A recent study suggests that interacting with dogs may have a positive impact on the biological ageing process in women. The research, focusing on female veterans, explored the effects of working with service dogs on stress levels and cellular ageing.
Scientists found that the emotional perception of stress may not always align with its impact on the body at a cellular level. They propose that non-pharmacological interventions, such as training service dogs, could help mitigate the physical effects of stress and slow down cellular ageing.
Conducted by a team from Florida Atlantic University (FAU), the study involved female veterans with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Instead of receiving service dogs, these veterans volunteered to train dogs for other veterans.
Published in the journal Behavioral Sciences, the study aimed to assess whether engaging in purposeful activities like service dog training could reduce both biological and psychological stress, particularly among veterans with combat experience.
Women veterans aged 32 to 72 were randomly assigned to either a service dog training program or a group that watched dog training videos. Both groups participated in weekly one-hour sessions over eight weeks.
Biological stress was evaluated through measures like telomere length, a marker of cellular ageing, and heart rate variability. Psychological stress was monitored through questionnaires assessing PTSD symptoms, perceived stress, and anxiety throughout the study.
The results showed promising biological benefits associated with service dog training, especially for veterans with combat experience. Psychological improvements were observed in all participants, irrespective of the intervention, with significant findings related to telomere length.
Participants in the dog-training group exhibited increased telomere length, indicating a slowdown in cellular ageing. In contrast, the control group showed a decrease in telomere length, suggesting accelerated ageing, particularly among those with combat exposure.
Female veterans with combat experience who trained service dogs experienced the most significant increase in telomere length, while those in the control group faced noticeable declines. Both groups reported significant reductions in PTSD symptoms, anxiety, and perceived stress over the study period.
The study findings imply that engaging in structured activities like service dog training may offer therapeutic benefits for female veterans. The study’s lead author, Professor Cheryl Krause-Parello, highlighted the importance of non-traditional approaches, such as animal-related volunteerism, in supporting the health and well-being of female veterans with PTSD.
The research also suggests that skills acquired during service dog training could enhance the bond between veterans and their pets at home, providing additional emotional support. This underscores the potential of service dog training as a non-pharmacological intervention to promote the health and healing of female veterans, offering personalized approaches that cater to both mental and physical well-being.