Psychology Today July/August 2020 pp26-27 POV| ANIMAL MINDS “What We Owe Dogs” “Dogs have helped us weather the pandemic" “We may want to reconsider our relationship with them”. By Jessica Pierce
Modern day dogs, especially those comforting us through the COVID-19 pandemic, singular role is “emotional support”. Forget about those other duties present or past of helping on the hunt, standing watch or pulling sleds. Scientists understand that “being physically close to dogs has the power to release a flood of oxytocin…” relieving us of anxiety, depression and stress. By providing them with care and love we are pulled “out of our recursive, spiraling thoughts”. In their presence we share being calm and happy.
Not surprisingly then, dog-fostering has increased dramatically as the pandemic got underway as we started sensing anxiety, moments of depression and social isolation from our “friends, social networks, parents and children”. Looking ahead, we dog-lovers worry about whether the eventual easing of the pandemic may lead to less “people time” and even a return to the kennel for some unfortunate dogs. Dogs, like humans take time to adjust to new environments and prefer togetherness. Experts believe dogs can routinely tolerate about four hours on their own. They long for a chance to get outside for exercise, adventure and “social interaction with other dogs”. Too much isolation and not enough play leads dogs to acting-out their “frustration, anxiety and loneliness with chewing, digging, barking and being overactive.
So we must be mindful of holding up our end of this mutually-beneficial partnership. If and when circumstances change lets keep on caring and loving our canine "besties".
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