A new study published in the journal “Animals” has found that dogs can help reduce stress and anxiety in humans. The study, which was conducted by researchers at the University of Helsinki, Finland, found that people who interacted with dogs for just 15 minutes experienced a significant decrease in their levels of stress hormones.

The study’s lead author, Dr. Hannes Rutti, said that the findings suggest that dogs can be a valuable tool for reducing stress and anxiety. “Our study provides further evidence that dogs can have a positive impact on our mental health,” Rutti said. “Even a short interaction with a dog can help to reduce stress and anxiety.”

The study’s findings are supported by a growing body of research that has found that dogs can provide a variety of health benefits for humans. In addition to reducing stress and anxiety, dogs have also been shown to improve cardiovascular health, boost the immune system, and reduce loneliness and depression.

If you are looking for a way to reduce stress and anxiety, consider spending some time with a dog. Even a short interaction can make a big difference.