DOG ANXIETY, WELLBEING AND DOG OWNER’S MENTAL HEALTH

We examine anxiety and fearful behaviour in dogs and how it can be overcome with love, understanding, time and effort – plus copious amounts of dog treats! We also look at whether or not simply owning a dog makes you a happier person and the stress reducing benefits of having a canine or feline companion. Lastly, we discuss visiting a dog café or cat café and lowering your cortisol levels and increasing your oxytocin levels as a result, as well as the pros and cons such cafés present for animal welfare. Is your wellbeing improved at the expense of the café animals’ wellbeing?

Anxiety in Dogs

Anxiety can be debilitating and life-limiting for humans, but did you know that dogs suffer from anxiety too, including separation anxiety?

The 2020 pandemic and its aftermath unleashed an epidemic of anxiety in dogs, as during the Lockdowns dogs were confined to the house all day along with their owners.

Pandemic dogs “became accustomed to their owner being home at all times and gained little exposure to normal sights and sounds – making it hard for them to cope with being home alone and to deal with ordinary life outside.”

Source: The Guardian: Paw things: how to help your anxious dog -
https://amp.theguardian.com/lifeandstyle/2025/jan/05/paw-things-how-to-help-your-anxious-dog

And, as the article says, “We’re still seeing the consequences.”

“According to recent figures from Dogs Trust, approximately 40,000 dogs are abandoned or handed over to local authorities in England and Wales each year. Behavioural issues are a common cause, but not just in “pandemic dogs”. Many cases of aggression in dogs arise from fear or anxiety. Other dogs are reactive or emotionally unregulated. They react negatively or disproportionately to what is commonplace to them – they might cower, bark or growl at a stranger encountered on a walk, for instance, or in their excitement at meeting a new dog will lunge and bark.”

The article goes on to say that:

“Tell-tale signs of anxiety in dogs include low body posture, stiff movements, ears pinned back, a tucked tail and seeking out familiar people.”

Anxiety in Rescue Dogs

Rescue dogs – which are close to our hearts here at Maisey Daisey (so much so that we have four rescue dogs ourselves and, in fact, Maisey Daisey Ltd is named after Maisey Daisey our Romanian Rescue Dog – see https://maiseydaisey.com/pages/about-our-chosen-rescues) – are understandably prone to anxiety because of how they have been treated in the past or their previous circumstances, and exhibit behaviours linked to canine anxiety, like being scared of other dogs or aggression towards them.

Some behaviours can be avoided by adopting coping strategies or avoiding certain trigger situations or locations, but the most deep-seated and persistent canine anxieties may just be too ingrained to overcome, and dogs become not just anxious but fearful.

Like us, the broadcaster Rory Cellan-Jones also took in a Romanian rescue dog, “found abandoned on a roadside with other puppies”. He wrote about his experiences and his rescue dog, Sophie, in a book, called ‘Sophie From Romania’. As the article states, “for a long period, Sophie was too terrified to come out from behind the sofa”. And, “As for walks, well, they proved impossible,” he wrote. “I quickly realised I’d bitten off more than I could chew.”

This led to an expert dog trainer being brought in and ultimately, with perseverance, patience and understanding, Sophie’s anxiety lessened.

Dogs learn by association

As proven by the well-documented experiments undertaken by Ivan Pavlov into how dogs respond to rewards or punishment, dogs learn by association and “if X happens, then Y follows”.

Pavlov noticed that dogs associated a particular sound with the arrival of food, demonstrating that dogs learn by association in the same way that humans do.

This means that dogs – with love and patience- can be trained with treats and rewards to overcome the previous situations and circumstances that triggered their anxiety or fearful or aggressive behaviour.

This is the concept of counter-conditioning.

Counter-conditioning

Again, we quote at length here from the Guardian article, which says that:

“The aim of counter-conditioning is to teach the dog to love the thing they were previously scared of.”

“Counter-conditioning involves desensitising a dog to whatever frightens them by breaking it into component parts” as well as “reducing the fear one step at a time”.

With time, effort, understanding and a lot of patience, canine anxiety and fears can be overcome. Taking the requisite amount of time to do this properly and effectively is key though. It can’t be rushed.

“People are understandably impatient” but “improvements can come rapidly. And the sense of achievement, at the end, is huge”.

“Time, patience, love – and a lot of treats” can enable anxious and fearful dogs “gradually to become more comfortable and secure”, and they go on to become loving and devoted companions, as our rescue dogs have done.

