Therapy Dogs Help Returning Troops Deal With Post Traumatic Stress

In recent years, U.S. troops have returned home after being immersed in a hostile environment, whether it was Afghanistan or Iraq. Post-traumatic stress disorder can be common for soldiers, but dogs might be able to help ease its effects.

Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a mental health condition that's triggered by a terrifying event - either one experienced or witnessed, according to the Mayo Clinic. Recalling such stressful moments can cause these veterans to experience severe anxiety, bouts of anger, and nightmares, among other issues.

The mental ailment is difficult to contain because of its lasting effects, but animal therapy is a slowly evolving form of treatment that many believe can help these suffering veterans. According to 82nd Airborne psychiatrist, Major Christine Rumayor, the dogs are considered, "a partner, a conversation starter and a living, breathing medical tool that can calm a patient and make a therapy appointment a little more enjoyable," she expresses in this Washington Post article.

Such treatment is relatively new for those in the military. Therapy dogs have been used for a long time, typically visiting hospitals, nursing homes, and classrooms to help improve human health in troubled and sick individuals. Two well-known organizations include the ASPCA's Animal Assisted Therapy Programs as well as Therapy Dogs, Inc.

The therapy worked for Staff Sgt. Dennis Swols, who suffers from PTSD after three deployments to Iraq and three to Afghanistan. He has a difficult time speaking about his experiences on the battlefield, and his inability to do so results in bouts of anger and severe anxiety. But a 5-year-old German shepherd named Lexy helps Swols take his mind off things.

"Having her here, I just pet Lexy," he said in this Fox News article. "Or I'm just sitting here and we won't talk about deployments, we'll just (talk) about the dog. ... My day is better every time I come in."

Hopefully more veterans who suffer from PTSD and other mental disorders will be granted this treatment if it proves to be effective with others. It's important to treat PTSD properly because it can affect important interpersonal relationships as well as one's ability to be a good parent.