Dr. Ann Hohenhaus interviews Dr. Maggie O'Haire, a noted researcher in the field of human-animal interactions. Dr. O'Haire's work is paving the way for understanding how service dogs can make a tremendous difference in the lives of veterans suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder. Tune in as they discuss:
- How the Organization for Human-Animal Interaction Research and Education was named
- Dr. O'Haire's inspiration to study human-animal interactions
- The ways Dr. O'Haire persisted in studying a relatively new field with few opportunities
- The difference between service dogs, emotional support dogs, and therapy dogs
- What is cortisol and how does it relate to post-traumatic stress disorder?
- How having a service dog impacted veterans' stress physiology in Dr. O'Haire's study
- How Dr. O'Haire hopes her work will improve health care for veterans
- The pros and cons of a national certification or registration body for service animals
- Dr. O'Haire's next project
- In addition to veterans, who can service dogs help?
Also on this month's show:
- Viral trending animal story about Albert, the "gentle giant" 750 pound alligator seized from a home in New York state
- Animal news, including new research showing that 25% of Labrador Retrievers carry a genetic mutation that predisposes them to obesity
- Pet Health Listener Q&A
Do you have a pet question for Dr. Hohenhaus? Email [email protected] to have your question answered on Ask the Vet's Listener Q&A.
Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, and Twitter!
