How Dogs Are Becoming an Unexpected Ally in Mental Health Support

By Brianna Tapia

For many people, a dog isn't simply a pet, it's a companion waiting by the door or a familiar face at the end of a long day. But for a growing number of Americans, especially college students and young adults, dogs are becoming something more: a quiet but powerful source of emotional support.

Meet Maggie, my baby

Sleepy Maggie

Mental health concerns such as anxiety and depression continue to rise across the

United States. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC),

more than one in five adults report experiencing symptoms of either condition. As

conversations about mental health become more open, healthcare professionals and

schools are beginning to look beyond traditional treatment methods and toward

supportive, everyday solutions.

One of those solutions has four legs and a wagging tail.

Animal-assisted therapy, particularly therapy involving dogs, has gained attention in

recent years. Research from the American Psychological Association shows that

interacting with dogs can lower cortisol, the body’s primary stress hormone, while

increasing oxytocin, a chemical connected to bonding and relaxation. In simple terms,

spending time with a dog can help people feel calmer and more emotionally secure.

Even brief moments matter. Something as small as petting a dog for a few minutes can

noticeably improve mood and ease feelings of anxiety.

College campuses across the country have embraced this idea. During midterms and

finals, many universities now host therapy dog events where trained dogs visit students.

These visits offer a break from academic pressure and provide comfort during some of

the most stressful weeks of the semester. Students who attend often report feeling less

overwhelmed and more emotionally balanced after the interaction.

For some individuals, the support goes beyond occasional visits. Emotional support

dogs are becoming more common among people managing anxiety, depression, and

post-traumatic stress disorder. Although emotional support animals are not classified as

service animals under federal law, mental health professionals still recognize their

emotional benefits.

Owning a dog can also introduce structure into daily life. Walking, feeding, and caring

for an animal creates routine and responsibility. For someone struggling with mental

health, these small daily tasks can provide motivation, stability, and a sense of purpose.

Factors often lost during periods of emotional distress.

Experts emphasize that dogs are not a replacement for therapy or professional care.

However, they can work alongside treatment. The National Institute of Health notes

that animal-assisted interventions may help people open up emotionally, reduce feelings

of isolation, and develop healthier coping habits. For those hesitant to seek help, a

dog’s presence can make comfort feel more approachable.

The increasing recognition of dogs as mental health allies reflects a broader shift toward

holistic wellness, one that values emotional connection as much as clinical treatment support does not always come from medication or a counseling office. Sometimes, it

comes from a quiet companion resting beside you.

For many people, the steady presence of a dog is more than comforting. It is grounding.

In a fast and often overwhelming world, that simple companionship can remind

someone they are not alone and sometimes, that is exactly what healing begins with.