The benefits of therapy with dogs
Man's best friend, and now also a source of psychological help.
The dogs are a favorite pet for many, as they offer companionship and endear themselves to people. In addition, dogs have a particular way of accepting people without judging them. That is why there are more and more psychological therapies that use canines as support.
Therapy with dogs: the most common animal-assisted therapy
Within the Animal-Assisted Therapy (AAT), the most commonly used animal is the dog. The work sessions can be group or individual and the patients are usually children, adolescents, the elderly, the mentally ill, etcetera.
Therapy with dogs is used to improve the health and well-being of patients.The pets can be a valuable bridge of communication between the therapist and the patient. According to Boris Levinson, a psychologist who conducted several studies to learn about the benefits of pet therapy, pets are not only a pleasant form of therapy, but also provide many physical, psychological and social benefits.
In our article "Cat therapy, discover the beneficial effects of living with a cat", we already reviewed the benefits of cat therapy. Unlike dogs, felines do not seem to need us and tend to be more independent. Dogs, on the other hand, constantly show us how important we are to them.
People who have dogs in their home will know first hand that, in good times and bad, their "canine friend" will be there to keep them company, so we could say that dogs are, in a way, natural therapists, natural therapists.
The objectives of therapy with dogs
There are many studies that support the benefits of this therapeutic practice. Both patients with Alzheimer'spatients, AIDS patients, autistic children, patients with depression or elderly people who are alone, benefit from the advantages of this type of therapy.
Therapy with dogs has several objectives, both in the area of rehabilitation and learning, as it is useful at a psychological, cognitive or psychomotor level, and helps to improve communication or has a beneficial effect on the socialization of patients.
The objectives are varied, but in general, they are aimed at:
- Enhancing communication skills and personal relationship skills
- Improve self-esteem and autonomy.
- Stimulate to perform specific motor activities, such as pampering, brushing, etc.such as pampering, brushing, etc.
- Improve relationships and social skills (empathy, greeting, interest in others, etc.).
- Reduce states of anxiety and depression
- Fostering a sense of responsibility
The benefits of dog therapy
As we have seen, therapy with dogs affects many areas and has varied objectives. But what are the benefits for patients? what are the benefits for patients?
Here are the benefits (not only psychological, but also those concerning other areas of health) of dog therapy.
Psychological benefits
- Improve mood
- Helps improve attention (used for children with ADHD)
- Antidote for depression and monotony
- Avoid loneliness
- Decrease anxiety and stress
- Encourage social and physical contact
- Serves as an incentive and motivation
- Is pleasant for the patient
- Creates a positive bond
- Dogs accept us as we are
- Serves to entertain and develop leisure skills
- Promotes mental stimulation
Psychomotor benefits
- Improves Muscle strengthening, motor skills, and motor skills.
- Improves coordination and promotes increased muscle strength.
- Improves fine motor skills through movements such as stroking, grooming, feeding, etc.
Educational benefits
- Improves social skills (empathy, respect, communication, etc.).
- Helps to understand the importance of collaboration, commitment and teamwork.
- Reduces unwanted behaviors
- Learning through play occurs
Sensory benefits
- Helps increase proprioception
- Promotes the development of the vestibular system
- Works the senses and provides auditory, visual and tactile stimuli.
(Updated at Apr 13 / 2024)