We all know it is an important event when doctors and health practitioners gather to discuss the latest developments in the world of healthcare, medicines and, more importantly, mental wellness.

But what happens in a gathering of “doctors” who can only heal by their being present with their patients? How do they discuss what their presence is able to do?

This was a topic of discussion at the International Pet Summit held at the SMX in Pasay last 25 July.

The topic was “the healing power of pets” and what an interesting day it was.

Many studies worldwide have proven the benefits of animal-assisted therapy — that wellness can be the result of owning a pet or even just being in the company of pets for any period of time.

Studies have shown that the presence of a pet or pets may:

Lower blood pressure — In a landmark study by Allen, Blascovich and Mendez in 2002 entitled “Cardiovascular reactivity and the presence of pets, friends and spouses,” people interacting with or accompanied by their own pets exhibited lower blood pressure and heart rate, particularly during stressful tasks. In some studies, pets were more effective stress buffers than spouses or friends.

Reduce stress hormone (cortisol) – Human-dog interactions consistently reduce cortisol, the body’s primary stress hormone, while promoting relaxation. A systematic review of 129 studies found decreases in cortisol alongside improved physiological indicators of stress.

Strengthen cardiovascular health – Observational studies have linked pet ownership with lower cardiovascular risk, more stable blood pressure and better long-term heart health.

Possible survival benefits after heart attack or stroke – Large observational studies summarized by the American Heart Association found that dog ownership was associated with lower all-cause mortality and better survival after heart attack or stroke.

Reduce pain perception – Multiple hospital studies show that patients report less pain, anxiety and emotional distress following therapy dog visits.

Doctor dogs and the power of healing

In the Philippines, it was the Philippine Animal Welfare Society (PAWS) that started in 1997 a Dr. Dog program and continues to grow it by continued tests and searches for dogs that can be part of the program.

The proof positive of the Dr. Dogs Program comes not only from research findings, but also from a Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) research that have been consistent with PAWS’ own observations during visits to institutions like the Philippine Children’s Medical Center cancer ward where one of the doctors said that there was less crying from children scheduled for chemotherapy sessions on the days that the Dr. Dogs were visiting,” said Atty. Anna Cabrera, executive director of PAWS.

“Studies by the DSWD last year showed 99.04 percent positive evidence of effectiveness of the Dr. Dog intervention in promoting emotional recovery among girls who were victims of abuse. The animal-assisted therapy augmented the psychological therapies already being conducted by medical professionals within the DSWD sanctuaries. The program has been expanded this year to the Cebu and Davao branches of the DSWD and with successful recruitments of therapy dogs or ‘Angel Pets’ in these areas.”

It was evident that the presence of the Dr. Dogs affected the crowd when Cabrera presented four of the aspin (asong Pinoy) doctor dogs who accompanied them.

Of the four, namely, Dr. Cotton, Dr. Marshall, Dr. Sam and Dr. Blake, it was Dr. Sam who became an audience favorite because of his ability to skateboard. But there was much applause for Dr. Blake, a three-legged dog adopted from the Mandaluyong Animal Pound.

Temperament testing consists of a bit of rough handling from the “testers” or PAWS representatives who want to see just how much stress the animal can handle. Any indication of a growl or an attempt to bite will, of course, eliminate the prospective Dr. Dog applicant.

#dontshopadopt

Aside from showcasing the Dr. Dogs, PAWS’ also made an appeal to the Pet Summit attendees to adopt animals instead of buying them.

It was with sadness that Cabrera noted that there are pets still being sold at the Pet Summit — geckos, snakes, turtles, birds and even a Philippine civet cat.

“We are making an appeal to the organizers to not have these exotic pet sellers at the next Pet Summit,” she shared. “It is really disheartening for animal welfare advocates to see that they are struggling to increase awareness for pet adoptions while the highly unregulated pet breeding industries, including those selling wild animals, still get to promote themselves at these Pet Summits.”