Do Dogs Make Us Happier?

Here’s a question with a seemingly obvious answer: Do dogs make us happier? 

Of course they do! The exuberant greeting they give us when we walk back through the door after being away. The goofy behavior they display to get our attention. The crazy zoomies they get into. The undying loyalty and unquestioning love. Dogs make us smile every day.

If dogs didn’t make us happy, why would so many of us — almost 60 million households in the U.S., according to data from the American Veterinary Medical Association — choose to have dogs?

But how do they make us happy? Is it scientifically demonstrable? What are the benefits of having a dog, and is being a pet parent all win-win?

Do dogs make us happier?

We know there are multiple benefits to having a dog in your life, such as:

Dogs can keep you active — whether that’s walking around the neighborhood with your pup or doing more strenuous exercise such as running or cycling with your dog in tow. Exercise produces endorphins, which improve our mood.

Socialising — having a dog can help to reduce loneliness as there’s a good chance you’ll see other dog parents when out and about. Having a dog requires you to leave your home more than you might otherwise, and even an occasional passing “hello” exchange with another dog walker can give you a lift.

Companionship — dogs can be a great comfort to people, especially for those who may otherwise not experience a great deal of human contact. A dog can be a best friend, helping to reduce stress and invoking a sense of calm just by their presence.

A sense of purpose — having a dog in your life gives you a reason to get on with your day and provides structure to that day; it’s a reason to get up and get going. Your dog depends on you for food, exercise, love and attention.

We also know, from some of the results of the 2025 Dog Food Advisor survey, that the strength of the bond between pet parent and dog is a significant one. Some 52% of our respondents said they would be prepared to go hungry in order to feed their dog, while 96% said they would never give up their dog due to food costs. The loyalty of dogs to humans might be frequently noted, but it’s clear that this loyalty works both ways.

Do dogs make us healthier?

There have also been scientific studies into the positive health effects of having a dog. An article in The Farmer’s Dog Digest cited the results of a survey conducted by a group at the University of Geneva that showed having a dog or cat was linked to a slower mental decline.

The study surveyed Europeans aged 50 and older over a period of 18 years. The study examined two specific types of what are classed as ‘mental health markers’ — executive functioning (which includes the ability to manage multiple tasks and goal-oriented planning) and episodic memory (which is the ability to recall specific events).

While there was evidence of mental decline over that period, that decline was slower for pet parents compared to those without pets. Specifically, having a dog was more beneficial to senior mental health than other types of pets, including fish and birds.

It’s not the only study into the benefits of having a dog and to come to positive conclusions. The American Heart Association published a research article that concluded having a dog is linked to a 31% reduction in the risk of cardiovascular death.

A 2025 UK study by Michael Gmeiner and Adelina Gschwandtner titled The Value of Pets: The Quantifiable Impact of Pets on Life Satisfaction looked at data from over 2,500 households. It found that having a pet — dog or cat — improved life satisfaction by 3-4 points within a ranking scale of 1-7.

And, a survey by HABRI, the Human Animal Bond Research Institute, reported that 85% of respondents said that pets can reduce loneliness, while 76% agreed interactions between human and pet can help to address the issue of social isolation — which particularly affects older Americans living alone.

What are the downsides to having a dog?

Dogs aren’t without challenges though — there are practical, financial and emotional issues to manage during the course of pet parenting. Having a dog can be expensive, with food and medical costs, whether vet fees or pet insurance.

Even so, judging by the responses to DFA’s survey, these are costs many pet parents are happy to pay — 86% would reduce their own personal spending so they could afford to buy quality food for their dog, and 92% are prepared to go into debt to pay for emergency veterinary care. And 96% said they would never give up their dog due to food costs.

In practical terms, being a pet parent demands commitment. Daily exercise is non-negotiable, as is your presence — if you’re away from home for another length of time, you’ll need a dog sitter or doggy daycare. If you’re planning a vacation, you need to plan (and pay) for your dog to be looked after while you’re away. Pet parenting duties are not to be taken lightly.

Then, there’s the deep emotional connection with our dogs that sadly, ultimately concludes with grief. Given the likelihood of pet parents outliving their dog, there will nearly always be a heartbreaking farewell and a grieving period to follow. We’ll miss our canine companions forever — and we know it’s coming.

But, to paraphrase Queen Elizabeth II, speaking after the death of her husband Prince Philip, “grief is the price we pay for love” and, as is evident, that love — and how happy it makes us — is something very special.

Win a year’s free supply of The Farmer’s Dog

For the last 10 years, fresh dog food brand The Farmer’s Dog has had an internal ‘Dog Person Day’. A day for staff to celebrate being what we all are: dog people. This year it’s making it a public celebration and marking it with the chance to win a year’s free dog food.

No purchase is necessary — go here and click the “See Official Rules” link for instructions and terms and conditions. This ends on September 28, 2025 at 11:59 PM ET.

If you want to try The Farmer’s Dog, Dog Food Advisor readers get an exclusive 60% off their first box by clicking on this link. If you buy, you can still enter the giveaway competition.