Man’s best friend: New research shows spending time with a dog can boost both mental and physical health

While summer is often seen as a relaxing season, the scorching heat can be a mentally stressful time for many. According to a previous study, 43 per cent of Brits reported to experience negative wellbeing effects during a heatwave, often with feelings of low moods, such as depression. And during hot weather, it can be tough to find the motivation to boost your wellness. 

But according to BorrowMyDoggy.com, the simple act of spending time with a dog - even if just for a few hours - may be just what’s needed to help you get your wellbeing back on track. 

Previous research suggests that dogs can be a massive emotional uplift, with half of dog owners saying their canine companions boost their mental health. This is supported by research from BorrowMyDoggy.com, which reveals a whopping 99 per cent of those surveyed believe that their mood improves when spending time with a dog. Similarly, 96 per cent felt that spending time with a dog reduced their stress levels. 

But, alongside the mental health benefits, borrowing a dog can increase your physical health, too. Most dogs need around one or two hour walks a day, which for a human can amount to any number between 5,000 to 18,000 steps - a huge help to reach or exceed the widely-accepted 10,000 daily step target. The study from BorrowMyDoggy.com also found that respondents walked an average of 13,822 steps a day when they had a dog, compared to 6,541 when they didn’t - more than twice as many steps. 

The research was undertaken by the company to better understand why their customers were interested in borrowing a dog through their site. Other interesting insights included:

• 79% felt reduced feelings of loneliness and isolation by borrowing a dog
• 90% said borrowing a dog increased their human social interaction
• 93% of owners said having a borrower reduces worry about their dog's care needs
• 70% of owners said their dog gets more exercise through having a borrower 

Rikke Rosenlund, founder and CEO at BorrowMyDoggy.com, says that spending time with dogs can be an easy way to improve your physical and mental wellbeing at the same time. 

“Many of us already find dogs to be our favourite animal, and, unsurprisingly, half of Brits say dogs benefit their mental health. While dogs are already the nation’s favourite animal, with 41 per cent of households owning one as a pet, that leaves a huge proportion of people who don’t have their own pooch.

“Our stats show the benefits - but not everyone is in the position to own a dog full time. But there are now plenty of opportunities to borrow a dog. Being with a dog can reduce your stress in as little as half-an-hour, and it’s very easy to understand why, especially after giving a pooch a cuddle. 

“However, dogs are not just a mental boost, either. As any dog lover knows, they need a lot of walks, usually between an hour and two a day. By completing one or two brisk hour-long walks with your four-legged friend, you’re well on your way to reaching the recommended daily step target. This may help you appreciate the importance of outdoor physical exercise for yourself, as well as your pooch.”