39. How Service Dogs are Helping Veterans with PTSD with Dr. Maggie O'Haire

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 namedDr. O'Haire's inspiration to study human-animal interactionsThe ways Dr. O'Haire persisted in studying a relatively new field with few opportunitiesThe difference between service dogs, emotional support dogs, and therapy dogsWhat 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 studyHow Dr. O'Haire hopes her work will improve health care for veteransThe pros and cons of a national certification or registration body for service animalsDr. O'Haire's next projectIn 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 stateAnimal news, including new research showing that 25% of Labrador Retrievers carry a genetic mutation that predisposes them to obesityPet 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!