Excellent therapist in canine form

Dog-assisted therapy sessions could significantly increase the well-being of patients, according to a study. Photo: AFP Relaxnews

Much ink has already been spilled on the fact that dogs can cheer us up. But most of the research on the subject has been carried out with women, which raises questions about the value of cynotherapy (dog-assisted therapy) across genders. A recent Canadian study proves that canines are valuable allies for everyone.

A research team affiliated with the University of British Columbia Okanagan, in Canada, wanted to evaluate the therapeutic benefits of human interaction with dogs by conducting an experiment with 163 students. This group of volunteers was 49% female, 33% male and 17% non-binary or with another gender identity. All study participants took part in 20-minute canine intervention therapy sessions in groups of three or four, before completing a questionnaire assessing their general well-being.