Pet Therapy and The Human Animal Bond

Pet therapy, also referred to as animal-assisted therapy, helps to improve patients mental, physical, social, and emotional functioning with the aid of animals.

There is a strong relationship between animals and people, known as the human animal bond. Animals are accepting, non-judgmental, and non-threatening, making it easier for people to open up. Because many children, teens and adults enjoy working with animals, pet therapy can be beneficial for individuals who are resistant to treatment and have difficulty expressing themselves. Visits may take place in a variety of settings, including hospitals, schools, homeless shelters, nursing homes, libraries and mental health facilities.

The benefits of pet therapy can be broken down into several categories:

MENTAL HEALTH

• Provides comfort
• Reduces loneliness
• Lowers anxiety and helps people to relax (the simple act of stroking an animal releases mood elevating hormones)
• Stimulates communication
• Decreases feelings of isolation and alienation
• Decreased agitation in Alzheimer’s units and increased mental stimulation

PHYSICAL HEALTH

• Lowers blood pressure and improves cardiovascular health
• Breathing slows in those who are anxious
• Diminishes overall pain
• Reduces the amount of medications that some people need

PHYSICAL THERAPY

• Encourages increased movement in joints, with faster recovery
• Ability to exercise longer
• Relax more during exercise
• Maintain and increase motor skills

WHEN LEARNING TO READ

• Ability to read to someone who is non-judgmental
• Reduces self-consciousness and increases self-confidence
• Practice reading skills in a less stressful environment

FOR CHILDREN WITH AUTISM

• Animal therapy may increase social interaction and language use (many children with autism feel a deep bond with animals and feel that they are able to relate better to them)

Written by Mission Ridge Animal Hospital