Owning a canine companion has been shown to “substantially” boost mental health during the epidemic, according to a new study that most dog owners can certainly confirm. Existing and potential dog owners were polled, and it was discovered that current owners were less likely to be depressed and had a more optimistic view when dealing with COVID restrictions.
“Dog owners reported having significantly more social support available to them compared to potential dog owners, and their depression scores were also lower, compared to potential dog owners,” according to Dr. Francois Martin of Nestle Purina Research. Via Study Finds:
“Dog owners had a significantly more positive attitude towards and commitment to pets. Taken together, our results suggest that dog ownership may have provided people with a stronger sense of social support, which in turn may have helped buffer some of the negative psychological impacts caused by the COVID-19 pandemic,” the researchers report.
As new varieties of the coronavirus continue to extend constraints such as social distancing and distant work/schooling, which can be cognitively draining to handle, the research also cited dog walking as a stress-reliever and a source of “motivated self-care.” However, having a canine companion creates the desire to take a break for a walk around the block, and we can see how having a dog around might provide the self-care push people require during these odd moments. Plus, snuggling with a dog while watching Netflix is a terrific way to pass the time. That has to be a part as well.
