Hair of the dog

Can pet therapy help people change their alcohol use?

Hello Sunday Morning recently received a lovely message from a man who had changed his relationship with alcohol for the better. He mentioned that his saving grace was his dog: forming a habit of regularly walking his dog with his partner helped replace his drinking habit.

The connection between man and dog has existed for thousands of years and there are several studies to back up why we have such a soft spot in our hearts for our furry friends. Scientists at Azabu University in Japan found that looking into a dog’s eyes activates the same hormonal response that bonds us to human babies. So no wonder some dogs are treated like an owner’s child! Studies have also found that, on average, dog owners tend to have lower blood pressure and lower cholesterol levels, indicating a reduction in stress. Not only does man’s best friend help us keep calm and carry on, but owning a dog encourages people to get out of the house for walks that necessarily include social interaction by chatting to other dog owners on the street and at dog parks.

Dogs and kids

Having a dog around as a pet when growing up can have a huge impact on the mental development of kids.

Studies have found that kids who grew up with a dog were more empathetic and pro-social when compared with children who grew up without a dog in the house.

Because of a dog’s unconditional love and comforting, a strong bond with an animal provides support that other family members may not have the ability or time to give.

The responsibility of owning a dog also prepares kids to think of someone else’s needs and better understand commitments.

What is Pets As Therapy (PAT)?

In many western societies, dogs are now starting to serve not only as beloved pets but as service dogs, herding dogs, police dogs and as therapy dogs. Pet therapy is a broad term that includes animal-assisted therapy and other animal-assisted activities. The concept of pet therapy revolves around using dogs or other animals including cats, horses, rabbits, and even fish, to help people on their journey to recovery from illness, alcohol and drugs, or to better cope with mental health.

The Mayo Clinic claims that animal therapy has been proven to significantly reduce pain, anxiety, depression and fatigue in people with a range of other health problems, including:

• Children having dental procedures
• People receiving cancer treatment
• People in long-term care facilities
• People hospitalised with chronic heart failure
• Veterans with post-traumatic stress disorder

The Mayo Clinic outlines the goals of pet therapy as helping to improve motor skills and joint movement, increase self-esteem, develop social skills, improve interactions with others and increase verbal communication.

Other benefits of pet therapy include:

• Making you happier, lessening depression, and improving your outlook on life
• Decreasing loneliness and isolation by giving you a companion
• Reducing boredom
• Reducing anxiety because of its calming effects
• Helping children learn empathic and nurturing skills

In Australia, PAT is a free community service which has been offered by Guide Dogs Australia in New South Wales and the Australian Capital Territory for over 30 years. Guide Dogs Australia say that as well as basic obedience, the dogs learn to walk quietly on the lead and, if required, next to a mobility aid such as a wheelchair, walking stick or frame. A PAT dog must be friendly, stable in temperament, and well behaved. The pets must go through a screening process and the type of animal is assigned to a patient depending on their needs.

These days it is not unusual to see pets in psychologists’ offices or rehabilitation facilities. Who wouldn’t want a wagging tale and big, friendly eyes greeting you each day as you step in to a treatment session or need some extra cuddly support?

If you have a dog, why not start up a dog walking group in your community on a Sunday morning — that way it gives you something to look forward to and you wouldn’t want to miss out by nursing a hangover in bed!