The Furred Therapists “THE BEST THERAPIST YOU CAN FIND IS A DOG😊”
- Nqoba Maryln Sibenke
- Jul 26, 2023
- 2 min read
Updated: Aug 30, 2023
The value of our furred companions is still yet to be discovered. commonly referred to as ‘man’s best friend’ the furry friends have a lot to offer than mere companionship. Join me as we explore the psychotherapeutic benefits of dogs.
studies have shown that dogs have an effect on our stress, anxiety and depression levels. In our previous article a glimpse into the animal emotional world we established that animals can identify with human grief and sadness. Meaning that if you are sad or grieving your pet can relate to your pain. We often find them licking us , wagging their tail and being smuggly. This is their way of offering comfort and sympathy.
Playing and interacting with dogs has been proven to improve dopamine, serotonin, oxytocin and endorphins which are hormones responsible for feeling good and positive emotions.
Dopamine is responsible for pleasure and motivation in humans. When we feel good about achieving something it is because of dopamine. Dopamine is responsible for allowing you to feel pleasure, satisfaction and motivation. Dr. Marta Vieira has attributed petting a dog to the release of dopamine.
Oxytocin is responsible for making us feel warm and loved . It is that chemical that makes us feel butterflies in our tummies when we are in love. Some research has shown oxytocin to lower stress and anxiety. Oxytocin helps in the development of pro-social behaviours like trust, empathy, gazing, positive memories, processing of bonding cues, and positive communication. This is why when we feel loved we are bound to improve our behavior and act in acceptable ways. As we interact, cuddle with dogs Oxytocin levels increase resulting in reduced stress levels.
Endorphins are chemicals that make us feel happy and content. While the greatest contributor of endorphins has been said to be exercise, interaction with dogs has been cited as another factor. As such increased interaction with dogs result in lower stress levels.
Dogs are generally loving creatures. This love goes a long way in improving self-worth and boosting self confidence. From the care that they show through running to meet you as you come from work after a stressful day to the grooming process. It is generally known that dogs provide company and help in reducing loneliness which is one causal factor of depression.
In children the benefits of pets are more evident. Pets have been seen to help in the development of emotional well-being in children.Love given by the dogs boosts their self-worth and self esteem. They also learn responsible behavior through taking care of the pet.
There is so much to be explored in the field of human-animal interaction and psychotherapy . However the biochemical foundations give us an insight of how we can benefit from such interactions. Research in this field has informed a number of interventions in the treatment of autism, depressive disorders, behavior disorders Among many other cases. Links to studies have been attached below for further research and reading.
I hope this short article has sparked your interest in animal interventions. Happy Reading 😊
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