It’s no secret that we’re big believers in the benefits that animals can bring, and each of our centres includes animals in daily life there in some way, shape or form. By far the biggest contributor to the wellbeing brought by animals are our therapy dogs, and with the introduction of a new canine at Cannamore this term, we thought it was a good moment to reflect on why they matter.
Therapy dogs offer numerous benefits, primarily focusing on improving mental and emotional well-being and even physical health. They can reduce stress and anxiety, provide comfort and companionship, and encourage social interaction. With the right training and health and safety measures in place, therapy dogs can also have a positive impact on physiological and psychological well-being, including improving mood, lessening depression, and increasing socialisation.
These benefits include:
Stress and Anxiety Reduction
Simply being around a therapy dog can lower stress hormones like cortisol and increase the release of mood-boosting oxytocin, leading to a more relaxed state. For many of our students, this is a critical way for them to access education.
Emotional Support and Comfort
Therapy dogs provide unconditional love and companionship, which can be particularly helpful for individuals dealing with loneliness, isolation, or mental health challenges. Dogs don’t challenge, ask questions, or worry about social cues. This sense of acceptance can be pivotal.
Improved Social Interaction
Their presence can encourage conversations and interactions among people, making it easier for those who struggle with social situations to engage with others. Sometimes this happens because the dog becomes the focal point, other times it happens because the student(s) involved feel more relaxed and more able to be themselves.
Physical Health Benefits:Studies have shown that interacting with animals can lower blood pressure and improve heart health. Therapy dogs can also encourage students to take walks, engage in outdoor activities, and improve overall physical health.
Increased Self-Esteem
Interacting with a therapy dog can boost self-esteem and a sense of accomplishment. There is even evidence that therapy dogs can help with cognitive function and memory, with in turn encourages feelings of confidence and pride.
Joy
It’s rare for the dogs not to cause an outbreak of smiling, so this simple act of bringing happiness is actually one of the most important, for staff and students alike. And for those students who dislike, or are allergic to, dogs, we make sure the canine presence is managed in such a way as to not affect them.
