Can a Dog Really Help Treat Depression? This Pug Just Might Have Proved It

Many people struggle with feelings of sadness and loneliness. Finding ways to feel better can sometimes be hard.

Could having a dog help improve your mood and mental health?

Mo Pruiett shared how a little pug named Molly brought joy and healing into her family’s life—especially for her twin sister, who had been battling depression and anxiety for years. After a difficult period that included hospitalization for self-harm, the family searched for something that could bring comfort and stability into her sister’s life. That something turned out to be a pug.

Mo’s sister had always loved pugs. She talked about them constantly, but the family hesitated to get one because they already had two large dogs, and pugs typically don’t mix well with bigger breeds. Still, their mother started looking online and found Molly, a 7-year-old rescue described as a “party pug.” The moment Mo’s sister saw Molly’s photos, she felt an instant connection.

They drove half an hour to the shelter to meet Molly. From the moment they met, it was clear they belonged together. Molly climbed into Mo’s sister’s lap, kissed her face, and stayed close all the way home. That bond only grew stronger.

However, the family soon noticed that something was wrong with Molly’s right eye. She was also very thin. A vet discovered a severe ulcer in her eye, along with a protein deficiency and an infection. On top of that, Molly wasn’t 7—she was actually 9 years old. Still, they didn’t give up on her. A second veterinarian, a family friend, created a special serum using Molly’s own blood to treat her eye. With medication and care, Molly recovered without needing surgery.

Now Molly is full of life—she runs, plays ball, and snuggles often. Her presence has had a huge impact on Mo’s sister, who is now the happiest she’s ever been. Molly didn’t just find a home; she helped bring healing to a family in pain.

Dogs as Emotional Support

Dogs can be a powerful part of managing and improving depression. They don’t just offer companionship—they help change your routine, support your physical health, and give you a reason to keep going when everything feels heavy. Research shows that dogs can reduce stress, anxiety, and depression. They help ease loneliness, encourage exercise, and improve your overall health. These aren’t just small perks—they can make a real difference for someone living with depression.

Exercise is one key way dogs help. Since dogs need regular walks and playtime, their owners often end up being more active, too. Over 60% of dog owners meet the recommended amount of weekly exercise. This movement boosts brain chemicals like endorphins, which are known to fight depression. Dogs thrive on routine, and that need for consistency helps owners build healthier habits. A regular schedule can lower stress levels, improve sleep, and give the day more structure.

Another benefit is social connection. Dogs naturally bring people together. Whether it’s chatting with someone at the dog park or greeting neighbors during a walk, dog owners often get more chances to connect with others. That’s especially important for people who feel isolated. Studies show that socializing in person can ease symptoms of depression—this is particularly helpful for adults over age 50.

Dogs also support emotional well-being in deeper ways. The act of caring for a pet builds a sense of responsibility and purpose. It boosts self-worth. When you feed your dog, take them outside, or even comfort them, you’re reminded that you’re capable of taking care of another living being—and yourself. For those with depression, that feeling of being needed can be incredibly healing.

Even the simple act of playing with a dog helps. It raises oxytocin and dopamine—feel-good chemicals in the brain that create a sense of happiness and bonding. People with dogs tend to have lower blood pressure and a reduced risk of heart disease. That shows how much emotional well-being and physical health are connected.

Older adults often benefit even more. Those with pets report less stress, more activity, and a better quality of life. They also show lower rates of depression. In people with Alzheimer’s disease or dementia, pets can reduce distress and bring a greater sense of calm.

Not everyone can own a dog, but even spending time with a friend’s pet or dog-sitting can help. Whether you’re walking a dog, sharing a cuddle, or simply being around them, dogs offer more than comfort—they provide daily opportunities for healing, joy, and connection.

The Takeaway

Dogs offer more than friendship—they bring real changes that can lift the weight of depression. Their need for daily walks encourages physical activity, which boosts mood-raising brain chemicals.

Dogs create chances to meet others, easing feelings of loneliness and isolation. Caring for a dog builds confidence and gives purpose, helping break the cycle of despair. Plus, simple moments like playing or cuddling with a dog release chemicals that make you feel happy and calm. Even without full ownership, spending time with dogs can improve your well-being. In many ways, dogs help create structure, connection, and comfort when life feels tough.