• Complementary and Alternative Medicine

Exploring the Benefits and Mechanisms of Dog-Assisted Therapy

Medically reviewed and edited by Michelle Everhart, FNP-C

Understanding Dog-Assisted Therapy

The modern development of dog-assisted therapy began when child psychologist Dr. Boris Levinson discovered the therapeutic benefits of his dog Jingles on his patients. 

Levinson's work laid the foundation for incorporating animals into therapy. Today, animal-assisted therapy (AAT) is widely recognized and used in various therapeutic settings.

Dog-assisted therapy is a type of AAT – where trained dogs help individuals improve their physical, emotional, and social well-being. 

It involves structured interactions between a patient and a therapy dog. AAT is guided by a trained professional, such as a therapist or counselor.

The primary goal is to facilitate therapeutic outcomes such as reducing stress, anxiety, and depression, as well as improving social skills and emotional regulation.

How Dog-Assisted Therapy Works

The therapeutic bond between humans and dogs is supported by both psychological and physiological factors.

Dogs enhance feelings of self-worth and reduce feelings of loneliness and depression. The presence of a friendly dog creates a non-judgmental space, allowing one to express emotions and engage in social interactions more freely.

Interactions with dogs can trigger the release of oxytocin, often called the "love hormone." This hormone creates feelings of bonding and reduces stress levels. 

Studies have shown that petting a dog can lower cortisol levels, decrease blood pressure, and promote a sense of calm and relaxation. These interactions also stimulate the production of serotonin and dopamine – neurotransmitters associated with feelings of happiness.

Dog-Assisted Activities vs. Dog-Assisted Therapy

Dog-assisted therapy is divided into animal-assisted activities (AAA) and animal-assisted therapy (AAT). 

AAA involves informal, non-goal-oriented interactions where therapy dogs provide companionship and emotional support.

AAT is a structured, goal-oriented intervention facilitated by professionals to achieve specific therapeutic outcomes, such as improving social skills in children with autism, aiding physical rehabilitation, or alleviating PTSD symptoms. 

Structured activities in therapy sessions

During dog-assisted therapy, the therapist facilitates the interactions between the patient and the therapy dog. 

During therapy, the therapist monitors the patient's progress, provides guidance, and adjusts the activities as needed to maximize therapeutic outcomes. 

Common activities include: 

• Walking:Walking with dogs improves mobility, range of motion, and fine motor skills. 

• Grooming: Activities such as brushing, bathing, and caring for the dog help patients develop fine motor skills and a sense of responsibility.

• Playing: Playing with therapy dogs – such as fetching or tug-of-war – provides physical exercise and improves coordination. It also promotes joy and laughter and reduces anxiety.

• Training: Teaching the dog new tricks or commands improves cognitive function and patience and provides a sense of accomplishment and empowerment.

Best Dog Breeds for Dog-Assisted Therapy

Personality traits that make certain breeds suitable for therapy work are friendliness, patience, trainability, good social skills, and the ability to provide comfort and emotional support to individuals. 

Recent research has shown that the best dog breeds for dog-assisted therapy include: 

Labrador retriever

Labrador retrievers are prime choices for all types of service dog work but they are also great as therapy dogs. They are intelligent, and they love to learn new tasks. Their calm and patient demeanor makes them an especially good choice for working with children.

Golden retriever

Golden retrievers are calm and loving dogs – which makes them a great choice for working with young adults and children. Goldens are friendly, outgoing, eager to please, and easily trainable.

Poodles 

Another great breed for a therapy dog is the Poodle. Poodles come in three sizes, with some slight differences in temperament among sizes. Regardless of their size, they are affectionate and good with children. While no dogs are 100% hypoallergenic, Poodles are one of the least likely to affect people with dog allergies. 

Newfoundland

The Newfoundland, who some refer to as the “Nanny Dog,” is gentle and patient. Newfoundlands love meeting new people. Even though they are not as easy to train as the rest of the dogs on this list, they can make great therapy dogs. 

Border Collie

Border Collie is the smartest dog on this list. They are high energy and need physical and mental exercise – which makes them love training. They are good at learning new skills. They are also very friendly with strangers.

Cavalier King Charles Spaniel

Cavalier King Charles Spaniels are a great choice if you are looking for a small therapy dog. They are not excessively energetic but they are easy to train. They are playful, friendly, and comforting.

The Benefits of Dog-Assisted Therapy

Dog-assisted therapy offers numerous mental and physical health benefits:

Mental health benefits

• Reduced stress and anxiety: Interacting with dogs has been linked to lower cortisol levels and enhanced relaxation, reducing stress and anxiety. 

• Improved mood and well-being: The presence of dogs increases serotonin and dopamine levels, contributing to improved mood and well-being. Dogs also provide emotional support through unconditional love and companionship, reducing feelings of loneliness. 

• Improved symptoms of depression: Regular interaction with dogs can mitigate symptoms of depression by promoting positive emotions and providing a sense of purpose. 

• Improved social interactions: Dogs serve as social catalysts, facilitating social interactions and decreasing social isolation.

• Enhanced emotional regulation: Interacting with dogs can also enhance emotional regulation skills by helping individuals manage their emotions more effectively.

Physical health benefits

• Increased physical activity: Dog-assisted therapy often involves activities such as walking, playing fetch, or grooming dogs, which can increase physical activity levels and improve cardiovascular health.

• Lower blood pressure: Petting dogs has been shown to lower blood pressure and reduce heart rate, promoting overall cardiovascular health.

• Pain management: Spending time with dogs can distract individuals from pain and discomfort, contributing to improved pain management.

• Improved motor skills: Activities such as throwing a ball or brushing a dog can help improve fine motor skills and coordination.

• Boosted immune system: Studies suggest that regular interaction with dogs may strengthen the immune system and reduce the risk of allergies and asthma in children.

Considerations and Challenges of Dog-Assisted Therapy

Is it for everyone?

While dog-assisted therapy has a lot of benefits, it may not be suitable in situations where patients have severe allergies, fear of dogs, or conditions that could be worsened by the presence of an animal – such as certain psychiatric disorders. 

Potential allergies and phobias in patients should be addressed, and alternative plans should be made to accommodate those who cannot interact with dogs. 

Training programs and certifications

Training programs and certifications for therapy dogs and handlers are crucial to ensure the safety, effectiveness, and professionalism of animal-assisted interventions.

Selecting suitable dogs 

Selecting suitable therapy dogs involves assessing temperament, behavior, and health, while emphasizing calmness, friendliness, and a lack of aggression. 

Therapy dogs must not be overworked, stressed, or placed in environments that could harm their physical or mental health.

How Can LifeMD Help?

While LifeMD does not offer dog-assisted therapy – as it can only be provided in person – a team of licensed healthcare professionals is available to address your healthcare needs.

Make an online appointment to get started.

Michelle Everhart, FNP-C

Michelle earned her MSN with a specialization in Family Nurse Practitioner from California State University. In her spare time, Michelle enjoys working out at the gym with her friends and spending quality time with his husband and three little boys. She also enjoys singing and freestyle dancing in their living room when the right song comes along.

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