The Power Of Animal Therapy
TIL
By Laura Lee - August 2, 2022

Animals have an amazing potential for both love and healing. As pet owners, we can attest to this. Our dogs seem to know how to cheer us up whenever we feel depressed. Only lately has science been able to explain the biological underpinnings of these discoveries. According to studies, caressing a dog reduces cortisol levels, linked to stress and anxiety, lowers blood pressure, and releases oxytocin, a hormone involved in building emotional bonds. People can pick from various animals, such as dogs, horses, and birds, based on the objective of the therapy. In most situations, there are other therapeutic options than animal-aided therapy. However, for some people, it might be a beneficial alternative.

Getty Images/Moment/Sasha Shtepo

Therapy dogs must stay calm and obey commands when working in various settings, including strange ones. Additionally, some facilities put children through tests to demonstrate that they are not scared of loud sounds, wheelchairs, walkers, or cane-wielding adults. According to studies, therapy does increase the likelihood of social interaction in autistic kids. The youngster may be able to ignore outside distractions and talk more easily if they concentrate on a therapy dog. Children with autism may find it difficult to make eye contact or connect, but a therapy dog may develop a strong attachment with a kid to help them cope with the loneliness such symptoms can bring on.

There are several listings online if you want to find out information about getting a therapy dog to aid you or a family member. You can identify people and organizations close to you by conducting an internet search for “therapy dog” and the location of your city or town. Do some internet research for “therapy dog training” and the designation of your city or town to see what chances are open. Suppose you’re curious to understand more about training your dog to be a therapy dog or visiting care establishments or other facilities with your pet. In that case, you may also call or contact them for further information about the facility’s acceptance policy.