Furry Friends and Mental Health: The Role of Therapy Dogs in Everyday Care

With World Health Day coming and going in October, it’s important to remember that taking care of your mental health is a daily task: not just dedicated to one day a year. It can be hard in a world filled with technology, overstimulation, unfettered access to news (both good and bad), and then the stress of jobs, bills, and life in general when everything gets a little too heavy. While meditation, exercise, healthy diet, and taking time for yourself are all great ways to maintain and help your mental health, it’s important to know that dogs that can really level off stress, anxiety, boost serotonin and dopamine, and even lower blood pressure! To be more precise: Therapy Dogs are trained to help with all of these beneficial points and more!

Therapy Dogs go through training to help people feel calmer and more relaxed in different environments. They are considered volunteers and can be present at corporate events like our Paws and Relax lounge, which Michael’s Angel Paws sets up at conferences throughout Las Vegas, as well as at large events around the city. They can help in offices and even hospitals, providing comfort to those around them. Therapy Teams visit these places so that the people there can interact with them: petting, cuddling, and enjoying their positive energy. These dogs are comfortable in busy environments but also love to snuggle up to new people and let them take a minute to offload stress.

Therapy Dogs can help boost serotonin and dopamine, and their calm dispositions can also help lower blood pressure. These dogs’ interactions can even lower heart rate, which is often elevated during panic and stress. Everyone’s time with a Therapy Dog differs, but the mood-boosting effects and calming presence of these loving animals can easily reverse negative emotions and feelings and help put you at ease. Therapy Dogs help people to feel less lonely and sad, too. If you were thinking of training a Therapy Dog, the benefits increase, as they will help you get more physical exercise and provide daily emotional support, as well as social interaction

While not every dog can become a Therapy Dog, those that do provide countless benefits for their community and their beloved family. At Michael’s Angel Paws, there are no breed restrictions for therapy dogs, but your dog does need to take a temperament test and have a meet and greet to determine if they can pass Therapy Dog Training, which is a great way to get started on this potential path. It’s important to note that even if your dog doesn’t become a Therapy Dog, their love and companionship can still help create positive interactions that buoy your mental health. If you’re working or attending an event and a Therapy Dog is present, make sure to take a moment to spend with them: after all, free therapy is never a bad thing!