Episode 12 – The Human-Animal Bond and Service Animals: What Veterinarians Should Know with Dr. Maggie O’Haire

We know animals are good for us. Animal interaction, for example, releases powerful hormones that lower blood pressure and induce relaxation, among other benefits.

When it comes to understanding the human-animal bond, Dr. Maggie O’Haire, Associate Dean for Research and Professor at the University of Arizona College of Veterinary Medicine, is an internationally recognized scholar in the field. Her research has appeared in peer-reviewed journals and has been highlighted in more than 1,000 media stories globally.

This episode dives into the latest research on the emerging role of the human-animal bond on the well-being of veterans, children with autism, and hospital staff. Dr. O’Haire describes how:

• Service animals can complement traditional PTSD therapy for veterans by reducing PTSD symptoms and panic attacks and normalizing stress-hormone levels
• Children with autism demonstrated more social behaviors and less “anxious activation” when paired with service animals
• Hospital staff who were experiencing stress and burnout reported greater feelings of accomplishment at work and less desire to switch jobs with a facility-dog program
• Dr. O’Haire also touches on the important work Covetrus® is supporting so that service dogs get the preventive care they need to live long, healthy lives.

Find out more about Dr. O’Haire:

https://vetmed.arizona.edu/person/maggie-ohaire-phd