The rise in mental health problems, especially among young people, has led to a focus on new forms of support. In this context, Dogs have become a common support in emotional well-being programsalways as a complement to professional treatment and not as a substitute.
La Royal Canine Society of Spain (RSCE) has highlighted the role they can play certain dog breeds in people with depressionboth in assisted therapies and in daily support. The organization points out that depression affects more than 300 millions of people around the world And that, in Spain, there is particular concern about emotional distress in adolescents, which affects about 38,5% of young people according to data collected by the Ministry of Health and the World Health Organization (WHO).
Dogs as emotional support in depression
In various environments health, education and socialDogs have become established as a valuable therapeutic companion resource. The Scientific Committee of the RSCE emphasizes that Frequent interaction with a dog can reduce the feeling of lonelinessanxiety and sadness, factors that are usually very present in depressive episodes.
Furthermore, living with an animal can encourage the creation of daily routines (walks, meal times, basic care) that help structure daily life. These simple but consistent activities, They promote physical activity and help regulate emotions, something key in many recovery processes.
In animal-assisted therapy programs, the work with dogs is not left to chance: The sessions are designed with specific objectives. These sessions are conducted under the supervision of mental health professionals and canine behavior specialists. The dog acts as a mediator, facilitating greater involvement of the person in the intervention.
Among the most common dynamics are petting the dog, playing, brushing it, or simply sharing a quiet moment in the same space. Although it may seem like a simple interaction, These guided actions can facilitate emotional openness, especially in adolescents and young people who find it difficult to verbalize how they feel.
The presence of the animal may also create an environment perceived as safer and less threateningThis helps many people feel more comfortable when attending appointments, following guidelines, or maintaining contact with the therapeutic team.
Dog breeds most commonly used to treat depression
The RSCE insists that There is no "perfect" race for treating depressionThe success of the accompaniment depends above all on individual character of the dog, its early socialization and the type of training receivedEven so, the accumulated experience in emotional support programs tends to frequently resort to certain races because of their temperamental characteristics.
Among the most common are Retrievers, especially the golden retriever and the labrador retrieverThey are dogs known for their balanced character and marked sociabilityqualities that make them excellent companions for interacting with people of different ages and backgrounds.
El golden retriever It is characterized by its friendly attitude, patience, and ease of training. These qualities allow it to It adapts well to environments where there is a lot of emotional activity., how can they be hospitals, educational centers or specialized mental health consultations.
In turn, the labrador retriever It also stands out for being a very cooperative and stable dog. Its natural disposition to work with people, along with its ability to follow instructions and remain calmThis makes it a frequent choice in animal therapy teams and companion programs.
Another breed mentioned by the RSCE is the poodle (or poodle), highly valued for its high intelligence and the ability to adapt to structured contextsIt is especially useful in educational and healthcare settings where the dog is asked to maintain attention for extended periods and participate in more directed exercises.
Finally, the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel It is usually appreciated for its sweet, calm and very affectionate temperamentIts small size and its generally calm and friendly way of relating to people make it easier for them to can accompany people going through emotionally charged situations without being invasive or creating a feeling of overwhelm.
How living with a dog helps with depression
According to the Scientific Committee of the RSCE, Daily contact with a dog can influence several key aspects of emotional well-beingOn the one hand, it reduces the perception of isolation, something especially relevant for those who tend to withdraw socially when they are depressed.
The responsibility of taking the dog for a walk or attending to its basic needs It requires maintaining a certain level of physical activity and time managementEven on a small scale, that routine can make all the difference on days when it's hard to find reasons to get out of bed or leave the house.
In cases, the dog functions as bridge to social interactionWalks, visits to the park, or other people's comments about the animal can lead to informal conversations, which contributes to break the cycle of loneliness which so often accompanies depression.
From an emotional point of view, the relationship with a dog is based on a stable and non-judgmental attachment bondThis feeling of unconditional acceptance can provide a a safe space to express affection, cry, talk out loud, or simply be with otherswithout needing to give constant explanations.
In environments where assisted therapies are developed, these characteristics are used in a planned way: petting the dog, throwing a ball, practicing simple obedience exercises, or performing supervised care tasks They can be integrated into treatment as tools to work on motivation, self-esteem, or the ability to concentrate.
A complement, never a substitute for professional treatment
Despite all these potential benefits, the RSCE reminds us that Dogs are not a magic solution to depressionThe organization itself emphasizes that They do not replace psychologists, psychiatrists, or other healthcare professionals under any circumstances.but are incorporated as additional support within a broader approach.
The president of the entity, José Miguel DovalHe insists that these animals can be very valuable allies as a complement to medical and psychological treatmentsprovided that both the needs of the person and the well-being of the dog are respected.
This means that, before introducing a dog into the life of someone with depression, it is important Analyze the situation with the therapeutic team and assess whether the person is able to assume care. that the animal requires. A dog needs time, attention, financial resources, and stability, so it won't always be the best option in every case.
It is also convenient seek out qualified professionals for the selection, socialization, and training of the dogespecially when it is to be integrated into formal assisted therapy or emotional support programs in educational and health centers in Spain and other European countries.
The evidence and experience gathered by the Royal Canine Society of Spain suggest that breeds such as the golden retriever, the labrador retriever, the poodle, and the cavalier king charles spaniel They can play a significant role in providing support for depression, especially in young people. Their sociable, balanced, and cooperative nature, combined with responsible ownership and supervision by mental health professionals, means these dogs can become a valuable resource. important reinforcement within the programs for prevention and recovery from emotional distress.