The transformative impact of rescue dogs

Whilst we certainly aren’t animal behavioural scientists, we do have our own experiences of homing rescue dogs. The story of Maisey Daisey highlights the unique benefits of bringing rescue dogs into your life, as adopting a rescue dog not only saves canine lives but also brings immense joy and companionship.

The tale of how we found Maisey Daisey underscores the transformative impact of rescue dogs, showcasing the love, loyalty and companionship they bring into our lives.

What things can help a dog feel less anxious?

As well as sharing our story with you, there are some things that we can help you with to ease dog anxiety.

We sell products that can help a dog feel less anxious, like the previously mentioned Dog Treats,  plus Dog Beds and Dog Blankets too.

Here at Maisey Daisey we stock a range of Natural Dog Treats (https://maiseydaisey.com/collections/natural-wholesome-dog-food-and-treats) that can be given as a reward to reinforce positive behaviour and foster wellbeing, as well as premium Dog Beds and Dog Blankets to help your dog feel comfortable, safe and secure in their home environment.

Our Deluxe Cocoon Cave Beds (https://maiseydaisey.com/products/deluxe-cocoon-bed) are supremely comfortable and give dogs their very own sanctuary. This particular dog bed comes with the ability to add additional curtains as an enhancement. Simply slip the curtains over the front of the bed, and tuck them underneath. In conjunction with the Cocoon Cave Bed the curtains help with anxiety in dogs by enclosing them in a secure and safe den.

You could also add a round Deluxe Cocoon Dog Blanket (https://maiseydaisey.com/products/deluxe-cocoon-dog-blanket-round) to the Cave Bed for additional warmth, comfort and the reassuring snuggly texture of Teddy Fur or Faux Fur to make a relaxing retreat for your dog.

Remember that 10% profit from every sale we make is donated to dog and cat rescue, so not only are you providing a safe haven for your own dog by buying a dog bed and dog blanket from us but for other animals too.

We’ve looked at canine anxiety and how it can be overcome in time, but what about the effect owning a dog has on human mental health?

Human mental health and depression – will spending time with your dog cheer you up?

An American study examined the impact of dogs on their owner’s emotional wellbeing, including their overall mental health and depression in particular. The researchers wanted to see if dog owners were happier than the general population at large.

Highlighted and discussed in an article for the Psychology Today website (source: Psychology Today: ‘Will Spending Time with Your Dog Cheer You Up?’ - https://www.psychologytoday.com/gb/blog/animals-and-us/202412/will-spending-time-with-your-dog-cheer-you-up?amp) the key points were that most dog owners do believe that their pets enhance their psychological wellbeing, but most studies have found that pet owners are not in fact happier, less depressed, or less lonely than non-owners; but that a new study found that just 10 minutes of dog interaction improved the wellbeing of distressed owners.

The study is a good starting point for understanding the long-term impact of pets on mental health.

Research in the UK

Here in the UK, the Mental Health Foundation has a great article on their website on the topic – ‘Pets and mental health’ (source: Mental Health: ‘Pets and mental health’ -https://www.mentalhealth.org.uk/explore-mental-health/a-z-topics/pets-and-mental-health).

The article mentions two neurodiversity conditions in particular – ADHD and Autism – and how pets help.

“Pets may also help with specific conditions. For example, people with ADHD may benefit from the structure and routine that a pet needs. Managing their pet’s responsibilities and keeping track of time – to feed or walk them on time, for example – may help them in other areas of their lives. Some people with ADHD are hyperactive – especially children – and playing with a pet can be a great way to release excess energy, whether that’s walking a dog or running around with a kitten.”

“Autistic people can benefit from having a pet. Pets provide the kind of unconditional relationship that can help someone build social skills and confidence. They can provide a sense of calm and reassurance if their owner feels overwhelmed. Autistic children with sensory issues can involve their pets in sensory integration activities to help them get used to how something feels against their skin or how it smells or sounds.”

YouGov survey finds that 9 out of 10 dog owners feel mentally healthier

A YouGov survey of nearly 5,000 UK pet owners found that a whopping 90 percent (9 out of 10) of dog owners surveyed felt mentally healthier thanks to their pet. More UK households own a dog than any other kind of pet. The figures were only slightly lower for cat owners, at 85 percent. So both are demonstrably beneficial according to the YouGov research.

