Data released by the The Kennel Club ahead of World Mental Health Day last week shows 91% agree dogs help them cope mentally and emotionally during the global crisis.
Research carried out during the covid-19 pandemic showed that three in five (61%) long-term dog owners said their dog was a ‘lifeline in lockdown’.
Two in five (41%) agreed that their dog helped them with loneliness, and more than a third (36%) said having a dog by their side during the pandemic made them less anxious.
And a huge 90% said that their dog has a positive impact on their mental health and well-being.
With experts warning of a looming mental health crisis, the owner responses pointed towards the unique therapeutic value of dogs.
“These statistics show what anyone who owns or love dogs already know,” said Bill Lambert, of the Kennel Club. “For centuries, through thick and thin, dogs have provided us with unconditional love, loyalty and companionship without any judgment, and clearly that has a positive impact on our mental health.
“Similarly, being a dog owner supports self-care – taking a dog out for a walk encourages social interaction and provides motivation to get outdoors and be active, and this may be the only social contact, exercise or activity an isolated, lonely or anxious person has the whole day.
“Being needed by our four-legged friend can be a lifeline when getting through each day is hard and sometimes human support doesn’t hit the mark. As we continue to face a global pandemic and the psychological stresses that brings with it, this unique support that dogs provide to their owners is now more important than ever. In a world full of chaos, man’s best friend is certainly living up to its name.”
Picture credit: The Kennel Club and Rachel Oates
