Adopting a pet may seem like a selfless act, but there are plenty of selfish reasons to embrace pet ownership. Research has shown that owning a pet provides an amazing array of health benefits, says Jeremy Barron, M.D., medical director of the Beacham Center for Geriatric Medicine at Johns Hopkins.
Not ready for a full-time furry friend in your home? Offer to walk a neighbor’s dog, cat-sit for a friend, or donate time at a local animal shelter—even short interactions provide enough pet exposure to reap some of these rewards.
Reduce stress.
Research has shown that simply petting a dog lowers the stress hormone cortisol , while the social interaction between people and their dogs actually increases levels of the feel-good hormone oxytocin (the same hormone that bonds mothers to babies).
In fact, an astonishing 84 percent of post-traumatic stress disorder patients paired with a service dog reported a significant reduction in symptoms, and 40 percent were able to decrease their medications, reported a recent survey.
Lower blood pressure.
The cortisol-lowering and oxytocin-boosting benefits of petting also help keep your blood pressure at bay. “Petting and holding an animal allows you to appreciate the beauty of nature,” explains Barron. “It’s relaxing and transcendental.”
Increase physical activity.
How many people are willing to go outside at the crack of dawn and exercise in the rain or snow? Dog owners often have no choice—they have to walk their pet, thus providing them with an excuse-proof daily dose of exercise.
Boost heart health.
The American Heart Association released a research report endorsing dog ownership as a way of warding off cardiovascular disease .
Ease loneliness and depression.
A 2011 study found that pet owners had better self-esteem. Another study determined that pets provided greater social support than humans in mitigating depression. “Caring for a pet provides a sense of purpose to the owner,” says Barron. Plus, pets are a good social catalyst for meeting people who share your animal interests.
Help specific health concerns.
Beyond simple companionship, dogs have long been wonderful helpers to those without sight or with mobility issues. Dogs are even being used to help detect conditions from seizures to cancer.
Dog owners everywhere realize the immediate joys that come with sharing their lives with these furry friends. Most of us remain unaware, however, of the physical and mental health benefits that dogs bring quite naturally.
Only quite recently have scientists explored the benefits of the human-canine bond. Studies show that dogs can reduce stress, anxiety and depression, ease loneliness, encourage exercise and playfulness, and even improve cardiovascular health.
As we celebrate National Dog Day worldwide on Aug. 26, we pay homage to the therapeutic benefits of dogs, whose nonjudgmental and loving disposition help patients feel more calm and open along the road to better mental health.
Many patients with mental illness benefit from dog therapy, and it’s easy to see why. Dog therapy has been tried and true for patients with dementia, Alzheimer’s, depression, PTSD, autism and more.
Dogs have evolved to become acutely attuned to human behavior and emotion. They are able to understand many of the words we use, but they’re even better at interpreting our tone of voice, body language and gestures. And like any good human friend, a loyal dog will look into your eyes to gauge your emotional state and try to understand what you’re thinking and feeling.
Dogs don’t have to say a word for you to know how they feel about you. A wag of a tail says it all. Dogs can serve a far greater purpose than just being the family pets.
Dogs can provide several benefits to people of all ages, even after limited interactions. This is why they’re often used in therapy and rehabilitation settings, especially those related to substance abuse and mental health.
With their presence alone, dogs can:
- Reduce stress and anxiety: Petting or positively interacting with a dog can increase levels of the stress-reducing hormone oxytocin and decrease production of the stress hormone cortisol. According to research from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, pets can help reduce childhood anxiety, including social anxiety and separation anxiety.
- Reduce depression and loneliness: People report feeling less lonely in the presence of animals — especially dogs. They keep us anchored in the present and distract us from negative or anxious thoughts.
- Create social opportunities: In a study at the University of Warwick in Coventry, England, 65 strangers stopped to speak with someone walking a dog, while only three people stopped to talk to that same person walking alone.
- Provide a sense of purpose: By owning a dog, we play an important role in their life by feeding and caring for them. These responsibilities can keep our minds occupied with something constructive, and remove any feelings of negativity.
- Lower blood pressure levels: Studies show that pet-owning patients with high blood pressure managed to keep their blood pressure lower in times of mental stress than patients without pets.
- Encourage exercise: People need daily exercise for optimum health. Dogs should also exercise regularly (daily, if possible), as long as their age and health status allow it. Daily exercise can provide mental and physical benefits for both of you, including improving cardiovascular health and reducing anxiety.
Therapy dogs are trained to be gentle and friendly and to accept strangers hugging them or petting them. They are patient and unbothered by children who tug at their fur or adults who want the smaller ones to sit in their laps.
While therapy dogs live in people’s homes, they can also visit a variety of settings, including retirement or nursing homes, schools, hospice homes and hospitals.
How Therapy Dogs Help to Reduce Student Stress and Anxiety
As a result of the pandemic, natural disasters, and social anxiety, the importance of having a friend to lean on has never been so important. However, many fail to realize that friendships don’t always have to be between people. Thus, most students miss out on the benefits of having a therapy pet in their lives.
