Pet Therapy

Natural Therapeutic Interaction between Humans and Animals

Aug 24, 2008 Lynda Holloway

Animals as pets are unconditionally loyal and affectionate. Pet therapy has evolved and developed due to this simple fact.

Animal Assisted Therapyis a more formal title for this practice, although pet therapy sounds a nicer and more intriguing description. The inclusion of pet therapy in some medical conditions and mental health conditions is a complementary additional factor to health care management; orthodox treatments and medications should not be stopped in the misunderstanding that the therapy offers an alternative cure.

The Simplest Idea of Natural Interaction between humans and animals has proven to have definite therapeutic benefits. The benefits and effectiveness of the therapy are said to encourage the natural release of endorphins, sometimes called the "feel good" mood enhancing hormone.

Physical Health Benefits as a Result of Pet Therapy Can Include

• lowering blood pressure
• decreased risk of stroke or
• decreased risk of heart attack.
• improvement in medical conditions due to a more positive approach to getting better

Some Mental Illnesses Can React Quite Well to Pet Therapy

• Feelings of isolation and despair with depression can be alleviated
• Dementia patients can show periods of increased attention span and awareness of the visiting pet and recognition of their surroundings
• Alzheimers patients can also show a change in their symptoms and a reduction in any agressive or hostile behaviour patterns

Inclusion in the activities of residential and nursing home facilities is one of the nicer aspects of pet therapy and visiting pets. Regular weekly therapy sessions have become standard practice and the residents look forward to the visits. It is interesting sometimes to take an observer position on these visits and watch the interaction and reactions to the animal’s presence.

It is usually dogs or cats that engage in this type of residential visiting. Remarkable results and reactions among the permanent residents of these facilities have been noted. Previously quiet or withdrawn residents can become very involved and animated, with an awakening of natural reactions to the joy of giving fuss and attention to animal; surprising, previously unknown personality traits can emerge, group activity can increase and social interaction develop with the focus on the animal visitor. Competitiveness for the animal’s attention can also be witnessed.

Some facilities already have resident animals. Sometimes an adopted stray cat can be seen walking around the care home visiting residents for tidbits of treats, which is a nice factor all of its own. Animals only want to show affection and desire attention, they hold no prejudices against illness, disability or age group. This is why pet therapy works so well. Caged birds are sometimes allowed, or a modest fish tank. They all offer stimulus and a form of continuous pet therapy for a group of residents in care facilities. It does of course depend on the individual care facility, the age of its residents and its resources.

Pet Therapy Will Not Work for Everyone. It is a nice, natural, holistic approach to helping some medical, mental health or social symptoms and conditions. It is not an option to consider if someone, child or adult has a fear of animals or pets. The therapy will have an adverse effect and will only increase any fears while any therapeutic values will be lost.

The copyright of the article Pet Therapy in Health Field is owned by Lynda Holloway. Permission to republish Pet Therapy in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.

different breeds of dogs can be therapy dogs

cats can assist in pet therapy