Blood pressure and heart rate normally become elevated during conversations with other people, but they can decrease when we’re around dogs.* Dogs & Mental HealthĬanines’ ability to help us feel less stressed is one reason why people have their pets classified as emotional support dogs. This might be because canines are a non-judgmental audience. Whether it’s petting them or simply reading in their proximity*, dogs have a calming effect on our bodies. Research shows our cortisol levels go down when we’re in the presence of a dog, even just for a few minutes. In excess, the hormone can also suppress your body’s immune system, which makes you more vulnerable to illness. When we’re stressed out, our bodies release cortisol, a hormone that can have negative effects on our health.Ĭortisol is often related to heightened blood pressure and over time it can lead to hypertension. There is actually an interesting scientific reason, however. If you’re wondering how dogs reduce stress, the explanation may seem simple: Spending time with a pet makes you feel better. Read on to learn more about how dogs can decrease our stress levels. Whether you’re petting, cuddling, feeding the occasional treat, or perhaps playing fetch in the park, they can affect our moods from the most basic interactions.

It doesn’t take much to feel relaxed in the presence of a canine companion, either. From companionship to improved health, decreased stress is just one of the health benefits of dogs. This may come as no surprise to pet owners. In fact, yes, dogs can reduce stress in humans due to their impact on a hormone called cortisol in our bodies. If you’ve ever felt relaxed in the presence of a dog, you might have wondered, “Do dogs reduce stress?”

People wplaying with dogs