Therapy Dog International, Inc. Chapter 125

TDI Chapter 125 (Pals On Paws) What is a therapy dog? What are the benefits of pet therapy? Could my dog be a therapy dog? How can Pals On Paws help you? Therapy Dog Testing Upcoming Events Our volunteers In Memorium Our favorite recipes Links to other sites Next Meeting: Sunday May 25th 7:00 pm	What are the benefits of pet therapy? Research has proven that therapy dogs have the ability to: lower blood pressure relieve stress ease depression humanize the complexity of medical treatments help put patients at ease increase patient and staff morale provide social stimulation provide encouragement to communicate improve the quality of life stimulate memory in Alzheimer's patients inspire happiness and laughter Another service provided by therapy dogs is Pet-Assisted Therapy. Motor skills can be improved by a patient throwing a toy to play fetch with a dog, or even just reaching out to pet the dog. The dog can also be used as a reward when a patient completes his or her physical therapy. Children with low self-esteem or learning disabilities can improve their literacy skills by reading to therapy dogs.
File was last modified: July 06, 2006 Copyright © 2006 Therapy Dog International, Inc. Chapter 125: Pals On Paws (unincorporated). All Rights Reserved. Please contact the webmaster with any questions or concerns.