Animal-assisted therapy is a health support form utilizing specially trained animals for stress reduction and health benefits tailored to people’s needs. Any animal, regardless of species, can participate actively. However, research and health benefits of this therapy are often centered around dogs, which are relatively easier to train. Studies have shown that human-animal relationships positively affect psychological and physiological health. Hence, professionals can employ therapies involving trained animals for stress and anxiety reduction. These therapies have been helping patients with disorders like schizophrenia, depression, and drug addiction for many years. Patients with conditions such as heart disease and neurological This article focused on therapy dogs, their differences from service dogs, and a brief mention of emotional support animals. While writing, I learned about the diverse ways therapy dogs aid people – not only in mental care but also in stress reduction, depression improvement, and enhancing social skills. Having had disorders have also benefited. The benefits of interacting with animals include improved communication and social skills, better quality of life, enhanced self-control, and more. Additionally, the sense of comfort, peace of mind, and happiness from spending time with animals contributes to reducing anxiety and stress. For patients with mental illness, studies indicate that animal contact can bring positive effects, such as reducing anxiety symptoms, alleviating pain, and lowering heart rate. Particularly for children with disabilities, animal contact can elicit positive changes in behavioral control and regulation. They also seem to provide reassurance to anxious patients during treatment. talk to someone walking a cute dog in the park, commenting on the dog’s cuteness, inquiring about the breed, or sharing stories about their own pets? This kind of interaction fosters a friendly environment, making it easier for strangers to converse.The presence of therapy dogs in schools creates a similar atmosphere, encouraging more interaction among students. Spending time with therapy dogs and peers in a fun and meaningful way uplifts students’ moods and boosts their self-esteem. Currently, over 60% of colleges and universities have therapy dog programs. My college, for instance, hosted events where students could interact with therapy dogs during stress-prone testing weeks.the chance to interact with a therapy dog at school, I personally experienced the soothing effects and stress relief they offer. This makes them a perfect source of refreshment for animal lovers. I encourage everyone to participate in events where they can interact with therapy dogs. People’s Health and Animals Therapy Dogs and StudentsTherapy dogs are active not only in medical facilities and nursing homes but also in schools. Many students may feel stressed due to academic pressures like classes, exams, assignments, and projects, especially during end-of-semester deadlines and exams. In such high-stress academic times, campus programs allowing students to interact with therapy dogs can be an effective way to refresh and alleviate daily stress. Moreover, therapy dogs contribute to reducing stress, fostering a conducive learning environment, and improving memory for students. The interaction helps decrease cortisol levels, the stress hormone, leading to reduced stress levels and increased well-being. The presence of therapy dogs also aids in enhancing students’ social skills. For example, have you ever seen people stopping to 8
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