Therapy dogs have become a valuable asset to hospitals in Spain, helping to lift the spirits of patients who are spending extended periods of time in the intensive care unit. Joel Bueno, a 34-year-old patient, was deeply moved when he saw therapy dogs come into his unit. He had been receiving treatment for blood clots and found comfort in the animals that reminded him of his own pets at home.
Maribel Vida, head of animal therapy projects at Affinity Foundation, has overseen this program since its inception. The therapy dogs are part of a program run by Hospital del Mar in Barcelona and the Affinity Foundation aimed at improving the mental health of ICU patients. Patients participate in therapy sessions with the dogs twice a week for 15 to 20 minutes each time.
The use of therapy dogs has shown significant improvements in patients’ well-being, with experts analyzing saliva samples to measure reductions in stress indicators such as cortisol and increases in happiness indicators like oxytocin and serotonin. The presence of these four-legged friends has a positive impact on morale and well-being.
In addition to providing relief to patients, the therapy dogs also bring joy to emergency room staff who find comfort during their shifts. Animal-assisted therapy has a long history of helping people with disabilities or psychological issues provide comfort and companionship in various settings.
Overall, the use of therapy dogs is proving to be an effective tool for improving mental health outcomes for patients while also providing emotional support for healthcare workers.