But how exactly do dogs aid in reducing anxiety and improving your overall health? If you want to know, keep on reading!
What are Therapy Dogs?
Certified therapy dogs volunteer alongside their owners in schools, clinics, and care facilities. From accompanying students to visiting a senior living facility, therapy dogs and their owners work collaboratively to better the lives of others.
Therapy dogs vs. Service Dogs: What’s the difference?
The terms “therapy animal” and “service animal” are often used interchangeably, although completely inaccurate. A service dog is a canine companion that has been trained to assist individuals with difficulties in their daily tasks. (animal-assisted therapy) Their common tasks include guiding the blind, notifying the deaf, pulling a wheelchair, and protecting patients suffering seizures.
On the other hand, therapy dogs don’t have the same level of training as service dogs. Nevertheless, they can help alleviate stress and mental pressure. On top of that, they have pleasant personalities and are easygoing.
While service dogs are not allowed to interact or be touched by anyone other than their owner, patients are encouraged to do so with therapy dogs.
What do Therapy Dogs do?
Due to their sensitivity to human emotion, dogs make excellent therapy animals. They have repeatedly demonstrated sympathy and empathy by nuzzling or moaning when they detect a human being is unhappy or in general emotional pain. Therapy dogs’ purpose is to bring comfort and company to any individual.
They are an added benefit in the rehabilitation and stress management processes due to their caring and compassionate nature. Therapy dogs frequently visit locations with vulnerable populations, such as nursing homes, hospitals, and college campuses, providing anxious patients and students comfort.
Unsurprising, therapy dogs are being introduced into business settings to help employees feel less stressed and more productive. Hence, their responsibilities range from actively participating in physical rehabilitation to building children’s and people’s confidence with mental or learning difficulties.
How Do Therapy Dogs Reduce Stress and Anxiety?
Most dog owners consider the connection with their dogs unconditional and dependable. Therapy dogs take that connection one step further. Those suffering from depression, stress, anxiety, and loneliness may find it difficult to open up, yet the presence of a therapy dog gives unlimited emotional support. Dogs won’t judge or condemn those they visit, and they provide smiles and a sense of security.
On top of that, petting a dog helps relieve stress and gives emotional support. The repetitive action produces oxytocin, a stress-relieving hormone that helps battle physical discomfort caused by melancholy, stress, or worry.
Benefits of Therapy Dogs in University
Therapy dogs have been shown to have several advantages in studies conducted in universities, including the following:
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The rise in the number of students attending classes.
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Learning outcomes such as increased reading and writing skills and greater motivation.
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Improved connections with peers and instructors due to experiencing trust and unconditional love.
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Improved communication skills.
Nonetheless, many universities opt out of therapy dog programs due to perceived threats. Concerns about hygiene and the suitability of a dog’s disposition for interacting with young adults are only two of the barriers.
Benefits of Therapy Dogs to Students
Therapy dogs are an excellent resource for calming and welcoming students. Sometimes the dog can feel who is in need and approach a particular student. The students will calm down, pat the dog, and resume their day. A small interaction can have a large impact on someone’s day.
This is a safe method for many students to be welcomed and relax into an otherwise anxious school day. Therapy dogs are often invited during finals week to allow students to break from their studies.
Other benefits include:
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Reduced anxiety and depression.
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Stress hormone reduction.
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Improved social skills.
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Normalized blood pressure and heart rate.
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Gain confidence.
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Improved motivation.
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Positive attitude towards learning.
Making Your Dog a Therapy Dog
Therapy dogs are everyday pets. They do not need extensive training, although obedience training, whether in a class or at home, is very good for reinforcing the bond and communication between you and your pet. Therapy dogs must be well-mannered. No jumping or barking here! Most importantly, you and your dog need to have a bond that demonstrates not owner and pet but partners. For all the requirements to become certified with The Alliance of Therapy Dogs, go to www.therapydogs.com
Basic Requirements for Therapy Dog
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Therapy dogs must be well-tempered.
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Therapy dogs must be outgoing and friendly.
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Therapy dogs must be adaptable to a variety of settings.
Value of Therapy Dogs
Simply having a therapy dog visit may help people forget their troubles, bodily or mental discomfort, and fears or maybe bring a smile. People’s mental and physical health has improved just by touching a dog. So when humans and animals interact, chemicals like serotonin, prolactin, and oxytocin are produced in the brain that plays a role in raising emotions.
Aside from helping people relax and enjoy the company of their animal therapy companion, it also gives comfort, decreases loneliness, stimulates the mind, and serves as a delightful diversion.
Final Verdict: Do You Need a Therapy Dog in Your Life?
Students may benefit from stress-relief programs, but adding therapy dogs may improve such initiatives even more. Even though therapy dogs can’t teach you the technicalities of learning, they can help you cope with your anxiety, improving your chances of academic achievement in the long run.
Indeed, many advantages of having therapy dogs in schools are undeniable, and ideally, this practice should be adopted even more.
