How Does Dog Therapy Help Patients Feel Better?

By Divya IKC

Dog therapy has shown that at times, just a bit of company can go a long way. They help by making hospital and community visits that provide comfort and support for those who need it most.

Therapy Dogs Nationwide in Jersey visits Jersey General Hospital as part of its routine activities and is eagerly awaited by its staff and patients alike.

Bringing Comfort to Hospital Patients

Hospitalization can be a stressful, daunting, and emotionally taxing experience. Having a therapy dog around can be a much-appreciated distraction from the situation.

The staff working at Jersey General Hospital have complimented the therapy dog visits, as the dogs can boost the spirits of the patients and hospital employees alike. Something as simple as playing with a dog can bring about a good feeling on a bad day.

The therapy dog named Perla is especially well-received by the staff of the Critical Care Unit.

How Dog Therapy Can Help

Regular visits from therapy dogs may provide several benefits, including:

Feeling comfortable in difficult situations
Feeling accompanied by someone else
Better moods and feelings of happiness
Interactions that allow the expression of affection
Being able to relax from the hospital surroundings
Experiences that are positive for healthcare workers too

Support Beyond Hospitals

Therapy Dogs Nationwide is not only active in healthcare facilities. Over 40 volunteers from Jersey have been giving their time to bring their pets to places where the presence of companions can be helpful.

For instance, volunteer Helen Hamilton brings her cocker spaniel Olive to La Moye Prison. According to her, Olive offers companionship to prisoners, even in tough emotional times like mourning.

Making a Lasting Difference

Therapy dogs can provide simple things such as wagging their tail, hugging, or just being there; however, such things could be of great emotional importance.

Volunteers, together with their dogs, prove that animals can be helpful in creating those moments of comfort, happiness, and connection when they are really needed by people.

References Link: https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c33k43rpvxvo