Training and Health

Animal-assisted therapy: know what it is and its benefits

admin • 20 Jun 2023

Pet therapy, also known by the name of animal-assisted therapy, is an activity that, through interaction with animals, contributes to generating several benefits for human beings who face emotional problems that are related to depression, cancer and other diseases. Chronicles

Therefore, with the desire to better explain this subject, which is not known by most tutors, We researched a lot about this therapy with animals to produce this content. Therefore, do not miss the opportunity to read the following article!

What is Animal Assisted Therapy?

Pet therapy is nothing more than an alternative method of treatment to ease serious emotional issues. It is a procedure that is recognized for its beneficial effect on mental and physical well-being. In this sense, the fundamental pillar for this work is the animals, which are properly trained to offer full support during these situations of mental complications, which helps a lot to optimize the life experience of these people.

What are the benefits of pet therapy?

Having frequent contact with a small animal trained for this activity promotes several benefits for the well-being of a person suffering from anxiety and depression. By the way, these pets can also help to overcome the period of mourning, as well as to face difficult moments in life when the patient has cancer and immunodeficiency problems. Therefore, we list some of the main benefits of animal-assisted therapy:

• Reduces anxiety;

• Raises the patient's self-esteem;

• Decreased the feeling of loneliness;

• Stimulates the acquisition of knowledge;

• Increases communication skills;

• Helps in creating new emotional bonds;

• Increases concentration on important tasks;

• Aid in improving attention deficit and hyperactivity;

• Among other diverse mental health benefits of the individual.

Pet therapy for the elderly: see how to help people in the elderly

During old age, it is common to have to deal with some health problems. Fortunately, domestic animals are capable of promoting several benefits for the health of the elderly, but it is difficult for a man or woman, with advanced age, to have to deal with the various care that pets need.

Therefore, pet therapy works very well to keep brief contact with these older people without the need for care. In addition, it is worth noting that more than 15 minutes of contact with animals is enough to release serotonin and endorphins (hormones of happiness) in the elderly so that they feel better.

Is it true that there is pet therapy in hospitals?

Several projects promote animal-assisted therapies due to their various health benefits. The most interesting thing is that such processes are quite common in hospitals around the world, including Pak. Around here, there is information that at least 7 states promote therapy with animals and with the entire procedure performed by the SUS (Unified Health System).

What are the dog breeds that best fulfill the work of pet therapy?

Even though all animals are able to offer a good mental condition to their tutors, some breeds end up standing out in the work of canine therapy. Among the main dogs are: the Golden Retriever , Labrador , Corgi, German Shepherd , Border Collie and, even if many people have a wrong image of this little dog, the American Pit Bull Terrier , in addition to other breeds.

Can cats also help with animal-assisted therapy?

Unfortunately, many people still believe that felines are independent and unloving beings. However, this does not match reality, as there are several breeds of cats that love to lie on their beloved owner's lap. Therefore, among the cats that stand out the most in relation to pet therapy, it is possible to mention the Persian cat , the Maine Coon and the lovely Ragdoll.

But after all, does pet therapy have scientific proof?

There are several published academic studies proving the effectiveness of animal-assisted therapy programs, with field results being done in hospitals and medical centers. This method helps people of all ages, but it can be very beneficial in helping patients who need to deal with the hospital routine.