Study Shows Service Dogs Can Slow Biological Ageing in Women

Research from Florida Atlantic University indicates that owning or training service dogs may have a significant impact on biological ageing in women, particularly among female veterans. The study, published in the journal Behavioural Sciences, is one of the first to explore how working with service dogs affects both stress levels and biological markers of ageing.

The study focused on female veterans who have served in the US military and were diagnosed with Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). Rather than receiving service dogs, these veterans volunteered to train dogs for other veterans, an approach aimed at assessing whether this purposeful activity could alleviate both biological and psychological stress.

Study Methodology and Key Findings

Participants, aged between 32 and 72, were randomly divided into two groups: one that engaged in a service dog training programme and another that watched training videos. Both groups participated in one-hour sessions weekly for a duration of eight weeks. Researchers measured biological stress through telomere length—an indicator of cellular ageing—using saliva samples, alongside monitoring heart rate variability (HRV), which reflects nervous system balance.

The results revealed “promising” biological benefits for those involved in the dog training programme. Notably, veterans who participated showed an increase in telomere length, suggesting a potential slowing of cellular ageing. In contrast, the control group experienced a decrease in telomere length, indicating accelerated ageing. The study also found that combat experience played a significant role; veterans with combat exposure who trained service dogs had the most substantial increase in telomere length.

Both groups reported significant reductions in PTSD symptoms, anxiety, and perceived stress over the study period. The mental health improvements were consistent across both groups, suggesting that the structure and engagement provided therapeutic value, irrespective of the specific intervention.

Implications for Veterans’ Mental Health

Professor Cheryl Krause-Parello, the study’s first author and associate vice president for research at FAU, highlighted the unique challenges female veterans face during reintegration. Traditional PTSD treatments often fall short in addressing their specific needs. She emphasized that non-traditional approaches, such as connecting with animals, can provide valuable emotional support.

Krause-Parello stated, “These relationships provide emotional safety and stability, which can be especially powerful for women.” She noted that not all veterans can care for a service animal, suggesting that volunteering in animal-related activities might offer similar benefits without the responsibilities of ownership.

The skills acquired through service dog training, such as positive reinforcement and understanding animal behaviour, may also enhance the bond participants have with their pets at home, further supporting their emotional well-being. Krause-Parello explained, “Unlike general volunteering, service dog training uniquely blends emotional healing with building a close relationship between veterans and their animals.”

This research underscores the potential of service dog training as a meaningful, non-pharmacological intervention aimed at supporting the health of female veterans with PTSD. It paves the way for more personalized approaches that nurture both mental and physical health, opening avenues for future studies and therapeutic strategies.