Research into the impact of social relationships on childhood and adolescent health and wellbeing has been largely limited to children’s relationships with other humans, while studies into the impact of pet ownership are sparse and have generally not adjusted for potential confounders. This study aimed to investigate the association between pet ownership and a range of developmental outcomes in childhood and adolescence.

It’s not even clear that there’s always a correlation between pets and human health or bliss, let alone a causal link, says Gee. “Many people assume dogs are good for us but they can be bad for us as well ... pets are not a panacea, there are times when they are good for us and times when not so much.”

Gee has been studying the interactions between therapy dogs and humans for more than two decades and leads the Dogs on Call program at VCU, which started in 2001. While more research needs to be done on the specific therapy interventions between athletes and dogs, Gee says recent studies show that a pet makes a difference during high stress activities.

Last week as a part of wellness week at CBS6, our friends from Dogs on Call visited to help our team members destress after a long week.  The Dogs on Call therapy dog program provides complimentary therapy to enhance the wellbeing of patients, staff, and students, through canine-assisted interventions.

“Interacting with animals is scientifically proven to elevate mood,” says Dr. Gee, “along with multiple other health benefits. In adults, animal-human interaction decreases stress, depression, agitation, and even symptoms of PTSD. Objective physiologic indicators include decreased cortisol levels, heart rate, and blood pressure.”