We love pets at our hospital

22 Apr 2016

22 April 2016

This is why we at St John of God Frankston Rehabilitation Hospital welcome Delta Therapy Dogs into our hospital every weekend. We provide a Pet Visiting area for our patients, however, some patients are either unable to have their pet visit, or they do not have one. So the service Delta provide for our patients is invaluable.

Proven health benefits

Research has shown that pets provide owners with both psychological and physiological benefits and the majority are healthier than those without pets.

Compared with non-pet owners, pet owners:

• Typically visit the doctor less often and use less medication
• On average have lower cholesterol and lower blood pressure
• Recover more quickly from illness and surgery
• Deal better with stressful situations
• Show lower levels of risk factors associated with heart disease

Scientifically proven benefits of Delta Dog Therapy

• Physical – interaction with a furry friend reduces blood pressure, provides tactile stimulation, assists with pain management, gives motivation to move, walk and stimulates the senses
• Social – a visit with a dog provides a positive mutual topic for discussion, promotes greater self-esteem and well-being, and focused interaction with others
• Cognitive – Canine companionship stimulates memory, problem solving and game playing
• Emotional – an adorable four-legged visitor improves self-esteem, acceptance from others, calming effect, lifts mood often provoking laughter
• Environmental – a dog in a facility decreases the feeling of a sterile environment, lifts mood and this continues after visits

General information on Delta Therapy Dogs

Delta Therapy Dogs visit hundreds of facilities in communities all around Australia. They bring love, a friendly wet nose and a wagging tail and real physical and emotional health benefits to children and adults in hospitals, disability services, mental health units, schools and aged care facilities.

Their program is the largest of its kind in Australia with over 1000+ volunteers and their special dogs making regular visits to health care facilities to offer the wonderful benefits of pet therapy. To spend time with patients and offer a chat, a floppy ear to listen and a paw to shake.

There are currently over 850 facilities involved nationally ranging from aged care through to acute care hospitals for children and adults as well mental health, prisons and dementia specific facilities.

Delta Therapy Dogs at St John of God Frankston Rehabilitation Hospital
• Kim and her 11 year old Kelpie cross, Sam have been a Delta therapy dog for 4 years
• Andre and her 8 year old German Shepherd, Banjo, began as a Delta therapy dog this year. St John of God Frankston was his first placement and they love come to our hospital!

Delta need your support so they can continue to develop this wonderful community-strengthening program and train more Volunteer Delta Therapy teams to help meet the growing demand for pet therapy. If you would like to make a donation please visit their website.  

(Data courtesy of the Australian Companion Animal Council)