We’ve all seen or experienced the image of a pet eagerly awaiting the return of its owner. The happiness and warmth the pet and the owner both feel when they embrace after a long day. The feeling is joyous, calming, and centering.
Having a pet has been shown to lift moods, to relieve stress, and to bring perspective to difficult situations. When a pet crawls onto our lap to be pet or snuggles up to our leg, we can’t help but feel wanted, needed, and comforted.
Thinking about pets this way, it is clear to see why they are so effective for therapy. If someone does not own a pet, it is a great way for those that feel lonely, stressed, or traumatized to share in the health benefits of these friendly companions.
Here are the top benefits to therapy animals:
Benefits to Physical Health
- diminishes overall pain
- releases endorphins
- relaxation
- lowers blood pressure
- improves cardiovascular health
- improves motor skills
- improves balance
Benefits to Mental Health
- increases communication
- reduces depression
- comforts
- decreases anxiety
- motivates faster recovery
- creates sense of belonging
- helps focus
- increases self-esteem and self-awareness
- increase empathy
What is animal-assisted therapy?
Animal-assisted therapy involves a person spending time with an animal with therapeutic goals and strategies in mind. This therapy can involve petting, walking, brushing, feeding, and otherwise taking care of and interacting with the animal.
What types of animal therapy are there?
Canine-Assisted Therapy
Dogs are one of the most common animals to be used in therapy. Dogs help to lift moods, increase focus and motivation, and improve communication skills.
Equine-Assisted Therapy
Horses are another common animal to be used in therapy. Horses help to increase trust and body language recognization. In addition, the relationship that a person develops with a multifaceted animal like a horse creates an honest environment for the person to learn how to better react and behave in their other relationships.
Other animals used for therapy include dolphins, llamas, rabbits, and other animals.
Animal-assisted therapy can help with a variety of disorders. These disorders include, but are not limited to, heart disease, addiction, chronic pain, dementia, emotional disorders, behavioral disorders, developmental disorders, and cancer.
Want to know if therapy is right for you?