10/22/2024
A Bright Future: Healthier Lives for All with Disabilities through the Power of Service Dogs
By Madeleine Campbell
Husson University
SP191 General Biology 1
Dr. Stancil
10/05/2024
Abstract
A service dog provides life-changing quality for those with disabilities and provides peace of mind while improving health, both mental and physical. This paper uses biochemical, cellular energetics, genetic, and evolutionary points of view to illustrate the general benefits that service dogs provide. In this review, we discuss some of the biochemical changes that are linked with human biology and those that may be associated across humans and animals, cellular mechanisms related to health outcomes affecting both humans and service dogs, the genetic pedigrees of guide dog studies as well as evolutionary implications in terms of co-evolution between human beings versus domesticated canines. In discussing these points, the central theme is to emphasize an association between service dogs and their utility in therapeutic settings and ensure more effective roles for service dogs within healthcare practices. Extra focus is given to the ethical issues involved and what scientific research is necessary to release the fullest potential of service dogs.
Keywords: Biochemistry, Cell Energetics, Genetics, Evolution Human Animal Bond Service Dogs
Introduction
Dogs for Service That Help People with Disabilities to Live Better Social exclusion decreases self-esteem, produces depressive behavior in animals, and can lead to “sickness syndrome” in humans, causing an increase of pro-inflammatory cytokines with effects on the peripheral leukocyte count. Acceptance and rejection occur at biochemical, physiological processes like those modulated by social play. From a scientific perspective, examining the human-animal bond provides insights into how service dogs ultimately benefit their handlers' health at cellular, genetic, and evolutionary levels (Barker et al., 2008; Chaudhary et al., 2021). This paper explores it in its various dimensions, including the broader questions this raises for healthcare and therapeutic practice.
Energy and Biochemistry in the Cell
Service dogs are described as having a potential to exert salutogenic compensatory effects of bio-psycho-social mechanisms by mediating biochemical responses, such that they hypothetically reduce cortisol and increase oxytocin levels (which is said to have bonding and stress-reducing associations) through an interaction with their person (Odendaal et al., 2003). Elevated cortisol impairs cell replication, thus supporting cellular homeostasis and promoting inflammation, accelerating cellular aging (Sandel, 2012). Stress release from having the emotional support service dogs can provide human help in healthier mitosis and apoptosis, which in terms of even out, leads to better tissue regeneration and maintenance (Jinek et al., 2012). For those with disabilities, this biochemical support is even more critical for health when the inflammatory spiral can overwhelm a body already under siege.
Classify Kingdoms of Life
Service dogs, classified with biological nomenclature as members of the kingdom Animalia: multicellular eukaryotic animals, are service dogs. Dogs, being mammals, are part of the phylum Chordata and class Mammalia due to traits such as having a better-developed brain (when compared to invertebrates) and being viviparous. Dogs belong to the order Carnivora under the family Candidate and are known for forming social bonds with other species of their kind, as well as adaptability in various habitats. Knowing these classifications helps us drill down even more in describing the ecological roles of these animals as well as how they have evolved to work with humans.
Hereditary, cell division and health
Improving cellular function through the reduction of cortisol applies to functions such as mitosis and apoptosis. Normal stress ages cells, while lower levels of cortisol are linked to more normal cell division and regeneration of tissues. Service dogs who significantly increase their physical activity, accompanied by positive effects on mitochondrial function and cell energetics, enable a healthier lifespan (Serpell et al., 2014). These are life-sustaining processes, and it is specifically poignant for people with disabilities who have physical challenges that can disrupt normal cellular functions.
Genetics and Heredity
This trainability and the temperament of service dogs are significantly inherited traits. Here, selective breeding programs that target sociability and emotional stability (Lazarowski et al., 2021) can yield opportunities for high rates of service dog success. This genetic insight will enable breeders and trainers to tailor their selection of dogs for many roles guiding those visually impaired through their day, offering support to those living with PTSD. In addition, the modulation of human biochemical responses, particularly in individuals with a genetic predilection to anxiety or PTSD, highlights the importance of this genetic bond between us (Serpell et al., 2014).
The Human-Animal Bond
Humans and dogs have evolved over thousands of years with each other forming a mutually symbiotic relationship. Dogs have been selected for these specific traits that may be useful in a broader range of service roles, such as increased emotional sensitivity and problem-solving skills (Bradfer Lawrence et al., 2021). This evolutionary process fits well with the notion of service dogs as important allies in human health, being able to help both physiological and psychological health (Chaudhary et al., 2021).
Discussion: Broader Implications and Directions for Future Research
This complex interplay between genetics, natural biochemistry, and evolution emphasizes the importance of service dogs in enhancing the lives of people with disabilities. While the current study has provided added information, additional work is needed to find the specific genetic markers and biochemical pathways related to improved helper dog efficacy. Panelists concluded that future research should improve training and breeding efforts to capitalize on these animal-assisted interventions (Rodriguez et al., 2021).
Incorporating Feedback
Colleagues also pointed to a need to broaden the conversation around the genetic selection of service dogs. Therefore, this section was re-visited with a more extensive examination of the genetic components (and respective canine behaviors) that may have been factor-setting in certain service dog behaviors and performance. Similarly, the topic of how human-dog evolutionary relationships is better illuminated thanks to key findings from new work clarifying our thinking on the historical basis for this relationship.
Conclusion
For people living with disabilities, service dogs are much more than mere companions. Due to the contribution of herbs to altering biochemistry, improving cell function and emotional support, it is necessary to integrate these resources into healthcare systems. Service dogs are going to become an increasingly important part of the therapeutic world and as research continues to grow, they are only going to keep us healthier.
References
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Chaudhary, C., et al. (2021). Global warming causes faster declines in marine biodiversity than anticipated. Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, 118(9), e2015094118. https://doi.org/10.1073/pnas.2015094118
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