If you’ve been to the Denver International Airport (DIA) lately, you may have noticed therapy dogs hanging out near your terminal. Traveling can be a jittery experience, and airlines are working to curb that issue by providing flyers with friendly therapy dogs before takeoff. Airport therapy dogs are a relatively new and booming trend to help passengers relax and unwind before their flight.
At DIA, the Canine Airport Therapy Squad (CATS) program offers a different means for travelers to relieve stress in a unique way. According to the DIA website, the CATS program gives passengers an opportunity to interact with therapy dogs during their journey through the airport. You can hug the dogs, pet them, and even take pictures with them. There are many benefits to airport therapy dogs, including:
Dogs Help Create A Positive Hormonal Response
Did you know that playing or petting a dog can increase levels of the happiness hormone known as oxytocin? According to a University of Missouri-Columbia study, interacting and petting animals creates a hormonal response in humans that can help to fight signs of depression. When you pet a four-legged friend, you can actively decrease the levels of cortisol in the body, which is responsible for feelings of stress.
One of the best benefits of petting a therapy dog is that you can increase the levels of endorphins in your body. This is a natural substance which works by manipulating our perceptions of pain, stress, or anxiety.
Petting A Canine Can Lower Blood Pressure
If you suffer from high blood pressure, you’ll love this benefit. High blood pressure levels are usually associated with things like a rapid heart rate, anxiety, and stress. Studies have found that animal-assisted therapy is an easy and effective way to reduce feelings of stress in travelers. If you have a layover at the airport, taking a few minutes to pet a therapy dog can reduce your stress levels dramatically.
Anxiety Relief For Travelers
Traveling can be extremely stressful, especially if you suffer from anxiety, Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) and Oppositional Defiant Disorder (ODD). When we pet or love on a canine, it helps us to feel more comfortable and puts us at ease. This is great news for anxious travelers!
ParkDIA: Convenient Parking Spaces Near DIA
If you plan on flying out of the Denver International Airport, reserve your parking space with ParkDIA today. We offer secure and inexpensive parking spaces near DIA, and when you download our mobile app on your smartphone, you can track shuttles, check in, and make your reservation with ease.
