How Therapy Dogs Can Help?

There is no lack of research on the connection between humans and dogs. The two have been inseparable since the beginning of time, so it would make sense that dogs can be a great benefit to their human companions. Therapy dogs fill that definition.

The benefits of therapy dogs are vast, as well as the locations they can be found. Research has shown that therapy dogs in school can help students learn empathy, develop social and interpersonal skills, and be a calm presence for students that are struggling in the school environment. By having a therapy dog present, a student’s attendance may increase, self-esteem and confidence build, motivation rises, and better relationships are fostered between the student and the staff.

Therapy dogs are not only for students or found in school settings, they can be found working in therapy offices, medical facilities, nursing homes, and even in private homes. Train therapy dogs are there to provide emotional support and comfort for individuals that are going through difficult times or that have a chronic mental health condition, such as anxiety, that the therapy dog can help soothe. The emotional benefits to having a therapy dog, like reducing anxiety and fear, can help an individual have a more fulfilling life with less suffering. This can be clearly seen with individuals that suffer from PTSD. Therapy dogs specifically trained to work with PTSD suffers are able to wake the individual when the having a nightmare, reduce anxiety during flashbacks, and be present if the individual has an anxiety or panic attack.

The role of a therapy dog is to provide comfort and security for an individual. Therapy dogs do their job by staying close to the individual during times of distress and provide comfort by encouraging the individual to pet and love them. The action of the individual petting and loving the dog can decrease blood pressure, release dopamine, and provide anxiety relief.

Therapy dogs are a great benefit for those that need them, and should not be discounted by therapy providers as the first line of treatment for certain mental health disorders.