Photo by Eric Ward on Unsplash
Therapy dogs provide the best means of stress relief to the distressed. But how does this affect their wellbeing?
It’s scientifically proven that dogs provide the best company and stress relief. Their presence triggers neural pathways that help reduce the probability of depression and loneliness. Not to mention, having long been domesticated by humans, they’ve been accustomed to accompanying people throughout their lives. This dog-person bond is one reason therapy dogs exist and are medically advised for people needing help to cope.
The Power of Dogs Against Stress
When one asks why there’s magic in a dog’s company, people can provide a long list of reasons explaining so. Their naturally affectionate disposition can make anyone, even the toughest brute, coo in adoration; their unconditional means of loving thaws the coldest of hearts. From social recognition and people’s natural affinity for dogs to how this human-pet bonding increases the release of oxytocin in one’s system, there are plenty of reasons to love dogs.
In fact, they have become everyone’s go-to whenever a dire need for a pet’s company comes up. Dogs are the perfect cheer-me-up and, perhaps, an even better medical companion.
The author and volunteer at the reading dog program READing Paws, Alison Keenan, can vouch for dogs’ health and psychological benefits. With her registered therapy dog, Keenan has provided aid for children who need companionship, emotional support, and help with their academic skills.
Dogs are a natural source of stress relief, given the therapeutic value of their relationship with humans. However, their long-existing service hasn’t been viewed from a two-way perspective. It has always been about the benefits people can get from them, never what they’re getting in exchange for this bond.
Stress Relief in Exchange for Stress
Depending on how empathetic people are, there’s a possibility they can mirror another’s feelings. For instance, if they’re with someone sad, they may unknowingly feel similarly without any personal reason. But listening to someone vent their problems increases this probability, making them feel like the other’s emotions and burden is theirs to carry.
People recognize when someone is troubled. Often, this headspace manifests in people’s behavioral tendencies. Individuals under stress may radiate a negative aura, weight evident in their every step. Fortunately, clinical therapists are trained to slowly ward off this aura and gradually break off the burden weighing these individuals down.
Now, dogs also provide this stress relief.
The only difference is they don’t follow a method of stress reduction. Instead, all they’re offering is their presence and energetic disposition, hoping it will relieve what’s wearing these individuals down. When therapists seek help for overwhelming stress, who says therapy dogs don’t need their means of stress relief? Many might argue that therapy dogs are trained for stress relief. They’re taught to respond to their person’s emotional crises.
However, training doesn’t automatically make them invincible from stress.
This isn’t to say that being therapy dogs are detrimental for dogs. Instead, it’s to raise awareness and encourage dog owners to check their pets occasionally.
Stress Relief for the Stress Relievers
When dogs can’t voice out their discomfort, owners must rely on closely observing their behaviors for any indications. These symptoms can be subtle, but it’s nothing invisible to the familiar eyes.
These include pacing around a lot or shaking despite the absence of stimuli that may trigger such behavior. Although they can’t verbalize their emotions, dogs can often whine or bark amid discomfort. They may also yawn in a more prolonged manner or lick around excessively. These manifestations are among the most common signs of stress for dogs.
Now, the question is, what can owners do to relieve them from it?
Like humans who go to therapy, stressed dogs must see a veterinarian for stress relief. Before everything spirals out of control, it’s always a significant first step to seek professional help. Veterinarians can diagnose the dog and provide a better means of helping, including medications when necessary. Another excellent stress relief method is exercises like playing fetch or walking. These activities help release any tension affecting the dog’s mood and behavior.
Again, this isn’t meant to allude that therapy dogs are a hostile service. After all, existing data prove that these dogs don’t usually suffer from stress in exchange for human relief. But it won’t hurt anybody if owners become more sensitive to their pups.
