Everything You Need to Know About Therapy Dogs

If you don't know yet what therapy dogs are, what their benefits are and who can receive their help, in this NUPEC Blog article we answer 4 basic questions about these dogs. Keep reading to learn more.

1. What are therapy dogs?

A therapy dog is a dog that has been trained to provide affection, comfort and support to people, often in settings such as hospitals, nursing homes, orphanages, schools, libraries, hospices or disaster areas.

2. What benefits do therapy dogs offer?

Several studies have shown that therapy dogs offer these benefits:

• They reduce stress, pain, fatigue, anxiety, fear, loneliness and isolation.
• They reduce boredom and help people have a more positive outlook.
• They boost energy levels, self-esteem and mood.
• They improve social, verbal communication and motor skills.
• Therapy dogs promote healthy social interaction.
• Their assistance helps reduce the incidence of cardiovascular disease.
• They help children regulate their emotions; people who grow up with animals tend to be more empathetic and affectionate.
• Children who live with animals have stronger immune defenses.
• Children who interact with therapy dogs have been shown to participate better and more cooperatively in medical procedures such as MRIs or chemotherapy.
• Therapy dogs can also provide social and emotional benefits to the patient's family members.

Who can receive help from therapy dogs?

All of these benefits have allowed these therapies to be successfully implemented with:

• Children with autism.
• Teenagers facing social challenges.
• People at risk of social exclusion.
• Children or adults with physical, mental or intellectual disabilities.
• Hospitalized children or adults.
• People with anxiety or depression.
• Seniors.
• Couples with emotional problems.

What should I do if I need the help of a therapy dog?

If you or someone you know needs the help and benefits that therapy dogs offer, we recommend contacting Fundación Movimiento INCASARA by phone at +1 442-475-0595 or by email at fundacion@gponutec.com. This nonprofit organization actively promotes free animal-assisted therapy, mainly with dogs and horses.

At NUPEC^® , we are committed to enhancing the health, beauty and life of pets through responsible scientific nutrition, bringing fulfillment to their owners.