Can therapy dogs help patients with mental health conditions?

Can Therapy Dogs Help Patients with Mental Health Conditions?

Therapy dogs can indeed provide significant benefits to patients with mental health conditions. These specially trained dogs offer emotional support, companionship, and a calming presence, which can help alleviate symptoms of anxiety, depression, PTSD, and other mental health issues. For example, the simple act of petting a dog can release oxytocin, a hormone that promotes bonding and reduces stress. Additionally, therapy dogs can encourage physical activity, social interaction, and routine, all of which are beneficial for mental health. Programs that incorporate therapy dogs often see improvements in mood, self-esteem, and overall well-being among participants.

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