The benefits of dog therapy
The dogs They are one of the favorite pets for many, since they offer company and are loved. In addition, dogs have a particular way of accepting people without judging them. That is why more and more psychological therapies who use the dogs as support.
Therapy with dogs: the most commonly assisted animal therapy
Within the Assisted Therapies with Animals (TAA), the animal that is most used is the dog. Work sessions can be group or individual and patients are usually children, adolescents, the elderly, the mentally ill, and so on.
Dog therapy is used to improve the health and well-being of patients , because pets can be a valuable bridge of communication between the therapist and the patient. According to Boris Levinson, a psychologist who carried out several studies to know the benefits of pet therapy, these are not only a pleasant form of therapy, but also provide many physical, psychological and social benefits.
In our article "Gatoterapia, discover the beneficial effects of living with a cat", we review the benefits of cat therapy. Unlike dogs, cats do not seem to need us and tend to be more independent. Instead, dogs constantly show us how important we are to them.
People who have dogs in their home will know firsthand that, in good times as well as in bad times, their "friend can" will be there to keep you company, that's why, dogs could say that dogs are, in some way , natural therapists .
The objectives of the terpia with dogs
There are many studies that support the benefits of this therapeutic practice. Both patients Alzheimer's , patients with AIDS, autistic children, patients with depression or elderly people who are alone, benefit from the advantages of this type of therapy.
The therapy with dogs has several objectives, both in the area of rehabilitation and learning, since it is useful at the psychological, cognitive or psychomotor level, and helps to improve communication or has a beneficial effect on the socialization of patients.
The objective s they are varied, but in a general way, they are directed to:
- Enhance communication skills and of personal relationship
- Improve self-esteem and autonomy
- Encourage to carry out specific motor activities , how to pamper, brush, etc.
- Improve relationships and social skills (empathy, greeting, caring for others, etc.)
- Reduce the states of anxiety and depression
- Encourage a sense of responsibility
The benefits of dog therapy
As we have seen, dog therapy affects many areas and has varied objectives. But, What benefits does it bring to patients?
Below we present the benefits (not only psychological, but also those that concern other areas of health) of dog therapy.
Psychological benefits
- Improve the mood
- Help improve care (used for children with ADHD)
- Antidote for depression and monotony
- Avoid loneliness
- Decrease anxiety and stress
- Promote social and physical contact
- It serves as an incentive and motivation
- It's nice for the patient
- Create a positive link
- Dogs accept us just as we are
- It serves to entertain develop leisure skills
- Encourage mental stimulation
Psychomotor benefits
- Improves muscle strengthening, motor skills
- Improves coordination and promotes the increase of muscle strength
- Improves fine motor skills thanks to movements such as stroking, arranging, feeding, etc.
Educational benefits
- Improves social skills (empathy, respect, communication, etc.)
- Helps to understand the importance of collaboration, commitment and teamwork
- Reduce unwanted behavior
- There is a learning through the game
Sensory benefits
- Helps increase proprioception
- Promotes the development of the vestibular system
- Works the senses and provides auditory, visual and tactile stimuli
