Owning a Dog May Improve Teenagers’ Mental Health

A recent study suggests that owning a dog may be linked to improved mental health among teenagers, with dog-owning adolescents showing lower levels of social, emotional, and behavioural problems than their peers without dogs. Researchers say the benefits may come not only from companionship and social support but also from biological factors related to the microbiome.

What the Study Found

The research, led by scientists from Azabu University in Japan and published in iScience, looked at 343 adolescents in Tokyo, including 96 dog owners and 247 non-owners. Teenagers with a dog at home tended to score better across several mental health measures, including:

• Fewer social problems
• Less social withdrawal
• Lower rates of delinquency and aggression
• Stronger feelings of companionship and support as they matured

Compared to teens without dogs, those with canine companions were more likely to report positive social interactions and emotional well-being.

The Microbiome Connection

One intriguing part of the study involves the microbiome — the community of microbes living on and in the body. Dog owners often have distinct microbial signatures compared with non-owners, likely influenced by contact with their pet and the shared household environment.

In this study, researchers even transferred microbiome samples from dog-owning teens to mice. Mice that received the dog-owner microbial community showed more social behaviours — such as spending more time sniffing and approaching other mice — compared with mice that received microbes from teens without dogs.

While translating mouse behaviour directly to human experience has limits, these biological signals suggest that the dog-human microbial link might shape social responses and emotional health in subtle ways.

Why Dogs Might Help Teen Well-Being

Experts say there are several reasons dogs could benefit teenage mental health:

• Unconditional companionship encourages social connection and reduces loneliness.
• Routine care and play can reduce stress and increase physical activity.
• Lower social anxiety and more opportunities to interact with peers during dog walks or outings.
• Biological effects, such as microbiome shifts linked to emotional regulation.

Although the full mechanisms aren’t fully understood, the evidence adds to a growing body of research indicating that pets — particularly dogs — can foster emotional resilience and better psychosocial health in young people.

Study Context and Future Questions

While this study adds weight to the idea that dog ownership may support mental health, researchers note that not all past studies have found uniform benefits, and more work is needed to understand how and why pets influence emotional and social development across diverse populations.

Factors like family environment, socioeconomic conditions, and individual personality can also shape how a teenager experiences pet ownership — meaning the connection between dogs and wellbeing is likely multifaceted.

Still, for families weighing the decision to adopt a dog, this research suggests potential long-term emotional and social benefits that go beyond cuddles and playtimes.

You might also want to read: Why Are Dogs So Loyal? The Science Behind It