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Study Demonstrates Physiological Benefits of Service Dogs

Study Demonstrates Physiological Benefits of Service Dogs

admin No Comments June 20, 2018
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Service dogs have long provided practical services, like assistance opening doors and navigating city streets. For many years it has been recognized that these dogs can improve the quality of life for those suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder.

Now it looks like science has come up with another benefit for vets with a service dog—better physical health. According to a new report, vets with dogs show fewer signs of physiological damage due to the harmful effects of stress.

A study published in Psychoneuroendocrinology monitored the effects of cortisol in the bodies of vets dealing with PTSD, studying those using and not using service dogs. Researchers measured the vets’ “cortisol awakening response,” a scientific way of tracking both acute and ongoing stress.

Vets with a service dog with them, in their home, showed better cortisol results than those who were still on a waitlist for a dog. In physiological terms, vets with dogs showed less anger, experienced fewer episodes of anxiety, and enjoyed deeper sleep. Their results matched those of adults without PTSD.

The scientists point out that their study hasn’t proved a direct connection between levels of cortisol and PTSD in individual vets. And it doesn’t mean that service dogs cure PTSD.

But it is good news. Those in the military suffering from PTSD have long said a service dog improves the quality of their life. More and more studies are coming up with scientific evidence behind this anecdotal evidence.

The Veterans Administration insists on scientific proof before throwing full support to providing service dogs to vets with PTSD. This study is adding another building block to the rigorous evidence the VA demands. A further study is underway, conducted by the National Institutes of Health. This is a clinical trial of vets, with and without dogs, that will extend for a long period of time.

As the scientific proof increases, it is likely that more service dogs will be available for vets. On a personal level, it is excellent news for individual veterans. PTSD can be debilitating. Trying to live a normal life while struggling with PTSD symptoms is a 24-hour-a-day challenge. Living with more sleep, less anxiety and fewer bouts of anger could be life-changing for vets with PTSD.

Supporting Service Dogs

USA Service Dog Registration supports service dogs for vets. We know how important they are for physical tasks and for psychological comfort. We’re not surprised that science is proving they also reduce the harmful effects of stress on the body.

We’re here to make your life and that of your service dog easier. It starts with a simple registration process, just 3 quick and easy steps. And it’s free!

We also have a wide range of information and resources on our website. Check out our articles and links about:

USA Service Dog Registration also has an online store with a full line of products to help your dog do his job. We stock ID patches, ID cards and ID tags, dog vests, leashes, and collars.

Stop by USA Service Dog Registration today to register your dog, find answers to your questions, and buy quality products to make his job easier.

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SERVICE DOG ID CARD USA Service Animal Registration Your Service Dog ID card will include our convenient QR Code for a quick scan link to our registry lookup. By simply entering your dog\'s registration number your official registered profile will be accessible for quick verification in the event the validity of your service dog is ever questioned. 2054
$29.99
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5 12634
- by , March 25, 2011
1/ 1stars
Horrible. My letter wasn't accepted and I am forced to live somewhere else now. Never again.
Great experience - by , March 25, 2011
5/ 5stars
Overall easy to purchase and register.
One more step - by , March 25, 2011
5/ 5stars
I will be satisfied when I get a fax number to send my apartment complex paperwork to be filled out
Did not receive order - by , March 25, 2011
1/ 1stars
I made a purchase on 3/9/2023 and it is now 3/23/2023 and I have yet to receive my package in the mail. I also can not get ahold of anyone at the company to check on my order.
Very thin - by , March 25, 2011
3/ 3stars
The vest is thin, not sure how long it will hold up. Love the cards tho they are nice and help show registration
Housing Letter - by , March 25, 2011
3/ 3stars
Well, they did email my letter, although my understanding was to also send a hardcopy in the mail. I never received this. I paid serious money, with a budget of disability so no choice but to send this disgruntled review
Dog tags - by , March 25, 2011
5/ 5stars
Great I love how fast you receive service
- by , March 25, 2011
5/ 5stars
I did not see a place to unload my photo
Great Customer Service - by , March 25, 2011
5/ 5stars
Excellent and gentle people. Caring and Loving Staff
amazing great nice perfect - by , March 25, 2011
5/ 5stars
Perfect service awesome experience
Teronica - by , March 25, 2011
5/ 5stars
It was nothing less than amazing. Very sweet therapist , very kind & understanding
Excellent Service - by , March 25, 2011
5/ 5stars
You were very helpful as I worked on the registration and determined what to order. Thank you very much to Carolyn and Lori for their email and phone assistance.
Great experiences - by , March 25, 2011
5/ 5stars
The vest is very lightweight and fits my dog perfectly. Thank you for helping in this process
Exceptional Service - by , March 25, 2011
5/ 5stars
Great, thorough
Great Customer Service - by , March 25, 2011
5/ 5stars
Great customer service. expedient process, easy to access resources
USA Service Dog Registration - by , March 25, 2011
5/ 5stars
USA SDR ia a wonderful company. They're quick to respond and make purchases easy, quick . The instructions and explanation are to the letter. This is the third time I have used them. If in the future I need a new dog registered I will only use them.
Easy to complete - by , March 25, 2011
5/ 5stars
Great ! This site made it so easy to complete
UsA Service Dog Registration - by , March 25, 2011
5/ 5stars
What a great experience. Everything was straight forward and easy to use. Got my card within 3 days of ordering
Order Correction - by , March 25, 2011
5/ 5stars
I made a mistake and ordered the Deluxe ESA package and included the letter I didn't need. With a Very quickly returned - Super friendly, helpful and Honest phone call, the matter was resolved and my order was edited and will be out to me ASAP. Please thank her for me on behalf of me and my partner Blue! The speed of everything was great, but the Kindness of my agent- I can't remember her name! - was Unreal.
- by , March 25, 2011
1/ 1stars
Good have not. Received card yet