Therapy Dogs in Maryland

It’s often been said that dogs are “man’s best friend.” Considering how hard it is to imagine a time when a person would need a friend more than when dealing with an advanced or terminal illness, it’s no surprise that therapy dogs have been found to be so beneficial for patients in palliative and hospice care.

That’s why Capital Caring Health is happy to offer our therapy dogs in Maryland to those in our care, as well as to their loved ones. Whether providing unconditional love to patients battling depression, solace to grieving family members, or even just a much-needed distraction from everyday worries, therapy dogs can heal parts of people even the best medicines can barely touch: their hearts and minds.

How Therapy Dogs Help Our Patients

They Comfort the Lonely

For patients who are confined to their homes, loneliness is a common issue. Even the most dedicated caregiver or medical professional can’t be there all the time. Our therapy dogs in Maryland may not be great conversationalists, they still provide comfort and companionship to those who need it. A visit from a therapy dog is often just the thing to dispel a patient’s boredom and improve their mood. As anyone with a pet of their known knows, an animal’s head on one’s lap is like a soothing balm.

Playtime Raises Spirits

When struggling with an advanced or terminal medical condition, fun and laughter become precious commodities. They’re also far too rare. While it’s easy for people to let their illnesses get them down, our therapy dogs in Maryland never let that get in the way. Simply put, they’re always ready to play. Whether it’s something as simple as rolling a ball back and forth or having them sit, roll over, and shake hands, playtime is a great way of distracting a patient from their current stresses.

They Keep Patients Active

Something many hospice and palliative care patients have difficulty with is making time to get fresh air and keep active. Even small amounts of exercise have shown to be beneficial for general health, but for patients who are in a condition that allows for it, finding the right motivation can still be tricky.  Our therapy dogs in Maryland provide that motivation, transforming even a short walk to the corner and back from a tedious chore into something well worth looking forward to.

Capital Caring Health Offers Therapy Dogs in Maryland

Capital Caring Health is committed to helping improve the quality of life for patients dealing with advanced and terminal illnesses. That’s why we offer a wide range of hospice and palliative care services, including therapy dogs, grief support, at-home care, and volunteer assistance.

If you or someone you love could benefit from our therapy dogs in Largo or Montgomery County, Maryland, or any of our other services, call Capital Caring Health today at 800-869-2136 or contact us using our online form. Your health and comfort are our top priorities!