Walking a dog is better at combating stress than strolling alone because it cuts down the release of chemicals known to trigger depression and anxiety, study shows

Walking the dog is better at combating stress than strolling alone, a study shows.

Researchers found sharing the outdoors with a pet cuts down the release of chemicals known to trigger depression, stress and anxiety. 

It also appears to raise levels of chemicals that protect mental health.

Scientists at the University of Animal Health Technology in Tokyo took saliva samples from 14 dog owners for a week.

The results, in the journal Animals, showed levels of the stress-inducing MHPG chemical were lower when a dog was on the walk, while levels of the calming GABA chemical were up to 40 per cent higher.

By DAILY MAIL REPORTER

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