Aged Care

What are the Benefits of Dogs in Healthcare Settings?

Animal interaction has physical, psychological and social benefits.

Studies have found that interacting with, stroking and petting animals lowers blood pressure and reduces levels of the stress hormone cortisol. Animals may also decrease loneliness, improve mood and help people feel socially supported.

Furthermore, people who own or interact with animals are overall healthier than those who do not.

Older people who interact with animals have been found to recover from illness and surgery more quickly, deal with stress more easily, and are less likely to experience heart disease.

In healthcare settings, interacting with animals may:

• Increase quality of life

• Encourage positive emotions and attitudes

• Increase energy levels

• Decrease tension, fatigue and confusion

• Re-engage people who are unresponsive to other therapies

• Help people feel needed and comforted

• Make a sterile healthcare environment feel more homely

• Have a soothing and calming effect

• Delay the effects of ageing by increasing physical activity, socialisation and mental function.