Pet Therapy

Interaction with calm, friendly pets is well-known and scientifically proven to have great advantages. Pet therapy is also known as Animal Assisted Therapy (AAT). Pets play an essential part in a human’s well-being.

What is pet therapy?

Interaction with calm, friendly pets is well-known and scientifically proven to have great advantages. Pet therapy is also known as Animal Assisted Therapy (AAT). Pets play an essential part in a human’s well-being. In many ways, the relationship between a human and a pet is comparable to that between a parent and a kid. Pets are said to give unconditional affection, and assistance to those who are struggling to cope. As a result, pet therapy is gaining popularity in the field of mental health. The goal of animal assisted therapy is to alleviate, or help people cope with some symptoms of various conditions.

Mental health benefits of pet therapy

Stress Buster

The companionship that a pet offers is a great way to reduce anxiety and stress. Caring for them may make you feel needed and wanted. One of the reasons for these therapeutic effects is that pets fulfill the basic human need for touch. This is incredibly beneficial for the elderly, or those who live alone. Perhaps most importantly, though, a pet can add real joy, and unconditional love to your life. Studies have shown that when dog owners simply gaze at their dog, there's an increase in the levels of oxytocin. Oxytocin is a hormone produced in the brain that is linked to feelings of love, bonding, affection, and also has cardioprotective, anxiolytic, and anti-stress properties.

Helps reduce blood pressure, and improve overall cardiovascular health.

Touch and motion are two great methods to relieve stress fast. Stroking a dog, cat, or other animal lowers blood pressure, and makes you feel calmer and less anxious immediately. All dogs need to be walked and played outdoors. Walking the dog for 20 to 30 minutes per day would substantially increase the weekly physical activity levels of the owner. Everyday walks increase blood flow, and therefore help in keeping the heart healthy.

Increases feelings of social support and comfort.

Pets can be great for socializing, they can help you start, and maintain new friendships. On walks, treks, or at a dog park, dog owners usually stop, and chat with one another. Pet owners can meet new people by going to pet stores, clubs, and training programs. Research shows that individuals who are emotionally attached to their dogs, or other pets have an easier time building relationship with other people. Pets may provide you with a sense of security as well as someone to spend the day with.

Provides motivation, stimulation, and focus.

Many pets, especially dogs, require a consistent feeding, and exercise routine. A routine keeps an animal healthy and calm and it may do the same for you. Dog owners are significantly more likely to achieve their daily activity goals, and exercising every day is good for the animal as well. Caring for a dog, horse, or cat reminds us to care for ourselves as well. By taking care of yourself, you may overcome many of the physical problems that come with age. Playfulness, laughter, and fitness are all encouraged by dogs, cats, and other pets, which can help strengthen your immune system and raise your vitality.

Recover from mental illnesses.

Pets help patients to manage their emotions. It distracts them from the symptoms of their mental health condition.

It can be concluded that pet ownership has multifaceted potential in terms of stress, depression, and anxiety relief for the majority population.

Animal Assisted Therapy (AAT) for disorders

The goals of animal therapy might vary, and these can influence how it is conducted. Depending on the condition, and the sort of support required, the type of therapy, and the objective for that therapy may differ. Here are a few examples:

● Psychiatric service animals are defined as those individually trained to do work, or perform specific tasks for people with mental health disabilities, such as PTSD. Some of these tasks include waking a person from nightmares, leading an individual to a building exit during an anxiety attack, grounding an individual through nudging, pawing, or leaning, and bringing medication to a person on command. Horses and dogs have shown that animal therapy might help alleviate the symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). It helps by increasing the ability to cope with flashbacks and anxiety, decreases frequency of nightmares, and promotes healthy sleep.

● Animal assisted therapy animals have also been helpful in rehabilitation programs for those who have drug addiction problems. The presence of an animal might help to relax the patient and prepare them to face their demons, and tackle them more mindfully.

● The structure and routine that a pet requires may be beneficial to those with ADHD. Managing their pet's duties, and keeping track of time – such as feeding and walking them on time – may benefit them in other aspects of their lives. Some people with ADHD, particularly children, are hyperactive, and playing with a pet may be a fun way to let off energy.

● Sundown syndrome is an unpleasant dementia-related disease that occurs in the early evening, and is marked by restlessness, disorientation, roaming, striking, and kicking. Having therapy dogs on hand in the early evening is a great way to make a difference.

● Animal therapy is also recommended for the treatment of depression. Petting an animal, for example, can stimulate the release of endorphins (feel-good neurotransmitters), which can have a significant beneficial influence on individuals suffering from depression.

Takeaway Message

Pet therapy has proven to be one of the most effective ways to cope with certain psychiatric disorders. Establishing and achieving realistic goals and expectations is crucial to the effectiveness of pet therapy. These objectives will be set by you, and your doctor or therapist at the start of your therapy. This does not have to work for everyone. If you feel uncomfortable with this kind of therapy, maybe you could try something else.