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StartOur blogDog therapy: What is it? What are its benefits?
Dog therapy: What is it? What are its benefits?
Dogs are considered excellent pets. Undoubtedly, having a loyal, fun and affectionate four -legged friend, is a great way to finish a hard work day or enjoy a weekend of rest and walks. These special characteristics that are considered the best friend of man, have made it worthy of a privileged place not only in different homes, but also in other areas, such as medicine.
At present, medical science has included dogs as an invaluable option in treatment for different psychological disorders. This is because his company and interaction with humans are considered as an aspect that can improve the health of those who need it. This process has been recognized as Animal Assisted Therapy (Taa). In this case, with dogs. But what is the Dog therapy? When does it apply? What are its benefits? Although it is a phenomenon of medicine with some application time and that has gained acceptance, there are people who do not know about dog therapy. For this reason, in the following text we will describe the most relevant aspects about this practical process, emphasizing the benefits it grants, thanks to the assistance of these friendly pets.
What is it?
That some animals, especially dogs, participate in a complementary therapy to improve the health of some people It may seem a crazy idea. However, the healing effect has been demonstrated that the assistance of these pets can provide through therapy. To begin with, animal -assisted therapy (TAA) consists of a psychological process in which an animal intervenes to carry out a direct interaction with the patient, this time, only dogs are referred to.
Within therapy, the dog is a key point in communication with the patient, because it remains close to him. Different studies have shown that dogs by nature are affectionate, friendly and give constant signs of love, which is beneficial for a person in depressive state, for example. In the search for an emotional balance, improving health and well -being, the benefits offered by dog therapy are notable, because in addition to being a communication link between the patient, this process is very pleasant for all involved, since it becomes a reciprocal manifestation of affection as the therapy advances.
Who is dog therapy for?
Although there is no specific list of people to whom this type of therapy is directed, different studies have proven its usefulness in the following cases:
People with Alzheimer's
People with HIV
Autistic children
Cases of depression or anxiety
Older adults in solitude
Self -esteem problems
The use of this therapy in patients with the aforementioned conditions has become very frequent, demonstrating the positive results that are obtained Thanks to the interaction that originates among the participants.
Objectives of this therapy
The objectives pursued by this therapy are closely linked to the benefits it achieves. However, we will see the latter in depth later.
The objectives focus on achieving a series of competencies that, by themselves, the patient costs to acquire:
Strengthen self -esteem
Improve autonomy and independence
Promote interpersonal relationships (and communication with other people)
Create a sense of responsibility
Enhance social relationships (empathy, interest towards others)
Encourage the realization of concrete motor activities independently
Control anxiety
Decrease depressive states
Concretely, these are the Objectives pursued with dogs. It is important to remember that at present this therapy is used as a complement within a set of treatments and interventions carried out by specialists to deal with any of the conditions mentioned above. The benefits of dog therapy will depend largely on the constancy and disposition that people contribute to this process.
Benefits
We have reached one of the most relevant points within this information, and is to know the contributions that this type of therapy has achieved. Thinking that this therapy only provides psychological benefits is a very common error. The scope that this process has had within other fields of human life have been several, which is why it is worth mentioning them separately.
Psychological
To cite the benefits of dog therapy in this area, we will see a brief example: Suppose a patient goes to an appointment with the psychologist for feeling alone. Within the conversation, the specialist tells him about this process and invites one of the dogs used in the therapies to enter the office.The animal sits at his feet, the patient begins to caress him, he responds by moving his tail, and he continues to realize that he liked it. Thus 20 minutes pass and then the dog retires.When this happens, the patient will realize that he no longer feels as sad as at the beginning, the void was fading with the company of this little friend who occupied his attention during those minutes.
This is one of the most notable benefits of this type of therapy: Avoid loneliness. And also:
Depression and anxiety decrease
Promote physical and social contact
Fights attention deficit disorder and hyperactivity (especially in children)
Practice the creation of links
It is a technique of motivation and mental stimulation
Psychomotor
Something as simple as caressing, brushing or going for a walk with the dog, causes excellent benefits for the patient such as improving motor skills, strengthening coordination, promoting motor skills and maintaining the main muscles of the human body.
Educational
Learning through games, learning about cooperation and teamwork. Acquire abilities and, above all, essential social skills such as respect, empathy, cordiality, communication and collaboration are some of the most elementary.
Sensory
Through the work of the senses, the strengthening of the ear, the view and the touch will be carried out.
Versatility
One of the main benefits of dog therapy is its wide versatility, which makes it adaptable for any situation. It is possible to perform it in a group or individual, according to the characteristics of the patient and the perception of the specialist in each case. There are no limitations to carry it out more than the person's disposition to improve your health and well -being.
Finally
Without a doubt, the dog can become more than an adventure partner, it can be a support at the most necessary moment and a strength to maintain our state of health and well -being. Although it seems insignificant, The presence and help of a dog can make a difference In a moment of sadness and, even more, to contribute great benefits to our life in a simple and very practical way.
