Pet therapy means the use of cats, dogs or other animals to provide a health benefit to its human companion. Studies have proven that pet therapy is effective in helping people both physically and mentally. As long as a suitable animal is used, pet therapy is an excellent supplemental treatment.
Description
The Utah Animal-Assisted Therapy Association defines pet therapy as the use of animals to promote health and healing. This therapy can be used with persons of any age, from children to senior citizens, and the benefits can be physical, mental and emotional (see Resources).
Physical Benefits
According to the healthspring.net naturopathic site, studies have shown that petting animals can bring down a person's blood pressure and trigger the release of dopamine and serotonin in the brain, which can elevate mood. Children who were visited by therapy pets in the hospital had less pain (see Resources).
Psychological Benefits
Healthspring.net says that health care workers with high-pressure jobs benefit from the proximity of therapy animals through lowered stress. Studies have also shown that pet therapy can help patients with dementia and Alzheimer's disease.
Types
Although dogs and cats are the animals most commonly used in pet therapy, a variety of other animals can be used with positive results. Fish in an aquarium can lower stress, and birds can also be effective. Horses and dolphins are used for pet therapy for autistic children.
Requirements
There are no official requirements for pets used for therapy. The Utah Animal-Assisted Therapy Association recommends that animals be calm, well trained and very social.
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