February is the shortest month of the year, but it may feel like the longest and most depressing. Dogs can help with that.

Here are 6 ways dogs can enhance our mental health.

• Dogs offer unconditional love and acceptance. They are non-judgmental, and more than anything, want to be with their people.
• Dogs can alter our behavior. Nothing can improve a bad day like a tail-wagging, licking dog to greet us at the door. The stress and anxiety just rolls away.
• Dogs distract us from our problems. No moping allowed when you take your dog for a walk or play fetch with them.
• Dogs offer the power of a healing touch. Petting your dog can lower your blood pressure and heart rate, and boost your emotions.
• Dogs make us responsible. Responsibility for our dog builds our self-esteem, brings structure and independence, and promotes mental health.
• Dogs enhance our physical health. In addition to being able to lower our blood pressure and heart rate, petting can also bring improvement to our immune system and ease pain. They also encourage us to move more which is a boost to our overall health. And a healthy body promotes a healthy attitude and mind.

Written by Anne Farmer, President, Indian Rivers Humane Society, King William, Virginia