Health & Fitness
How Pet Therapy Helps Patients Manage Stress And Anxiety
At Banner Health facilities, sometimes a wet nose and wagging tail are exactly what the doctor ordered.
We all know dogs can hunt and herd, but did you know they can help heal, too? Animal therapy can have real medical and emotional benefits for patients. Studies have shown that petting a dog can improve a person's blood pressure and heart rate, and it can actually release endorphins that block pain.
A wagging tail can also do wonders when it comes to lifting patients' spirits and putting smiles on their faces. Banner Health understands that sometimes the love of an animal is just what the doctor ordered, which is why so many of their care centers offer Dog Therapy.
So what does Dog Therapy entail, and how can you (and your dog) get involved? Let's break it down:
The Therapy Dogs
Banner Health currently has about 100 dogs in their Pet Therapy programs. They come in all shapes, sizes and breeds, but they all have the following characteristics in common:
Gentle Temperament — Therapy dogs should be friendly in nature, but never pushy. These dogs, also called dog therapists, must not react adversely to other dogs or service animals. They must readily accept strangers and sit still even amidst distractions.
Well-Groomed — They don't need the standard poodle cut, but therapy dogs should be clean with neatly trimmed nails. We don't want them accidentally scratching patients, staff or volunteers!
The Ability to Learn — Participating pups need to be obedient and able to pick up on commands. It's important that each therapy dog is able and willing to listen to his or her handler's instructions.
Experience — Therapy dogs must be at least one year in age and have gone through six to 12 months of extensive training with their handlers. Before being admitted to Banner Hospital's Pet Therapy program, each dog is certified through a national dog therapy organization.
Find a Dog Therapy Program Near You
The Benefits
Studies have shown that petting a dog can help to calm a person who is scared, upset or sad. Therapy dogs also:
- Bring joy and laughter
- Provide mental stimulation
- Distract patients from their problems
- Reduce loneliness and can help with depression
- Encourage socialization
Banner Thunderbird Medical Center, located in Glendale, Arizona, has offered a Dog Therapy program for over 25 years. According to volunteer coordinator Kathy Lane, there are currently around 16 dogs in the program.
The smallest dog therapist "is the most adorable tiny little Yorkie named Sadie," says Lane, and the largest is a 105-pound Bernese Mountain dog who goes by "Dr. George." Dr. George was featured with his handler, Jim, on Fox 10 Phoenix, and he brings joy with every visit.
"I can see patients and everybody who comes in the hospital just smiles when they see him," says Jim. "All their troubles — and there's plenty of them in the hospital — [seeing Dr. George] just sort of releases them for a while and they feel better. And I feel great doing it."
Lane says the dogs "have a very therapeutic effect" on the people they encounter. "We also get calls from our staff who might be having a really bad day [and want to see the dog therapists]," she says. "The therapy dogs help the staff as much as they do our patients."
Find A Pet Therapy Program in Your Area
Banner Health is able to support their Pet Therapy programs thanks to your generous donations. A gift of $100 can buy six months' worth of dog treats or pay for photos of the dog therapists and patients to be given to the patients.
If you think your dog could be a good therapist, Banner Thunderbird Medical Center's volunteer director suggests visiting the Alliance of Therapy Dogs' website as your first stop for more information on training and certification.
If you're interested in volunteering, donating or learning more about Dog Therapy programs, find the Banner Health location near you that offers integrative therapy.
Find a Dog Therapy Program Near You
More From Banner Health:
- Learn More About Dog Therapy
- Integrative Therapy Programs
- P.A.W.S. Makenzi Fund
- Nubby the Chihuahua: Challenged, But Spreading Comfort at Mesa Hospital
First Photo Credit: Monkey Business Images/Shutterstock
