There are three main types of dogs that can offer you support: emotional support dogs, service dogs, and therapy dogs. Today we are going to breakdown everything you need to know about one of those types, therapy dogs.
What is a therapy dog?
A therapy dog works hard to improve the lives of everyone they meet. They are a calming presence that may provide affection and comfort to people in nursing homes, hospitals, schools, courtrooms, etc.
Some dogs even work alongside therapists to offer comfort to pateitns. They can provide comfort to not just one person, but anyone that they meet.
How do I know if I need a therapy dog?
There are many reasons that you may want and quality for a therapy dog.
Here are a just few circumstances that therapy dogs can help:
1. You have depression.
If you have depression you may feel cut off from the outside world. Therapy dogs can help you to reconnect with that world by helping you to get out of the house for fresh air and sunshine. If you have a therapy dog you also have a responsibility. They must be cared for and walked and fed. This forces you to get out of bed every day to do something for someone else, someone who is there to help you as well.
2. You have anxiety.
Just petting a dog can release dopamine ans serotonin. This explains why many people feel calmer and comforted when petting a dog. Therapy dogs can come with you to stress-inducing situations and ease your anxiety.
3. You feel alone.
This isn’t just casual loneliness, but the type of loneliness where you feel isolated and unsupported. A therapy dog is there just for you. They want to be with you, they want to help you, and they want to love you. Therapy dogs provide companionship all day long.
How do I get a therapy dog?
In order to receive a therapy dog you must qualify and be certified as needing one by a certified medical professional.
Therapy dogs are amazing in many circumstances and can provide many types of comfort to those who need them. Therapy dogs are wonderful companions for you and everyone around you.
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