Therapy Pets If someone is hospitalized, and not well, there may not be a lot that can bring a smile to their face. There is often one thing that can brighten a patient's mood, and that something has four legs, a cold nose, and a wagging tail. Therapy dogs can lighten the mood, sometimes even in the darkest of situations. Therapy Dog Facts Petting a dog can actually be equivalent to an instant acting antidepressant. Petting an animal releases oxytocin with each stroke. Petting a dog, or any pet, lowers blood pressure Need to calm down, just pet a therapy pet, it is next to impossible to be stressed out while petting a puppy. Researchers say that dogs that work in a therapy capacity love their jobs, and love to make people happy. This study does have scientific backing, as dogs were analyzed by their body movements, head motion, and tail placement. Patients suffering from Alzheimer's often surprise their caretakers by remembering the days the therapy pet is to visit, and remembering the therapy pet’s name. Doctors think there is a connection to patients remembering their pets as children, and looking forward to the enjoyment of the therapy pet. Therapy dogs often provoke physical and verbal responses from children that normally lack responses. This has been studied with children suffering from cerebral palsy. Related: Premature Births Mugzy the Therapy Dog Mugzy is a pug that had a somewhat difficult start in life. When he was only 7 weeks of age, he got into an adult dog food that was considered a diet food. It had a large amount of fiber, which is not good for small puppies. His tummy swelled, and he almost choked, but was saved at the last minute at the vet's office. This was followed by an extensive neutering due to complications, having to have baby teeth surgically removed, and then dealing with a crushed trachea. Some people might question why this little guy lived, how he made it. Well, he is now 9 years old, and has worked as a therapy dog since he was one. Each week Mugzy goes to the Veterans Administration Hospital. He visits wounded and ill men and women, and he never tires until his work is done. Many of the people he visits suffer from PTSD, so they really appreciate the
calming effects they get from their weekly visits with this little pug. One 92year-old veteran rarely talks, however each week he sings to Mugzy on his visits. The medical staff are amazed that this gentleman has enough breath to get a complete tune out, and yet he never fails. Mugzy also visits the children's hospital, and has learned to carry gifts to the children, which they genuinely love. So, the answer to that question, why did Mugzy live through that first very difficult year? There is not one reason, there are hundreds; and they are in the form of the lives he has touched. Many hospitals and nursing homes welcome visits from therapy dogs, it seems to be a gathering time for all of the patients, everyone enjoys petting the pup. However, don't just assume all therapy pets are dogs. Rabbits are actually fairly popular therapy pets. Rabbits are easily trained, and generally well groomed animals. Cats also work as therapy pets in some cases, however, the nervous nature of cats makes them less than ideal candidates. Dogs are by far the most common therapy pets. Related: Nature's Miracle Medicine If you consider a therapy pet at your medical facility, it's best to do a little preliminary research prior to starting the program. Most areas have a therapy pet certification program that provides credentials to dogs that meet some certain criteria and pass a test. These dogs are deemed appropriate to visit patients, and most have an insurance policy in the event of an accident. Few things can make someone as happy, calm, and at ease as much as a therapy pet. Therapy pets work for the love, and there is plenty of love to go around. Some things medicine simply cannot deliver, but therapy pets are available to help. Related: Registered Nurse Marie Lois Haran, RN, MSN, will be Honorably Mentioned in the Worldwide Leaders in Healthcare Please follow us on Facebook, Linkedin, Pinterest and Twitter