The Power of a Dog

Dylan Friedman-Almond

When I was 11 years old, I got a dog. After begging my parents to get one for most of my life, the day had finally come. I got the cutest Pomeranian mix ever who became my best friend immediately. Her name was Ru. I was so excited, because I had the sweetest dog who was so cute and fun to play with. Little did I know the magnitude of benefits she would provide not only to me at 11, but throughout all my days and years.

Every day she greets me with a smile as she wags her tail. Every day when I get home, she runs to the door to welcome me home. Every night at bedtime, she curls up beside me to sleep. Day in and day out, she brings joy, companionship, and silent understanding. Maybe more people need a Ru.

Today in America, mental illness is higher than ever with 1 in 5 people battling a mental disorder. That is roughly 58 million adults and 20 million children (“Child and Adolescent Mental Health”). The most prominent mental illnesses are depression and anxiety. Currently, there are more than 21 million adults and 4 million children in America who are diagnosed with depression (NIMH). Additionally, 40 million adults and almost 6 million children have anxiety disorders (“NAMI About Mental Illness Mental Health Conditions Anxiety Disorders”). Alarmingly, suicide rates have skyrocketed by 40 percent just within the last decade. We need a solution. 

Dogs just might be that solution. “Eighty-seven point three percent of Americans were reported as happier than the average person because of owning a dog” (“Pet owners are happier than people who don't have pets”). Studies show that dog owners are 41 percent less depressed than non-dog owners. This is due to the chemical effect dogs can have on your brain. Playing with your pet releases serotonin, dopamine, and oxytocin. In fact, “a study revealed that those who spent more time with their dogs experienced a 300 percent increase in oxytocin levels” (“Pet owners are happier than people who don't have pets”). Simply, petting a dog reduces stress by 40% (Parker-Pope). Dogs also ease loneliness by providing companionship. They even provide a sense of purpose, something many lack.

Not only has mental illness increased at an alarming rate in America but physical health has never been worse. Currently, 129 million people in America struggle with at least one chronic disease like heart disease, cancer, or diabetes (Benavidez). 74% of adults are overweight, while 43% of them are obese (“Adult Obesity Facts | Obesity”). Our current Western medical paradigm focuses on pharmaceutical solutions with the average American taking 5 prescription drugs. The issue is that this rarely solves the root cause of disease. There are other solutions, and owning a dog might be one of them here as well.

Dog owners make 30 percent fewer visits to the doctor. Shockingly, dogs reduce the risk of heart attack and cardiovascular disease while lowering blood pressure and cholesterol (“5 Ways Pets Help with Stress and Mental Health”). Simply owning a dog promotes increased physical activity, and therefore an increased life span overall. 

It's usually at this part of the conversation that the other person says, “Yes but… Are all of these benefits real?” Yes. The scientific evidence is clear and well documented. Furthermore, the personal anecdotes, including mine, seem to be never-ending. “But I’m allergic to dogs.” Don’t worry; there are many hypoallergenic breeds. “I don't like dogs.”  Well, maybe that's because you don't have one, or you’ve never met a dog like Ru.

Feeling lonely, depressed, anxious? Are you isolated, sedentary, or physically unhealthy? Get a dog. Trust me, I could never imagine life without Ru.