The dogs are one of the pets preferred by many, as they offer company and make themselves loved. In addition, dogs have a particular way of accepting people without judging them. That is why more and more psychological therapies are using dogs as support.

Dog therapy: the most common animal-assisted therapy

Within the Animal Assisted Therapies (TAA), the animal most used is the dog. The work sessions can be in groups or individually and the patients are usually children, adolescents, the elderly, the mentally ill, etc.

Dog therapy is used to improve the health and well-being of patients , as pets can be a valuable communication bridge between therapist and patient. According to Boris Levinson, a psychologist who carried out several studies to learn about the benefits of pet therapy, pets are not only an enjoyable form of therapy, but they bring many physical, psychological and social benefits.

In our article “Cat therapy, discover the beneficial effects of living with a cat”, we already reviewed the benefits of cat therapy. Unlike dogs, cats don’t seem to need us and tend to be more independent. Instead, dogs constantly show us how important we are to them.

People who have dogs in their homes will know first-hand that, in good times and bad, their “canine friend” will be there to keep them company, which is why we could say that dogs are, in some way, natural therapists .

The goals of therapy with dogs

There are many studies that support the benefits of this therapeutic practice. Both patients with Alzheimer’s disease , AIDS patients, autistic children, patients with depression or elderly people who are alone, benefit from the advantages of this type of therapy.

Dog therapy has several objectives, both in the area of rehabilitation and learning, as it is useful at the psychological, cognitive or psychomotor level, and helps improve communication or has a beneficial effect on the socialization of patients.

The objective s are varied, but in general, they are aimed at:

  • Enhancing communication skills and personal relationship skills
  • Improve self-esteem and autonomy
  • Stimulate to perform specific motor activities , such as pampering, brushing, etc.
  • Improve relationships and social skills (empathy, greeting, caring for others, etc.)
  • Reducing Anxiety and Depression
  • Encouraging a sense of responsibility

The benefits of dog therapy

As we have seen, therapy with dogs affects many areas and has varied objectives. But, what benefits does it bring to patients?

Below we present the benefits (not only the psychological ones, but also those concerning other areas of health) of therapy with dogs.

Psychological benefits

  • Improving mood
  • Helps improve attention (used for children with ADHD)
  • Antidote for Depression and Monotony
  • Avoiding Loneliness
  • Decreases anxiety and stress
  • Encourage social and physical contact
  • Serves as an incentive and motivation
  • Is pleasant for the patient
  • Create a positive bond
  • Dogs accept us as we are
  • Serves to entertain develop leisure skills
  • Promotes mental stimulation

Psychomotor benefits

  • Improves muscle strength, motor skills
  • Improves coordination and promotes increased muscle strength
  • Improves fine motor skills through movements such as stroking, grooming, feeding, etc.

Educational Benefits

  • Improves social skills (empathy, respect, communication, etc.)
  • It helps to understand the importance of collaboration, commitment and teamwork
  • Reduces unwanted behavior
  • Learning takes place through play

Sensory benefits

  • Helps increase proprioception
  • Promotes the development of the vestibular system
  • Works the senses and provides auditory, visual and tactile stimuli