Interacting with a friendly pet can help many physical and mental issues. It can help reduce blood pressure and improve overall cardiovascular health. It can also release endorphins that produce a calming effect. This can help alleviate pain, reduce stress, and improve your overall psychological state.

Pet therapy can be used in many ways. If an AAT approach, defined objectives are an important part of therapy, and your progress will be recorded and tracked at structured sessions. If an AAA approach, this is less structured and not to be quantified, as this would be a personal qualitative assessment as to the benefits realised through your interactions with the animals.

 

Goals and Benefits

The goals of a pet therapy program can include: 

•    improving motor skills and joint movement
•    improving assisted or independent movement
•    increasing self-esteem
•    increasing verbal communication 
•    developing social skills
•    increasing willingness to join in activities
•    improving interactions with others
•    motivating willingness to exercise

Other benefits of pet therapy include:

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•    making you happier, lessening depression, and improving your outlook on life
•    decreasing loneliness and isolation by giving you a companion
•    reducing boredom
•    reducing anxiety because of its calming effects
•    helping children learn empathic and nurturing skills
•    improving the relationship between you and your healthcare provider

 

Who should consider pet therapy?

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Pet therapy can be useful for:

•    people undergoing chemotherapy
•    residents in long-term care facilities
•    people hospitalized with chronic heart failure
•    veterans with post-traumatic stress disorder
•    children having physical or dental procedures
•    stroke victims and people undergoing physical therapy to regain motor skills
•    people with mental health disorders

In rehabilitation, people may be more motivated to recover and practice their therapy when working with a pet. People who have sensory disabilities can sometimes communicate more easily with an animal. This encourages more interaction with healthcare providers and other people.

The success of pet therapy depends on establishing realistic goals and expectations and meeting those goals. You and your therapist will establish these goals at the beginning of your treatment. We will also discuss how to reach those goals and how long it will take. Your therapist will monitor your progress and help you stay on track to meet your goals. If your progress is slower or faster than expected, they may alter your treatment plan.

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CONTACT for more information