Life with animals is much better; they help us become better people and also benefit our health. On another occasion, we told you about the benefits of sharing your life with ARISTOPETS. Pets raise our oxytocin levels. This hormone reduces stress, combats depression, and influences the development of trust between people.
It has been proven that pets improve people’s quality of life. Numerous studies confirm the benefits of therapy assisted by dogs. There are programs that help older people with Alzheimer’s or other forms of dementia, as well as children with autism or hyperactivity.
Children with ADHD, Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, are often reluctant to obey, isolate themselves more than usual, and may develop low self-esteem. Several studies show that working with assistance dogs improves session outcomes. In the case of children with hyperactivity, it helps improve their social skills.
This is the case at the Irvine Child Development School in California. At this school, children attend classes with Rusty, a Golden Retriever who helps them during their sessions. The children approach him, pet him and occasionally cuddle up next to him. When the children are with Rusty, they are calmer and more engaged.
Dr. Schuck, a teacher at the school, conducted a study with 24 children with ADHD over 12 weeks. The children were randomly divided into two groups: one used assistance dogs and the other did not. During the sessions, symptoms decreased in both groups, but the group of children with assistance dogs achieved better results.
Schuck states that pet therapy is an advantage for these students. Through her studies, she demonstrated that children with ADHD who interacted with pets improved their social skills and managed their symptoms.
Several studies were conducted with companion animals at Torrejón Hospital. It was shown that most patients with ADHD are able to reduce their medication doses when they receive dog-assisted therapy. Last year the Canine Intervention Service was presented in Madrid, to bring therapy dogs to hospitals, educational centers, and nursing homes, with the aim of providing these people with support, affection, and attention.