Fit as Fido

Toby’s A Hospital Therapy Dog

06.04.2010 // Fit As Fido // Dawn A. Marcus, M.D. // 2 Comments

This week, Toby proudly joined his Uncle Wheatie in the ranks of hospital therapy dog, enjoying visits to surgical and trauma patients, as well as their families in the waiting rooms. Here he is proudly sporting his offical hospital volunteer ID badge.

What benefits for patients does research find from pet therapy visits?

- 4 percent slower breathing rate showing improvement in feeling calm
- 23 percent drop in pain severity
- 19 percent boost in energy
- 53 percent drop in anxiety
- 48 percent decrease in depression
- 64 percent drop in feelings of anger
- 39 percent decrease in fatigue

And once you start working as a pet therapy handler, you’ll soon discover that these visits with your Fido strengthen your bond with him, improve obedience skills, and bring a smile to your face and lift in your step. No one can resist the charm of the therapy dog — including the dog’s handler!

So if you have a dog who might make a good therapy dog, check out these tips for getting started in pet therapy. It’s great for the patients you’ll visit, for Fido, and for you! So get connected with your community through pet therapy — it’s totally Fit As Fido!