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Is dog therapy effective? Presence of dog relieves pain, anxiety and depression, also helps with ADHD
A dog is not only man’s best friend. It can also bring him relief from suffering and help alleviate disorders. Scientific studies have shown this.
Dogotherapy, also known as kynotherapy and canister therapy, is a method that enhances the effectiveness of rehabilitation. It is included in the so-called animal therapy. It involves a specially prepared dog. Although this method is widely known and used, its effectiveness is subject to research and debate.
It is known that a dog can sense when someone is stressed. Studies have also shown that patting and stroking dogs increases prefrontal cortex activity in humans. That is, the part of the brain where the most important cognitive functions, specific to Homo sapiens, are concentrated. However, such data are not enough to consider the presence of a dog as a kind of therapy.
A dog improves the well-being of patients in a hospital emergency room
That’s why scientists from the University of Saskatchewan in Canada conducted a controlled clinical study in a hospital setting. They tested whether properly prepared therapy dogs could help patients struggling with pain, anxiety and feelings of depression.