University of Liverpool research and findings – “a more complicated picture”

However, other research, led by the University of Liverpool, who’s findings are highly nuanced, shows both positive and negative impacts on mental health. A University of Liverpool website article on the research, titled ‘Dog ownership and mental health – for better and worse’ -

https://news.liverpool.ac.uk/2022/07/28/dog-ownership-and-mental-health-for-better-and-worse/

paints “a more complicated picture”.

“Researchers surveyed 1,693 adult dog owners in the UK to investigate whether those with stronger relationships with their dogs experience better mental health.

“Published in the journal Frontiers in Psychology, their analysis found that a stronger dog–owner relationship was associated with greater feelings of emotional support and companionship but poorer levels of anxiety or depression.

“Key themes included positive impacts on owner wellbeing and happiness through providing purpose, companionship and self-acceptance, pleasure and distraction, as well as lessening emotional pain and suffering. For example, dogs were mentioned as a useful aid for dealing with mental health symptoms... However, negative impacts of a strong relationship included anticipatory grief over [future] loss of the dog, and concerns regarding the burden of responsibility and ability to meet dog’s needs.

“The researchers found that it was this perceived ‘burden’ of dog ownership that was most closely associated to owners’ mental wellbeing.”

So, whilst dog ownership does undoubtedly have mental health benefits, the positives can be offset by the extent to which the owner worries about the responsibilities of having a dog, coping with any issues that it brings, or becoming attached to the dog and its inevitable passing – the ‘burden’ of dog ownership. It is a responsibility, and one not to be taken lightly.

But, let’s accentuate the positive, and look at the benefits, including nine benefits that the RSPCA highlights, plus a couple of additional ones.

Nine benefits that pets bring to our mental health and wellbeing, according to the RSPCA

An article for the RSPCA website talks about the nine benefits that having pets (or having access to animals in a cat café or dog café) bring to our mental health and wellbeing (source: the RSPCA website, ‘Adoptober – Pet ownership helps mental wellbeing’ -https://www.rspca.org.uk/local/oxfordshire-branch/latest/detail?newsTitle=adoptober-%E2%80%93-pet-ownership-helps-mental-wellbeing&newsId=9868).

The nine benefits that pets bring to our mental health and wellbeing mentioned in the article are:

1.      “Vital companionship for those who live alone or are spending time working from home alone” 

2.      “A reason to get out of the house, to exercise daily and keep to a routine”

3.      “They encourage us to be sociable and chat to others we meet on walks”

4.      “They are calming and relaxing to stroke or groom, which releases oxytocin, a hormone that brings us closer together with the people around us and can make us feel more confident”

5.      “They can build confidence in new situations and provide a great talking point”

6.      “They make us responsible for another's life, health and wellbeing”

7.      “They give us an ongoing project to focus on - training and teaching them tricks”

8.      “Pets encourage regular breaks from screens, which can help our wellbeing”

9.      “In the case of dogs, even when we just look into their eyes - our bodies release oxytocin, a hormone that brings about bonding between individuals as well as helping us feel more optimistic and lowering blood pressure.”

Aisling Traynor, who is Head of Advice & Training at Mental Health UK, says:

“There are so many benefits of looking after a pet, from forging a sense of companionship to helping us maintain a sense of routine and making sure we stay active and spend time outside. There's been no doubt that pets can help to lift our spirits if we're in a good position to give a home to a rescue animal. That's why we're…[raising] awareness of the benefits rescue pets can bring to our lives - and how we can all make a difference to their wellbeing too.”

Other benefits

There are other mental health benefits too.

Dogs and cats are great listeners and can boost self-confidence, and they are intuitive:

“Pets can be great listeners too – they don’t criticise, they offer unconditional love and they often instinctively know when their owner is feeling down or upset. This can help to boost self-confidence, as it allows owners to feel understood and cared for.”

“Research conducted by the University of Melbourne found that around 50 percent of adults and 70 percent of adolescents who own a pet regularly confide in them. So, when you have a pet, you’ll always have someone to talk to.”

They help us in later life, offering companionship and motivation:

“Pets make great companions, particularly for the elderly. Pets such as cats and dogs have been shown to have a revitalising effect on owners. Between encouraging exercise and preventing loneliness, pets can help bring better mental and physical health to their senior owners.” 

“Pets have also been shown to help dementia and Alzheimer’s patients with their mental health. Due to this, more and more care homes are enlisting the help of animals to create a calmer, more homely environment for their residents.”

