Therapy dogs are trained to provide comfort and support to people in a variety of settings, including hospitals, nursing homes, schools, and other places where people may be feeling stressed, anxious, or depressed. These dogs can have a profound impact on people’s lives, helping them to feel better physically and emotionally.
In hospitals, therapy dogs can help patients to cope with pain, anxiety, and stress. They can also help patients to feel more connected to their loved ones and to the world around them. For example, one study found that children who received visits from therapy dogs during their hospital stay had shorter hospital stays and required less pain medication.
In nursing homes, therapy dogs can help residents to feel more socially engaged and to reduce feelings of loneliness and isolation. They can also help residents to improve their physical function and to increase their activity levels. For example, one study found that nursing home residents who participated in a therapy dog program had lower blood pressure and heart rates than those who did not participate in the program.
In schools, therapy dogs can help students to improve their academic performance, reduce stress, and increase social skills. They can also help students to cope with trauma and grief. For example, one study found that students who visited with therapy dogs during their lunch break had lower levels of anxiety and stress than those who did not visit with the dogs.
Therapy dogs can also have a positive impact on the health and well-being of people who are not sick or injured. For example, therapy dogs can help people to reduce stress, improve their mood, and increase their sense of well-being. They can also help people to connect with others and to build relationships.
Therapy dogs are trained to provide comfort and support to people in a variety of settings, including hospitals, nursing homes, schools, and other places where people may be feeling stressed, anxious, or depressed. Share on X
If you are interested in learning more about therapy dogs, there are many resources available online and in your community. You can also contact your local animal shelter or humane society to see if they offer therapy dog programs.
Therapy dogs are truly life-saving animals. They provide comfort, support, and love to people who need it most. If you have the opportunity to interact with a therapy dog, I encourage you to do so. You may be surprised at how much they can impact your life.
In schools, therapy dogs can help students to improve their academic performance, reduce stress, and increase social skills. They can also help students to cope with trauma and grief. Share on X
