Researchers at Washington State University examined the physiological effects pets have on college students. They surveyed 246 college students who spent time with dogs or cats, either petting them or in the general common area as they waited to pet the animals. The results indicated that college students experienced reduced cortisol levels after being around and petting the animals. Cortisol is an essential hormone that affects almost every organ and tissue in your body. It plays many vital roles, including:
- Regulating your body’s stress response.
- Helping control your body’s use of fats, proteins, carbohydrates, or metabolism.
- Suppressing inflammation.
- Regulating blood pressure.
- Regulating blood sugar.
- Helping control your sleep-wake cycle.
Our Albizu students had the opportunity to experience canine therapy at our “Canine Destress Event,” sponsored by the Department of Student Affairs this week as we begin midterms week.
A special thank you to Nadia Swiecicki, one of our PsyD students and current work study in the Department of Students Services, for coordinating therapy dogs from Paws to Destress yesterday. Our volunteers were Rick Brown with Shadow (the German Shepard) and Nicole Roma with Hank (the small doodle mix) from Canine Assisted Therapy. Students were able to come in and destress with our furry friends. We appreciated the opportunity to destress and socialize with Hank, Shadow, Rick, and Nicole.
Join our Albizu Wellness Community for information on upcoming events at https://app.smartsheet.com/b/form/d033931972be4db5a00f0af85524e9e1
