Dog Therapy Appreciation Day 2023: Date, History, Facts, Activities

Dog Therapy Appreciation Day is observed annually on April 11 to honour the canines who provide us with comfort as therapy dogs. Before receiving certification, therapy dogs must pass a rigorous assessment programme. With their certification, they can visit hospitals and nursing homes to provide solace to patients. Therapy dogs are typically initially pets that undergo training to become therapy canines. On this day, we give thanks to canines for making us happier by their mere presence.

The background of Dog Therapy Appreciation Day

Animal-assisted therapy has been utilised since the time of the ancient Greeks. Throughout history, horses have been used to treat humans. In the 1600s, physicians utilised horses to enhance their patients’ physical and mental health. In the 1800s, Florence Nightingale observed that pets can reduce anxiety and tension levels in adults. Anxiety-afflicted patients began to experience a soothing effect as a result of an influx of informal studies involving animal-human interaction.

Sigmund Freud devised the concept of the Human-Animal Bond after becoming fascinated by the connection between humans and animals. According to his theory, humans require interaction with animals and nature in order to live a normal existence. Freud has a reputation for using his pet to soothe his patients. In the 1940s, the American Red Cross used farm animals to heal injured or ill veterans of World War II. Veterans would care for the farm animals to distract themselves from the horrors of war.

Dr. Boris Levinson discovered in the 1960s that his dog had a positive effect on mentally impaired juvenile patients. Additionally, he observed that patients were more at ease and sociable with their canines than with other people. Some studies indicate that having a companion can help you live a longer, happier life. Dogs can reduce the risk of heart disease, and for those who have already sustained a heart attack, having a dog or a cat reduces the likelihood of a second one.

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DOG THERAPY APPRECIATION DAY ACTIVITIES

Pet a canine

Celebrate this occasion by petting and loving a canine. Not only does petting a canine make us happier and healthier, but it also makes the dog feel loved.

Adopt a companion

If you are able and willing, there is no greater way to celebrate this day than by adopting a pet. Bring a new furry friend into your household to make it happier.

Respect therapy canines

Appreciate the hard labour of therapy dogs. Provide them with the gifts they deserve.

5 OUTRAGEOUS FACTS ABOUT THERAPY DOGS

In 1976, Elaine Smith was the first person to establish a therapy dog programme.

Approximately 81.8% of children with autistic symptoms prefer to play with dogs, and they are able to access typical human emotions while doing so.

It depends on the animal’s temperament and how well it adapts to the training as to whether or not strays and canines from shelters can be trained as therapy dogs.

Children with cognitive disabilities are paired with dogs and read in front of them, creating a judgement-free zone.

74% of pet owners believe that their animal companions have improved their mental health.

DOG THERAPY APPRECIATION DAY DATES

Year	Date	Day
2023	April 11	Tuesday
2024	April 11	Thursday
2025	April 11	Friday
2026	April 11	Saturday
2027	April 11	Sunday