogs, as well as giving them treats. The dogs appeared to enjoy the interactions as well, showing affection and engagement without signs of stress.
The researchers found that this type of interaction, which they described as “emotional co-regulation,” is unique compared to human-human interactions in stress-relief settings. The presence of a dog can make people feel more at ease, without the pressure of being evaluated, making it an effective way to reduce stress.
Though the study suggests that both certified and non-certified dogs can help boost mental well-being, the authors acknowledge that more research is needed to better understand the long-term benefits. Regardless, the findings are a reminder of the powerful impact dogs can have on our mental health.