(Source: Veterinary Practice: ‘Ninety-percent of pet owners feel mentally healthier thanks to their pet’ - https://www.veterinary-practice.com/2022/pet-owners-feel-healthier-thanks-to-pets)

But what if you can’t have a dog or a cat in your home? Can you still benefit from being around cats and dogs in other ways? Yes – absolutely.

Visiting a dog café or cat café: lowering your cortisol levels and increasing your oxytocin levels

In the same way, even if you don’t have a dog or cat yourself, going to a dog café or cat café and interacting with dogs or cats whilst you’re there can also reduce stress and anxiety - by lowering your cortisol levels and increasing your oxytocin levels.

One of the primary ways dog cafés and cat cafés contribute to human wellbeing is through stress reduction. 

As well as promoting wellbeing in humans, the cafés support animal welfare and promote animal adoption. Cafés that foster animals help reduce the number of cats and dogs in shelters and animal rescue. And, the cafés can help people who might want to adopt a pet themselves get to know the dogs and cats in a more relaxed setting. 

Dog Cafés

In 2025, dog cafes in the UK include the Pup Up Cafe and Coffi Lab chains. 

Pup Up Café (https://www.pupup.cafe/) has dog cafés in major city locations across England and Wales, including Exeter, London, Sheffield, Cardiff, and Manchester.

Coffi Lab (https://coffilab.co.uk/) has dog cafés in Cardiff, Monmouth, Abergavenny, and Marlborough.

Pawsitive Café, the self-styled “finest café in London...for you and your dog” (https://pawsitivecafe.com/) also caters for human and dog wellbeing, by “creating a calm community for you and your furry friends.”

Pawsitive Café wants to provide “a space that will connect people with pets in an ambient environment, leading to a happier and healthier lifestyle.”

Cat Cafés

There are many cat cafés in the major cities across the UK, including long-established ones in Birmingham, Leeds, Leicester, Nottingham, Newcastle, Edinburgh, and Glasgow.

Kitty Café is a popular cat café chain with locations in Birmingham, Leeds, Leicester, and Nottingham, who also offer cat rescue services. 

CatPawCino Cat Café on the Quayside of Newcastle, has eight resident cats and also cares for rescue cats too. 

But is your wellbeing improved at the expense of the café animals’ wellbeing?

But not everyone is happy with the success of the cafés it must be said – and cat cafés in particular.  Is your wellbeing improved at the expense of the café animals’ wellbeing?

A number of animal welfare charities, including Cats Protection, the RSPCA and the Celia Hammond Animal Trust think so. They have criticised them, stating that:

"Cat cafes are not a suitable environment for cats because they are in a confined space with a revolving population of people," says Nicky Trevorrow, behaviour manager at Cats Protection.

"They need a stable environment - more so than dogs."

The RSPCA doesn't recommend keeping large numbers of cats together in one place either. "Our main concerns include the stress caused by unfamiliar strangers wanting to stroke and handle the cats," it says (source: BBC News website, ‘Are cat cafes good for cats?’- https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/magazine-37199653).

The alternatives

There are alternatives to cat and dog cafés for people who can’t have a pet of their own. For instance, BorrowMyDoggy (https://www.borrowmydoggy.com/) connects dog owners to local people who would love to walk or play with a dog.

You could also volunteer with a dog or cat rescue centre in your local area, who may well need volunteers who can give their time to exercise, look after and socialise the animals in their care.

Both Cats Protection (https://www.cats.org.uk/what-we-do/paws-protect) and Dogs Trust (http://www.moretodogstrust.org.uk/freedom-project/freedom-project) need people to provide temporary foster care for pets.

It’s a very worthwhile thing to do.

Conclusion

No matter how you ultimately end up having dogs or cats in your life – whether through ownership, spending time in a dog or cat café, or through volunteering or animal fostering - there are many benefits to doing so. Yes, responsibility comes with owning or looking after animals, but so does companionship, bonding and mental health benefits.

So, we’ve seen how owning a dog makes you a happier person and the stress reducing benefits of having a canine or feline companion, weighed up the pros and cons of dog cafés and cat cafés, and we’ve looked at how anxiety and fearful behaviour in dogs can be overcome with love, understanding, time and effort – plus copious amounts of dog treats!

Remember that you can get your Natural Dog Treats and calming Dog Cave Beds from us here at Maisey Daisey, and that 10% profit from each and every sale we make is donated to dog and cat rescue.