Effects of canine-assisted intervention on stress and depression in humans.

Abstract

The demand for mental health support systems has been increasing because of the rising prevalence of mental health issues globally. These challenges related to mental health have been addressed through animal-assisted intervention. This approach has gained recognition as an effective method that enhances emotional stability and fosters social bonds. Canine-assisted intervention, a subset of animal-assisted intervention that involves dogs, is recognized for its effectiveness in managing stress and depression in humans. Despite the development of various canine-assisted intervention programs, there is insufficient scientific data evaluating the efficacy of each program. Customized programs that target individuals' symptoms and needs are necessary to effectively manage stress and depression. As such, generalizing the effects of canine-assisted intervention across diverse situations continues to be a challenge. This review aims to identify the most effective canine-assisted intervention programs for various target groups and suggest strategies that maximize the effects of canine-assisted intervention programs by consolidating various biometric indicators and physiological evaluation tools and by analyzing the effects of canine-assisted intervention through multiple approaches. It examines current studies demonstrating how interactions with therapy dogs lead to remarkable psychological and physiological changes, including measurable reductions in stress indicators (such as cortisol levels and heart rates) and notable improvements in overall mood and emotional well-being. Furthermore, this paper evaluates the effectiveness of canine-assisted intervention in various settings, highlighting its potential as a therapeutic intervention and preventive measure in mental health care. Based on previous findings, this review provides a comprehensive overview of the role of canine-assisted intervention in enhancing human mental health and its potential for broader implementation across diverse environments.