The Dog-tor Is In!

Many of us found a new furry friend over the pandemic, and have been reaping the joys of walks, snuggles, and wet nose kisses ever since. I decided to welcome a new “co-therapist,” my pup Mitzi during this time. With many weeks of training, Mitzi became a therapy dog who can now join in on virtual and in-office sessions. Although it appears that Mitzi just lies around looking cute, studies have shown many physical and psychological benefits to animal-assisted therapy.

Mitzi enjoying her lunch break outside!

While attuned therapy can be life changing, it can be hard to get started. The wag of a tail or a goofy tongue hanging out can break the ice and ease you into the therapy room. The simple act of petting an animal releases serotonin, prolactin and oxytocin, which are all “feel good” chemicals that can boost your mood. Therapy animals can also decrease the stress hormone cortisol, promoting an overall sense of calm. Having a friendly therapy animal in the room can make sharing tough, vulnerable, or scary moments a little bit easier.

Therapy animals can also be your best buds when it comes to improving your physical health.  Working consistently with a therapy animal can help lower blood pressure, distract from physical pain, and even decrease reliance on some medications. If you can’t pet a pup in person, studies have shown that even watching videos of animals can reduce signs of cardiovascular stress. That’s something to keep in mind if you find yourself “doom-scrolling” during the day—best to switch to funny cat videos instead.

So how does animal-assisted therapy work? In the office, a therapy animal can greet you at your appointment, sit beside you or at your feet, and generally provide comfort, warmth, and nonjudgmental presence. Animals can also be present during virtual appointments, providing a welcomed pause if needed. If you don’t know where to start in a session, you can focus on the therapy animal until you feel comfortable. Therapy animals are also wonderful anchors for a mindfulness exercise. Simply noticing the texture of an animal’s fur, the shine in their eyes, and the sound of their breathing is a great way to get present.

For the lucky ones who already have a pet at home, how can you make sure you and your furball have the best life together? That’s pretty easy, most pets already know how to play hard and rest hard, just follow their lead! If you are out for a walk together, try to be as mindful and present as your pet. If you are at home resting, allow yourself to rest, just as your pet does. Giving your pet a good cuddle can help you both feel warm and safe, especially on hard days. Pets can also help you with exercise goals. Taking a pup for a walk or swinging a fishing pole around to the delight of your kitty will certainly get you off the couch!

If you’ve been considering animal-assisted therapy, please get in touch. Mitzi would love to welcome you as our resident dog-tor. Or if you’ve been looking for a sign to welcome your own furry friend, know that doing so can definitely help you on your wellness journey.