Animal-Assisted Therapy That Works Wonders For Patients

When you say the word ‘pet’, it immediately evokes a set of happy emotions in people. Animal lovers are the most joyous around their furry friends and love to pamper them. Australians own more than 24 million pets, and dogs top the popularity charts with their endearing faces, loving nuzzles and adorable antics. Well, who doesn’t love fondling a dog or playing ball with them? Canines have been a man’s best friend for the longest time. These furballs are the best stress relievers, and their warm cuddles can turn a bad day into a love-filled evening instantly. They are believed to have a therapeutic effect on humans, and this has been backed by research as well. According to Harvard Health, dog owners are at a lower risk of cardiovascular diseases. Another study revealed that animal-assisted therapy was responsible for boosting cardiopulmonary pressures, neurohormone levels, and anxiety in patients who were hospitalised with heart failure. This is the reason why dogs are predominantly used in therapy to provide comfort and affection to anxious and nervous patients before surgery and even post-surgery to recover at a faster pace. Therapy dogs or animals are extensively used in hospitals, nursing homes, rehabilitation houses and schools to assist people who are recuperating. In some cases, they have become the much-loved companions of cancer patients and people suffering from dementia and Alzheimer’s. There is no doubt that the bond shared by dogs and humans is unparalleled as animals are non-judgmental, tolerant and accepting. They eliminate the fear and tension clouding our minds. Dogs have proved beneficial in curing the feeling of isolation among senior citizens and lonely people. Some of the therapy dogs have become permanent members of nursing homes and hospitals, while others are visitation animals who are trained household pets. Here at Tamborine Mountain Dental, we love to help people. It’s for this reason we have our trained therapy dog, Rani, to help nervous patients and children while waiting for their dental appointment. Rani is almost 2 years old, very relaxed and loves her job and tummy tickles. Rani is Dr Sandeep Gupta's, Tooth Specialist at Tamborine Mountain Dental, family dog. She is a Golden Retriever crossed with a Labradoodle.  ​She has undergone intensive training in order to become a therapy dog.   Rani has played a significant role in making the trip to the dentist less stressful for patients, especially children. Therapy dogs in a dental clinic offer the best calming effect on nervous patients who are unsure about the treatment and are scared of the discomfort or pain. They sit in the patient’s lap while they wait anxiously for their turn or wag their tails to distract them from feeling nervous. They bring a smile on every child’s face who wants to snuggle the dog. The gentle touch and friendly attention make the patients forget all about the pain, and they attain a new level of peace and relaxation. Their presence makes all the people in the waiting room feel more comfortable and at ease. Many kids look forward to visiting the dentist after they become pals with the four-legged guest at the clinic. It is quite reassuring for the parents who have to struggle to bring their kids to the dentist and go through their crying spree before entering the facility. Like any other therapy dog, Rani has worked her magic on our patients and has become the cynosure of all eyes. ​ Her popularity can be gauged from the fact that a few of our patients have commented that they would love her to be able to come into the surgery. While this is now accepted in America, and some hospitals for the calming benefits to patients, The Australian Dental Association at this time, has said that Rani will be only allowed in the waiting room. We hope that eventually the permission would be granted in Australia as well. We’d love our patient’s feedback on this topic. Do let us know what you think about the presence of therapy dogs in dental clinics and how the experience helped you. We will be eagerly waiting for your stories!