By Sushant Agarwal
Published on | Jul 23, 2025
More than just companions, dogs are powerful allies in helping humans manage stress and boost emotional wellbeing.
Just petting a dog can lower your heart rate and blood pressure. It triggers the release of feel-good hormones like oxytocin and dopamine.
Studies show that being around dogs reduces cortisol, the body’s primary stress hormone. This helps bring calm during tough moments.
Dogs can sense human emotions & respond with affection or alertness. This unconditional love acts like an emotional cushion during anxiety or sadness.
Regular walks and playtime with dogs encourage exercise, which in itself reduces stress and boosts mood-enhancing endorphins.
Dogs demand presence — feeding, walking, playing. These simple routines can interrupt rumination and help shift your focus away from stress.
Researchers at the University of Denver found that dogs help regulate stress through two key pathways, keeping people calm yet alert under pressure.
Sleeping near a dog can reduce nighttime anxiety and improve sleep quality — a key element in long-term stress management.
From therapy dogs in hospitals to emotional support pets in homes, dogs consistently help people cope with grief, fear, and loneliness.
Whether it’s a lick, a wag, or just sitting silently beside you — your dog may be the most loyal therapist you’ll ever have.