Study Shows Service Dogs Help Reduce Stress, Aging In Women Veterans
Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a common issue among those who have served in war and fought for our country. Dealing with this mental health issue is not an easy task, and it often takes its toll on veterans.
However, the results of a recent study may be helpful, especially for women veterans. The study discovered that taking part in training service dogs may deliver significant physical and mental health benefits for female military veterans. The research focused on women who have served in the armed forces and are living with PTSD. This group is actually growing in number but is often under-represented in veteran health studies.
Conducted by Florida Atlantic University in collaboration with nursing and medical schools and a veteran-oriented service-dog organization, the eight-week trial randomly assigned female veterans aged roughly 32 to 72 into one of two groups. One group completed weekly one-hour sessions in which they trained service dogs destined for other veterans; the other group watched dog training videos and acted as a comparison group.
Biological stress markers were measured via saliva (to assess telomere length, a marker of cellular aging) and wearable monitors (to detect heart rate variability, an indicator of autonomic nervous system resilience). Psychological outcomes were assessed using standard questionnaires measuring PTSD symptom severity, anxiety, and perceived stress. The study also took into account whether participants had combat experience.
On the biological front, the findings were impressive. Women who engaged in the service dog training program showed an increase in telomere length, suggesting a slowing of cellular aging. In contrast, those in the comparison group who watched videos experienced a decrease in telomere length, indicating accelerated cellular aging. The effect was strongest among those with prior combat exposure.
Heart rate variability results were more mixed: while the training group did show improvements in nervous system regulation, there were complicating factors such as the physical movement involved in training vs. sitting to watch videos that may have affected results.
On the psychological side, both groups reported significant reductions in PTSD symptoms, perceived stress, and anxiety over the eight-week period. However, unlike the biological results, there was no substantial difference between the training group and the control group in these psychological measures. This suggests that the structured engagement of being part of a study and receiving attention may itself provide mental health benefits.
Researchers point out that women veterans may not always obtain the tailored support they need through traditional therapies. The active approach of training service dogs provides both purpose-driven activity and a meaningful connection with animals. The training offers a form of non-pharmacological intervention that appears to support biological and psychological recovery.
Learn More About Veterans Benefits
Veterans often lack access to important benefits. Getting treatment for PTSD and other conditions can help veterans tackle everyday life easier.
A White Plains veterans disability benefits lawyer from The Law Office of Michael Lawrence Varon can help you get the benefits you need and deserve. We know the process is not always easy. To schedule a consultation, call 914-294-2145 or fill out the online form.
Source:
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