Discover the Pawsome World: Top 12 Fun and Heartwarming Facts About Therapy Dogs
1. Tutor Pooches
Who let the dogs out... to tutor? Unleashing the power of pawsitive education: Therapy dogs are proven to boost learning outcomes like reading and writing skills, motivation, and improved relationships with peers and instructors, as per university research studies.
Source => therapydogs.com
2. Canine Cure-All
They say laughter is the best medicine, but therapy dogs might just give chuckles a run for their money: These canine companions not only reduce stress levels and improve social interactions, but they can also help manage physical conditions such as epilepsy, diabetes, and cardiovascular disease, as well as aid in post-surgical recovery and motor skills development – all by lowering cortisol and increasing oxytocin levels, ensuring that you're always one tail wag away from a healthier, happier you.
Source => therapydogs.com
Did you know that massages were recommended by Hippocrates, the "father of medicine," in the 5th century BCE as a treatment for injuries and illnesses? Discover more ancient secrets of massage therapy!
=> Fun Facts about Massage
3. Courtroom Canine Crusaders
Move over, superheroes: courtrooms have found a new breed of crime fighters - therapy dogs! Armed with their trusty superpower of emotional support, these canine crusaders have been helping children testify in New York courtrooms for years: Recently, court decisions have even allowed therapy dogs to accompany adults during legal proceedings, providing much-needed comfort and reducing potential retraumatization during trials. Just like 5-year-old Australian Labradoodle, Paz, who proudly serves in a Brooklyn courtroom soothing witnesses with her presence.
Source => nytimes.com
4. All Breeds, All Healing
Step aside, Lassie, there's a new breed on the block – or shall we say, ALL breeds: Therapy dogs can come in all shapes, sizes, and mixes, with only a Canine Good Citizen certificate needed to prove that they've got the etiquette and obedience skills to bring joy and healing wherever they go.
Source => akc.org
5. Labradoodle Allergy Alert
Hold onto your alpaca berets and take a deep breath, for Labradoodles aren't as harmless as they may look: Although commonly used as therapy dogs and service animals due to their fantastic temperament and intellect, they aren't entirely hypoallergenic. Sure, their Poodle lineage gives them a bit of an edge shedding-wise compared to other breeds, but dander is still very much present and can cause allergy flare-ups. Just a little reminder for aspiring Labradoodle enthusiasts to stay woke and be all about ethical breeding and responsible genetic testing, lest any sneaky health issues join the party uninvited!
Source => certapet.com
6. Doggie Wellness Splash
Did you hear about the doggie wellness retreat that's making a splash? They're barking mad for water workouts! Seriously though: therapy dogs can benefit from hydrotherapy, as it aids or improves their health by easing arthritis discomfort, improving function after injury or surgery, and optimizing their conditioning as animal athletes.
Source => akc.org
7. Reading Buddy Bulldogs
Forget throwin' a bone, these pups are throwin' knowledge: Therapy dogs don't just offer emotional support, but they also help young children improve their reading skills by providing a nonjudgmental and supportive environment, leading to greater enhancements in oral reading and reading comprehension scores than reading to adults alone.
Source => psychologytoday.com
8. Cuddly Canine Cure
Who let the dogs in? Therapy dogs - that's who! Curiously charming canines offering a cuddly cure to myriad maladies: These delightful dogs provide significant benefits to children with ADHD, Autism, and other learning disabilities, as well as individuals experiencing PTSD or other traumas.
Source => signaturehealthinc.org
9. Disaster Relief Dogbusters
When life starts to hound you, who you gonna call? Dogbusters! : Specially trained therapy dogs from Therapy Dogs International provide emotional and mental support to disaster victims like those affected by the Oklahoma City bombing and Hurricane Katrina, and even offer comfort to relief workers feeling the weight of devastation.
Source => tdi-dog.org
10. Triple Threat Therapy
Therapy dogs: the ultimate multitaskers, simultaneously pulling off the roles of fluffy confidante, best friend, and oh-so-adorable anti-anxiety agents. Now, that's what we call a triple threat: Surprisingly, these tail-wagging superheroes come in all shapes and sizes, activating oxytocin in humans, strengthening social bonds, and providing unrivaled comfort without the need for a specific breed or pedigree.
Source => k9ofmine.com
11. Bulldogging the Blues
Boston, the lovably drool-worthy, tail-wagging, pit-bulldog mix might just be what the doctor ordered: Currently in training for the Open Door Network, Boston helps reduce cortisol levels and alleviate symptoms of PTSD and anxiety in trauma-affected adults with nothing but his comforting canine charms.
Source => turnto23.com
12. Furry College Stress-Busters
Who let the dogs in? College students, that's who – and for good reason too: Therapy dogs have been shown to reduce anxiety and boost executive function in stressed-out college students, which is why universities are now welcoming furry stress-busters with open paws.
Source => cardinalnews.org
