The Impact of Assistance Dogs on Mental Health

Research has consistently shown that assistance dogs can significantly improve the lives of Veterans with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and other mental health conditions. Studies have found that:

• Over 90% of veterans reported improvements in their post-traumatic stress, depression and anxiety 12 months after being matched with an assistance dog.
• Veterans partnered with assistance dogs experienced significantly lower self-reported and clinician-rated PTSD symptom severity, lower anxiety and depression, and fewer feelings of isolation.

The Science Behind the Bond

The extraordinary connection between Veterans and their assistance dogs isn't just anecdotal—it's rooted in compelling neurobiological evidence.

When a Veteran interacts with their canine partner, a fascinating cascade of biochemical reactions occurs in the brain. Research has shown a marked increase in oxytocin, often dubbed the 'love hormone', which fosters feelings of trust and bonding.

Simultaneously, levels of dopamine and endorphins surge, creating a natural high that boosts mood and overall well-being. These neurochemical changes aren't fleeting; they have lasting positive impacts on mental health. Moreover, groundbreaking studies have revealed that Veterans partnered with assistance dogs exhibit healthier cortisol patterns—a key indicator of stress regulation.

This hormonal balancing act contributes to improved resilience and emotional stability, offering a biological explanation for the profound impact these partnerships have on Veterans' lives. The PALS (Partner Animal Life Skills) programme at Veterans With Dogs harnesses this neurobiological synergy, creating partnerships that are not just emotionally supportive, but physiologically transformative.

How Assistance Dogs Help

Our assistance dogs are trained to perform a variety of tasks that support Veterans' mental health:

• Alerting to and interrupting dissociation - reality affirmation for the ‘here-and-now'
• Medication reminders - retrieving medication or other necessary items
• Grounding a person during panic attacks
• Waking from nightmares and switching the lights on from disturbed sleep
• Getting someone up and out of bed
• Reducing anxiety through ‘touch’ tasks
• Leading someone to a safe place
• Helping people to reduce hyper-vigilance through focus-work
• The use of ‘safe’ commands

Beyond these specific tasks, the constant companionship and emotional support provided by assistance dogs play a crucial role in improving Veterans' quality of life.

Ongoing Research

At Veterans With Dogs, we are committed to advancing the understanding of how assistance dogs can support veterans with PTSD and other invisible injuries. We collaborate with UK universities to conduct rigorous research, aiming to:

• Study the efficacy of assistance dogs for mental health disorders - exploring the potential of dogs in supporting various mental health conditions
• Study the human-animal relationship to better understand the complex and unique relationships between Veterans and their dogs
• Assess the long-term impact of assistance dog partnerships

By investing in evidence-based research, we continue to improve our programmes and provide the best possible support for Veterans in need.