The dogs They are one of the favorite pets for many, since they offer company and make themselves loved. Additionally, dogs have a particular way of accepting people without judging them. That is why there are more and more psychological therapies who use dogs as support.
Dog therapy: the most common animal-assisted therapy
Within the Animal Assisted Therapies (TAA), the animal that is most used is the dog. The work sessions can be group or individual and the patients are usually children, adolescents, elderly people, mentally ill, etc.
Dog therapy It is used to improve the health and well-being of patients, since 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 find out the benefits of pet therapy, pets are not only a pleasant form of therapy, but they 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 therapy with cats. Unlike dogs, felines don’t seem to need us and tend to be more independent. On the other hand, dogs constantly show us how important we are to them.
People who have dogs in their home will know first-hand that, both in good and bad times, their “dog friend” will be there to keep them company, which is why we, as dogs, could affirm that dogs are, in some way , natural therapists
The objectives of therapy with dogs
There are many studies that support the benefits of this therapeutic practice. Both sick of 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.
Therapy with dogs has several objectives, both in the area of rehabilitation and in learning, since it is useful on a psychological, cognitive or psychomotor level, and helps to improve communication or has a beneficial effect on the socialization of patients.
The aim yes They are varied, but in general, they are aimed at:
Foster 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 therapy with dogs.
Psychological benefits
Improve mood
Helps improve attention (used for children with ADHD)
Antidote for depression and monotony
Avoid loneliness
Reduces anxiety and stress
They encourage social and physical contact
Serves as an incentive and motivation
It is pleasant for the patient
They create a positive bond
Dogs accept us as we are
Serves to entertain, develop leisure skills
Promotes mental stimulation
Psychomotor benefits
Improves muscle strengthening, motor skills
Improves coordination and promotes increased muscle strength
Improves fine motor skills thanks to movements such as stroking, grooming, feeding, etc.
Educational benefits
Improves social skills (empathy, respect, communication, etc.)
Helps understand the importance of collaboration, commitment and teamwork
Reduce unwanted behaviors
Learning occurs through play
Sensory benefits
Helps increase proprioception
Promotes the development of the vestibular system
Works the senses and provides auditory, visual and tactile stimuli
