ANXIETY and depression are major health issues, but simply prescribing a medicine may not be the best course of treatment.
A new study from the Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development has found anxiety and depression can be eased through bonding with a dog.
The study comprised of 200 women, more than half of whom were childhood abuse survivors, and found their attachment to a pet was linked with lower anxiety levels.
Having a strong connection with a dog was also associated with reduced depression and insecure human attachment.
One key takeaway was that pets can compensate for the lack of a stable relationship some people experience.
Some businesses are already putting dogs to use for their effect as a calming agent, with various airports around the world deploying "canine therapy" to interact with nervous flyers prior to take-off.
Further studies have shown travellers who have a positive interaction with a playful puppy before boarding a plane will release endorphins which help them navigate the journey.
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