Animals have proven to be a valuable addition to providing comfort and emotional support to people in need. Pets are known to reduce anxiety, stress, depression and ease feelings of loneliness.

In recent years, a new type of therapy that involves dogs has emerged. It is called Canine Therapy, and it has been effective in managing pain, reducing stress, and bringing comfort to patients.

Canine Therapy is gaining recognition as a legitimate approach to providing comfort to patients who may be going through hard times.

What is Canine Therapy?

Canine Therapy is also known as Animal-Assisted Therapy. It is a type of therapy that involves dogs trained to help relieve symptoms of emotional distress, anxiety, and depression.

These dogs are trained to connect and interact with people, and their presence provides a sense of calm and comfort.

How Canine Therapy Works

During a Canine Therapy session, the therapist and the dog work together to create a relaxing and friendly environment. The therapist observes the patient and the dog interactions and helps the patient feel comfortable around the animal.

The therapist helps the patient establish a healthy relationship with the dog, which can prove to be beneficial to their mental and physical health. The dog, in turn, provides non-judgmental emotional support that can help patients feel more comfortable expressing their feelings.

Conditions that Canine Therapy Helps

Canine Therapy is beneficial in treating a wide range of emotional and mental conditions such as:.

1. Depression
2. Anxiety
3. Stress
4. Autism
5. Dementia
6. Alzheimer’s disease
7. Cancer
8. Cardiovascular problems
9. PTSD (Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder)

The Benefits of Canine Therapy

Canine Therapy provides numerous benefits that can help patients achieve mental and physical wellness. Here are some of the benefits:.

Relaxation and Stress Reduction

Canine Therapy helps patients relax and reduces stress levels. Studies show that petting a dog can lower cortisol levels, the hormone that causes stress.

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The companionship a dog provides can be calming and has been shown to lower blood pressure, reducing stress levels in patients.

Improved Mood

Canine Therapy improves the mood of patients. Patients who interact with dogs have been shown to experience an improvement in their mood and have a more positive outlook on life.

The companionship of a dog can help lift one’s spirits and reduce feelings of sadness or worthlessness.

Increased Socialization

Canine Therapy can help increase socialization and improve communication skills in patients. The therapist can help patients develop skills to interact with dogs, which can translate to improved social skills and communication with people.

This improved socialization can lead to better relationships and a healthier life.

Pain Management

Canine Therapy can provide pain management. Studies show that interacting with a dog can reduce the perception of pain.

Patients who interact with dogs before and during medical procedures have been shown to require less medication and have a lower perception of pain than those who do not interact with dogs.

Companionship

Canine Therapy provides companionship, which can reduce feelings of loneliness, depression, and anxiety. The presence of a dog can provide comfort, and its non-judgmental nature can help patients be more open about their feelings and emotions.

Conclusion

Canine Therapy is an effective approach to providing mental and physical support for patients. It is known to reduce stress, depression, and anxiety while increasing socialization and providing companionship.

By incorporating dogs into their healthcare programs, medical professionals can improve the quality of life for many patients.