Hospital Therapy Dogs
Comfort, Distraction, and Motivation
Hospital Therapy Dogs
A hospital stay can be a stressful and overwhelming experience, but a visit from a Therapy Dogs Nationwide (TDN) dog can make all the difference.
Bringing Comfort in Difficult Times
A hospital stay can be a stressful and overwhelming experience, but a visit from a Therapy Dogs Nationwide (TDN) dog can make all the difference. Our specially assessed therapy dogs provide a welcome distraction, easing anxiety before procedures and offering a comforting reminder of much-loved pets at home. Whether in children’s wards, elderly care, or intensive care units, these visits bring smiles, reduce stress, and create moments of joy.
Promoting Recovery Through Connection
Therapy dogs play a vital role in rehabilitation, encouraging patients to engage in movements they might otherwise struggle with. Studies have shown that people will often make more effort to interact with a dog than with a toy or another person—whether it’s a small glance, a hand slowly unfurling to touch soft fur, or a gentle reach towards a wagging tail. In brain injury units, stroke rehabilitation, burns care, and beyond, therapy dogs help patients regain motor skills, stimulate cognitive function, and boost overall wellbeing.
Making a Difference Nationwide
Across hospital wards nationwide, staff, patients, and families see the positive impact of therapy dog visits every day. If you’d like to introduce a TDN therapy dog to your hospital, get in touch to learn more about our visiting programme.
Sources
Therapy Dogs at Hospitals: This article discusses how therapy dogs provide emotional connections that help patients cope with medical situations, reduce anxiety, and lower blood pressure. therapydogs.com
Understanding the Role of Therapy Dogs in Human Health Promotion: This study highlights outcomes such as improved mood, decreased symptoms of depression and anxiety, and enhanced socialisation resulting from therapy dog programs. PMC
Therapy dogs may unlock health benefits for patients in hospital ICUs: Researchers suggest that therapy dogs can help patients achieve health goals and stay motivated during ICU stays. The Hub
Animal Therapy Has Benefits for Patients—and Healthcare Staff: This article notes that therapy dogs provide calming and comfort, lower stress, offer happiness and hopefulness, and serve as good distractions for patients and staff. Oncology Nursing Society
What do Therapy Dogs do: According to a 2020 study, therapy dogs used in hospitals can improve patient well-being and decrease anxiety, loneliness, and depression. Hospitals in OK