The Amazing Benefits Of Pet Therapy
Pets, such as dogs and cats, are known for being irresistibly cute, fluffy, and just downright adorable. Not only do they provide unconditional love and constant companionship, but pets are also an amazing form of therapy for those suffering from physical and mental conditions, and who are often hospitalized. Put your paws up if you want to learn the benefits and the science behind why pet therapy works, and keep reading to 'retrieve' all of these details now!
What Is Pet Therapy?
Pet therapy, also known as animal-assisted therapy (AAT), is a guided interaction between an individual and a trained animal, which usually involves the animal’s owner or handler. The objective of pet therapy is to help an individual, typically a patient in a hospital or care facility, overcome or recover from a health problem or mental disorder. Dogs and cats are the most common animals used in pet therapy, however, horses, guinea pigs, rabbits, fish, and other animals that meet strict criteria can also be used. The type of animal chosen depends on the therapeutic goals of the individual’s treatment plan, what pet the individual prefers, and what their medical care team believes is the best fit.
AAT can sometimes be confused with animal-assisted activities (AAA), as AAT is a formal, structured set of sessions that help patients reach the specific goals of their treatment, whereas AAA is a more casual meeting in which the pet and their owner interact with one or more patients for comfort or recreation.
Pet therapy has numerous benefits for both the animal and the individual interacting with the pet. Keep reading to get an overview of the benefits this form of therapy offers.
Benefits & Goals Of Pet Therapy
The premise behind pet therapy is it builds on the pre-existing human-animal bond, as interacting with a friendly pet can help alleviate various mental and physical issues an individual may face. For instance, pet therapy can help reduce blood pressure and improve cardiovascular health, it releases endorphins that produce a calming effect for the individual, and can overall help alleviate pain, decrease stress, and improve a person’s psychological state.
Pet therapy can be used for a variety of reasons, and defined objectives and goals are an essential part of therapy. Goals of pet therapy programs include increasing self-esteem and confidence, improving motor skills and joint movement, increasing verbal communication, improving assisted or independent movement, developing social skills, and encouraging the participant to join in social interactions. Other benefits of pet therapy associated with a participant’s goals include making the patient happier and less prone to depression and more optimistic, decreasing loneliness and social isolation, reducing boredom, and alleviating anxiety. Furthermore, pet therapy can help children develop empathetic and nurturing skills, and improve the relationship between patient and their healthcare provider.
Next, discover how science has proven the benefits of pet therapy and why it is highly beneficial for the patient, animal, and their family.
