Dogs Offer Students Stress Help

(MYFOX NATIONAL) - One college is going to the dogs, or at least turning to dogs.

Students at University of Wisconsin-Madison will be able to take a break from exams and studying and soak in some dog love and fun.

Wednesday the school's University Health Services is hosting "counseling canines" for the annual Pet Therapy study break. A variety of dogs will be available for students to pet and play with. According to the school, pet therapy has been proven to have stress-reducing benefits.

Counselors will also be on hand to talk with students about stress.

"Taking brief study breaks -- even five minutes per hour -- can reduce stress and help you recall information," says Rob Sepich, student relations manager at UHS.

WebMD reports that psychologists, veterinarians and researchers concur that pets can be good for our mental and physical health.

Pet therapy has been used in hospitals, nursing homes and schools to help people deal with difficult situations. A funeral home in Flat Rock, Mich. uses a golden retriever as a grief therapy dog . Zoey has been invited by grieving families to nearly two dozen visitations since last November. The dog and its owner circulate among the attendees and stop when someone wants to pet her.