From Paws To Positivity: Why Spending Time With Dogs Boosts Mental Health | Lifestyle News

Whether it’s easing stress, lifting loneliness, or fostering stronger family ties, our furry friends bring joy and healing into everyday life

Dogs have long been called man’s best friend, but beyond companionship, science and lived experiences show that their presence can profoundly impact our mental health. Whether it’s easing stress, lifting loneliness, or fostering stronger family ties, our furry friends bring joy and healing into everyday life. Experts share how and why dogs are so effective in supporting emotional well-being.

The Pack Mentality That Heals

According to Adnaan Khan, founder & CEO, K9 School, dogs thrive on connection because, by nature, they are pack animals. “When a dog joins a family, they bring that same pack mentality into our households. What makes them really happy is not food or housing; it’s the shared life: walks, playtime, hiking, swimming, or just hanging around with their people,” he explains.

This shared life does more than keep dogs happy, it also benefits humans. Khan adds that pet care takes us out of stressful routines, teaching patience and empathy while providing purpose. For families, dogs often become a unifying force: “In today’s screen-dominated world, a dog turns into the focus of love and responsibility to be shared just like how everyone bonds when a newborn arrives.”

Companionship That Calms

Dr Kedar Tilwe, Consultant Psychiatrist, Hiranandani Hospital, Vashi & Fortis Hospital, Mulund, highlights the emotional safety net that dogs provide. “The unconditional love, affection, and companionship that we get by spending time with our dogs is of enormous benefit to our mental health,” he says.

For many, the bond begins the moment they walk through the door, greeted by tail wags and happy yelps. “That instant acknowledgement reduces stress and isolation almost immediately,” notes Dr. Tilwe. He also emphasizes dogs’ sensitivity to human emotions, describing them as emotional anchors who help restore calm during upheaval simply by being petted.

Science Behind the Bond

Adding to this, Dr. Kersi Chavda, Consultant Psychiatrist, P.D. Hinduja Hospital & MRC Khar, underscores the psychological and physiological impact of interacting with dogs. “Spending time with dogs can ease loneliness and depression because their non-judgmental presence makes it easier to feel accepted and supported,” he explains.

The benefits aren’t just emotional, they’re chemical. Interaction with dogs triggers oxytocin, the “love hormone” that builds trust, while lowering cortisol, the stress hormone. This combination lowers blood pressure and induces calm. For individuals with anxiety disorders or PTSD, this soothing presence can be especially therapeutic.

Dr Chavda also points out that dogs encourage healthier routines: regular walks boost endorphins, caring for them adds structure to the day, and their social nature helps people connect with others. “Dogs often act as icebreakers whether at the park or in training sessions helping people form supportive social connections,” he says.

More Than Pets: Partners in Well-Being

Together, these expert insights highlight a common truth: dogs are more than companions. They bring families closer, teach empathy, reduce stress, and even support recovery from mental health challenges. In a world where stress and isolation are widespread, dogs remind us to live in the moment and to find joy in simple connections.

As Khan puts it, “Dogs not only keep us active and connected to nature, but they remind us of the pleasure of living in the moment.” And perhaps that’s the greatest gift they give the ability to transform loneliness into companionship, and houses into homes filled with warmth and love.