Depression is a serious and debilitating mental disorder that affects over 300 million people worldwide.
It can impact thoughts, emotions, the ability to handle daily life, and perception of the world.
Fortunately, there are several treatment options available, including psychotherapy and medication.
Dogs and Depression

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Animals have a positive effect on people with depression, and dogs can be a great help for anxiety, post-traumatic stress, and other mental health disorders.
They provide daily support and unconditional love. This is especially true for dogs, as they are highly social animals.
Hunde hjælper mod depression

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Dogs motivate their owners to engage in physical activity, which releases neurotransmitters like serotonin and dopamine that promote well-being.
Physical contact, such as petting and playing, can also increase these substances and reduce stress. Additionally, dogs encourage social interaction, which can help combat loneliness.
In some cases, dogs serve as a form of therapy, offering emotional support in environments such as hospitals, schools, and nursing homes.
Dog Breeds That Can Help with Depression

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Having a dog can generally help against mental issues like depression.
But some dog breeds are particularly well-suited to support individuals with depression:
Check them out on this list:
American Staffordshire Terrier

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The American Staffordshire Terrier is an intelligent, loyal, and protective dog that often forms a strong bond with its owner.
Despite its muscular and powerful appearance, it is also a loving and comforting companion.
The breed is known for its courage and determination but requires firm and affectionate training.
With proper training and socialization, it is an excellent family dog that loves being close to its people.
Border Collie

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The Border Collie is an extremely energetic and loyal dog that loves to work and train.
Originally bred for herding sheep, it is known for its impressive intelligence and quick learning ability.
It requires daily exercise and mental stimulation; otherwise, it may develop destructive behavior.
At the same time, it is a loving dog that enjoys close contact with its owner and loves to cuddle after an active day.
Cavalier King Charles Spaniel

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The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel is a charming and affectionate companion dog that adapts to its owner’s lifestyle.
It can be both active and playful but also calm and relaxed, depending on the situation.
This breed is known for its friendly temperament and ability to get along well with both children and other animals.
It requires daily companionship and loves being part of family activities.
Golden Retriever

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The Golden Retriever is one of the world’s most popular dog breeds due to its intelligence, friendly nature, and versatility.
The breed is known for being an excellent family dog that gets along well with children and other pets.
It is very cooperative and easy to train, making it a great choice for service and therapy work.
Golden Retrievers require regular exercise and mental stimulation to thrive.
Havanese

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The Havanese is a small, lively, and social dog that loves human interaction.
It is known for its soft, wavy coat, which requires regular grooming.
Despite its compact size, the breed is energetic and loves to play.
It is easy to train and adapts well to different lifestyles, making it suitable for both families and individuals.
Labrador Retriever

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The Labrador Retriever is an intelligent, friendly, and versatile dog that is loved worldwide.
It is known for its loyalty and easy trainability, making it an excellent working dog in areas such as rescue and service work.
The Labrador is also an active dog that thrives on daily walks, swimming, and play.
Its happy and affectionate nature makes it a fantastic family dog.
Poodle

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The Poodle is a playful, intelligent, and highly adaptable dog that forms strong bonds with its owner.
It comes in various sizes (toy, miniature, medium, and standard), making it suitable for many different lifestyles.
The breed is known for its curly, hypoallergenic coat and long lifespan.
Poodles are active and love both physical and mental stimulation, such as agility or obedience training.
Pug

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The Pug is a small, charming, and cheerful dog often described as a big personality in a small body.
It has a loving and calm nature, making it an excellent companion dog.
Despite its compact size, it has a sturdy build and enjoys short play sessions and walks.
However, it is prone to obesity and requires a balanced diet and regular exercise.
Sighthound

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Sighthounds are elegant, slender, and fast dogs, but they are also surprisingly calm and relaxed indoors.
Although they have historically been used for racing, they actually love spending time on the couch with their owner.
They have a gentle and friendly nature and form strong attachments to their humans.
They thrive best in a peaceful home with space to stretch their legs during short but fast runs.
Yorkshire Terrier

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The Yorkshire Terrier is a small but brave dog with a loving and devoted personality.
It has long, silky fur that requires regular grooming.
Despite its small size, it has a big personality and can be both confident and playful.
It is ideal as a companion dog, as it loves being close to its owner and often follows them everywhere.