Pets that support you emotionally and enhance your health are called therapy dogs. To help both yourself and other people, you can teach your dog to be a therapy dog.
Dogs used for therapy reside in homes. They can also visit a range of locations, such as schools, hospice homes, hospitals, retirement or assisted living facilities, and schools. They have been educated to tolerate being petted or hugged by strangers and to be kind and amiable. When kids pull at their fur or when grownups want the younger ones to sit on their laps, they are understanding and unfazed.
One kind of therapy animal is the therapy dog. Additional animals that can provide emotional support include horses, llamas, alpacas, cats, bunnies, and birds.
Although they’re not the same as therapy dogs, service dogs are something else entirely.
*The ADA does not protect therapy dogs, sometimes known as emotional support animals.
Service Animals and Emotional Support Animals, ADA National Network, 2014. They therefore lack the same rights as their owners to join them in restricted public areas unless prior authorization is granted. To offer some constructive comfort treatment, the therapy pet needs to be welcomed onto the property.
It is commonly recognized that therapy dogs can help with a variety of mental health issues and psychiatric problems.Interaction with therapy dogs and other companion animals is beneficial for patients with a variety of diagnoses, including depression, bipolar disorder, autism, ADHD, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and Alzheimer’s disease.
Therapy dogs can also assist with physical health issues that may be the cause of emotional difficulties. Empirical evidence indicates that individuals undergoing animal-assisted therapy may experience reduced pain during their convalescence following challenging surgery or a severe accident. According to studies, these connections can lower the stress hormone cortisol and raise the hormone that improves mood, oxytocin.
With a little instruction, any amiable breed of dog can become a therapy dog. Larger breeds are frequently utilized as therapy dogs, including Labradors, St. Bernards, standard poodles, and golden retrievers. On the other hand, when the patient and the dog are sharing a confined space, smaller breeds like Pomeranians and micro poodles make sense.
Although the breed may have some influence on the dog’s pleasant nature, the dog’s upbringing and even temperament development play a major role. Dogs are evaluated and studied for how they react to various stimuli, including unexpected grabs, loud or confusing noises, and even equipment like wheelchairs or canes, before they are approved as therapy animals.
Many internet directories are available if you would want additional information about how to find a therapy dog to aid you or a loved one. To identify people and organizations in your area, search for “therapy dog” along with the name of your town or city online.
Do an internet search for “therapy dog training” along with the name of your town or city to find out what options are available if you’re interested in finding out more about training your dog to be a therapy dog or visiting nursing homes or other facilities with your pet. Or just contact the facility of your choice by phone or email to find out about their admission policy.
For more information about therapy or our Posh Dog Knee Brace you can contact us via our contact form or Facebook Page.
