Pets, especially dogs, are always a great choice for a companion that provides endless support and love to humans. Therapy dogs are similar to pet dogs but they are specially trained to give human emotional support. These therapy dogs live in normal homes just like other pets but they can also visit various settings and places such as hospice homes, schools, hospitals, and nursing or retirement homes. They are trained to be gentle and caring in nature and are friendly enough to accept strangers petting or hugging them for emotional support. Let's know more about them.
What are Therapy Dogs and How are They Different from Service Dogs?
A therapy dog is a dog that is purposely trained to provide emotional support, comfort, and affection to people who are often seen in hospitals, disaster areas, hospices, schools, libraries, retirement homes, etc. Dogs have been helping people feel happier and calmer for years but it was in the late 1800s when the concept of therapy dogs really came into the picture. Florence Nightingale, the founder of modern nursing, observed that small pets, especially dogs can help people manage their anxiety and improve health in both children and adults who were then admitted to a psychiatric institution. This led to the modern concept of therapy dogs.
Many people may be confused between therapy and service dogs but they are completely different from each other. Where service dogs are trained to perform specific tasks that are ordered by their owners, therapy dogs are trained to give emotional support to even strangers. Service dogs are highly trained with rigorous, task-oriented coaching which is aimed at helping owners with disabilities. On the other hand, therapy dogs are there to improve owners’ mental health by providing attention and comfort. The therapeutic demeanor of a therapy dog might help people with disabilities but the ownership is not limited to them, anyone can enjoy a therapy dog.
How Can Therapy Dogs Improve Your Health?
Often, psychological issues are a reflection of the physical challenges someone faces and therapy dogs can help in this case by showing them attention and affection that help them deal with the hard reality. According to research, people who are recovering from a difficult surgery or a serious injury can feel less pain by participating in animal-based therapy. Studies also showcase that such interaction with therapy dogs can release the happy and relaxing hormone oxytocin while reducing the stress hormone cortisol.
Similarly, various psychiatric disorders and mental health challenges are known to react well to therapy dogs. People who are diagnosed with autism, depression, ADHD, bipolar disorder, Alzheimer's disease, and PTSD (Post Traumatic Stress Disorder) can also benefit from their interactions with therapy dogs.
What are the Types of Therapy Dogs?
- Animal-assisted Therapy Dogs (AAT): The dogs that fall under this category have the complete responsibility of helping patients reach a certain point in their recovery journey. These dogs also help people gain different skills such as hand-eye coordination, usage of limbs, and other motor skills. The dogs are trained to play games and walk the patients through some of the strategically crafted activities and are usually based in rehabilitation facilities.
- Facility Therapy Dogs: These dogs are usually found in nursing homes where they work with their handlers. The dogs live at the facilities to help patients, especially those with Alzheimer's disease and other mental and cognitive illnesses.
- Therapeutic Visitation Dogs: These dogs are usually pets who live in households. The owner takes the responsibility of taking these dogs to hospital and care units to help other patients enjoy the therapeutic sessions. Through socialization, attention, affection, and encouragement, these dogs help patients feel calm and happy.
- Grief Therapy Dogs: These types of dogs also known as companion dogs, comfort dogs, or emotional support dogs assist patients in overcoming emotional stress and grief. Popular breeds like Golden Retriever, Bernese Mountain Dog, Portuguese Water Dog, St. Bernard, etc. are usually the best suited as grief therapy dogs.
Instead of getting a therapy dog, you can also train your dog to become one, but getting emotional assistance from animal therapy is always great for dealing with mental and physical issues.
