Considering pet therapy?

Have you noticed that more and more millennials are putting off parenthood in favor of pet ownership? Dogs, in particular, are all the rage. Just check their Facebook pages (and yes, we mean the dogs'!) At the far end of the life spectrum, more and more seniors are also going to the dogs (groan), reaping much-touted health and well-being benefits. But is this for real? What is the rationale behind "pet therapy"?

Gold standard research? Not quite

The word on the street is that pet therapy is a remedy for all that ails you, from cardiac disease to depression, but proof of these kinds of claims is still just trickling in. The gold standard for a truly scientific study requires random selection of participants, "blinding" of groups, and tight control of all other variables. It is hard enough to rigorously apply this standard to the inherently "messy" subjects we humans are. Throw an unruly mob of furry friends into the equation, and an experiment can become a real zoo!

Yet all signs point furward

Having said that, a number of studies do point to measurable benefits from spending time with animals. Just petting a dog is shown to lower heart rate and systolic blood pressure. It may also contribute to other physiological benefits like lower cortisone levels (stress hormones) and raised endorphins, serotonin and ocytocin (calm and happy hormones). Depression, agitation and anxiety all seem to be reduced...and these mental states, as we know, are cars in the train that lead to all manner of physical health problems.

But which factor creates the benefit? Is it the social interaction from being with others who are playing with animals? The responsibility and connectedness that comes of taking care of a pet? The increased movement and exercise encouraged by a frisky puppy? Or is it the psychological elements intrinsic in the pure interaction with the animal? The best answer we have is "YES." The more of any of these, the better.

What does pet therapy programming look like?

We are seeing everything from the pooch as permanent resident to scheduled visits through companies like Petland, college student organizations and therapy dog training centers.

Barb Holliday, Lifestyle 360 Coordinator at The Forum at Knightsbridge, generally prefers these scheduled visits to the community dog approach. "I've seen situations where having a well-trained community dog is very therapeutic. However, there are some challenges for both the dog and some residents, from the dog getting snacks from 100 different people to inconsistent commands, to the fact that some people are allergic or just don't like dogs."

At The Forum, there is no community dog, but independent living residents may have their own pets. They are also invited to frequent visits from Canine Companions and 4Paws, which trains dogs for support roles. Puppies spill into the room and lap up the love while learning socialization skills. In assisted living, healthcare and memory care, residents can choose to participate in similar visits. "Our residents just light up when they see the dogs and are drawn to them," Barb explains.

If for no other reason, memories

The other day, a woman walking her dog ran into a 22-year old man out in the neighborhood chasing after Jigglypuff, or perhaps Pikachu.  She stopped and asked him why young men are so enamored with Pokemon Go, a kids' game. He replied, "I think it's nostalgia. We were carefree, playing with those cards."

If a cute virtual creature can evoke nostalgia, is it any wonder a real warm, furry creature can unearth a treasure trove of fond memories for a senior?