Furry Friends in the ICU: Hospital Therapy Dogs Provide Comfort and Companionship for Patients on Long Stays

In a bid to improve the mental health of patients in the intensive care unit, hospitals in Spain have introduced therapy dogs to provide comfort and companionship to those on long stays. One such patient who has benefited from the program is Joel Bueno, who found solace in the presence of therapy dogs Vida and Lu during his recovery.

The program is a trial run by Hospital del Mar in Barcelona and the Affinity Foundation, who believe that therapy animals can help patients cope with their physical and emotional challenges. Patients undergo therapy sessions with the dogs twice a week for 15 to 20 minutes each time, providing them with a sense of comfort and companionship that can be difficult to find during long hospital stays.

Research shows that these therapy sessions have significant improvements on patients’ mental health. Experts analyze saliva samples to measure stress indicators like cortisol and happiness hormones like oxytocin and serotonin, which are released when people interact with animals. The presence of therapy dogs has not only benefited patients but also emergency room staff who enjoy having the dogs around during work.

Maribel Vida, Affinity’s head of animal therapy projects, notes the positive impact of these furry companions on both patients and staff alike. Therapy dogs provide comfort, companionship, and a sense of joy to those in the ICU. The success of programs like this one highlights the benefits that animals can bring to people in need. This innovative approach provides hope for those recovering from serious illnesses or injuries, helping them cope with their physical and emotional pain during long hospital stays.