Istanbul Airport has therapy dogs to alleviate travelers’ stress
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Istanbul Airport has therapy dogs to alleviate travelers’ stress

therapy dogs

Istanbul Airport has implemented a heartwarming approach by providing therapy dogs to soothe nervous travelers. This unique concept strives to provide passengers with a more comfortable and supportive environment as they prepare for their flights. The program began a month ago. No more being nervous before a long flight. Recognizing the typical apprehension that many people have before being in the air, the airport has taken proactive measures to alleviate these concerns by introducing therapy dogs into its passenger services.

These professionally trained canines offer friendship, affection, and an air of calm to passengers who may be overwhelmed by the crowded airport environment or concerned about their upcoming journey. Whether it’s a brief pat on the head, a nice scratch behind the ear, or merely the presence of these furry pals, Istanbul Airport’s therapy dogs are making an immediate impact on passengers’ emotional well-being.

Their sincere affection and nonjudgmental attitude provide a brief break from the tension and anxiety that are sometimes, connected with flying travel. A traveler, expressed her thanks for the service while petting therapy dog Kuki, stating, “It relaxes me.” I adore animals. It’s very good.” Encouraged by the favorable feedback from travelers, IGA, the airport operator, intends to expand the program, expanding the number of soothing canines from 5 to 10, according to the customer experience manager.

Also Read: Understanding Play Therapy Through the Lens of “Taare Zameen par”

Benefits of having Pets

Pets, especially dogs and cats, can help to relieve tension, depression, and stress, remove loneliness, promote exercise and fun, and even improve cardiovascular health. Caring for a pet can help children become more secure and active. Pets can also give vital companionship to the elderly. Perhaps most importantly, a pet can bring you actual delight and unconditional love.

Many studies have shown that:

Pet owners have a lower risk of depression than non-pet owners. People who own dogs have lower blood pressure during stressful conditions than those who do not. A study found that adopting dogs from shelters helped people who had borderline hypertension lower their blood pressure significantly within five months. Playing with a dog, cat, or other pet can increase serotonin and dopamine levels, which promote relaxation and calmness. Pet owners have lower levels of triglycerides and cholesterol than non-pet owners.

Heart attack victims who have pets have longer lives than those who do not. Pet owners over the age of 65 make 30% fewer doctor visits than those who do not have pets. Having a dog has been linked to a lower risk of cardiovascular disease and a better stress response. You don’t have to spend hours hiking. Playing in the garden or tossing a ball around the park will help you meet your daily fitness objectives while simultaneously keeping your dog happy and healthy.

Also Read: A Journey of Understanding Oneself: Rational Emotive Behaviour Therapy

Exercising with a pet might potentially strengthen your bond. If you have your first puppy, exercise can be coupled with training, and it also helps burn off some of their limitless energy.

References+

Waggle Marketing. (2023, May 16). The advantages of traveling with pets. Waggle. https://mywaggle.com/blogs/pet-travel/the-advantages-of-traveling-with-pets
Desk, I. T. I. (2024, March 12). This airport introduces therapy dogs program to soothe pre-flight jitters! India Today. https://www.indiatoday.in/information/story/this-airport-introduces-therapy-dogs-program-to-soothe-pre-flight-jitters-2513900-2024-03-12
Desk, I. T. I. (2024, March 12). This airport introduces therapy dogs program to soothe pre-flight jitters! India Today. https://www.indiatoday.in/information/story/this-airport-introduces-therapy-dogs-program-to-soothe-pre-flight-jitters-2513900-2024-03-12
Pets and mental health. (n.d.). Mental Health Foundation. https://www.mentalhealth.org.uk/explore-mental-health/a-z-topics/pets-and-mental-health
Robinson, L. (2024, February 5). The Health and Mood-Boosting Benefits of Pets. HelpGuide.org. https://www.helpguide.org/articles/mental-health/mood-boosting-power-of-dogs.htm

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