Pet Therapy

In the field of therapy, there are numerous of therapy available out there for different type of individuals and situations as well. There is one type of therapy that usually contains people and animal, it is animal-assisted therapy is a therapeutic approach that brings animals and individuals with physical and/or emotional needs together to perform the therapy. Animal-assisted therapy tend to be focused on individuals either children or elderly for them to be able to connect with the animal thus feeling comfortable talking with the therapist. Pet therapy works for all ages, whether sick or not (Lanchnit, 2011). Although, this paper, most of the focus is on animal-assisted therapy towards children using dogs.

Pet therapy is a way of comforting a patient. Although dogs are primarily used, they are not the only

Animal-based therapy provides many benefits for individuals with a disability. When assisting individuals with disabilities it is important to consider all options that will help them achieve the most success in life. Deciding which therapies to use is often difficult and should be decided on by the individual, their doctors, therapist, and family. Any drawbacks will need to be weighed against the advantages to ensure the course of treatment will be effective and appropriate for the individual. Revisions may need to be considered for the patient along the treatment path. Of the many types of therapies available, it is important to look at the benefits of animal assisted therapy. Individuals with disabilities who are routinely engaged in companion animal therapy develop a greater range of social skills than those who are not involved in any form of therapeutic animal-based therapy.

Questions arise concerning the treatment of therapy dogs when visiting patients and whether animal-assisted therapy really works at all; however, those who disagree aren’t looking at the big picture. Animal-assisted therapy is both an ethical and effective therapy method due to its success in treating those with chronic diseases, disorders, and managing stress and anxiety. The varieties of cases regarding the success of therapy dog treatments far surmount the amount of cases saying otherwise. Animal-assisted therapy stems from the human-animal connection, one of the most unique and powerful bonds man has ever experienced. It is that connection that allows animal assisted therapy to be a critical part of everyone’s daily

In a recent study conducted by Rebecca Johnson, Ph.D., RN, of the University of Missouri-Columbia Center for the Study of Animal Wellness showed that when humans pet a dog, within minutes there is a huge amount of beneficial hormones known to be associated with health and feelings of well-being.(Becker par. 2) These hormones are called beta endorphin, prolactin, dopamine, oxytocin, and beta phenylethylamine (Becker par. 2). The hormones that are released from the interaction between the animal and the human allow the patients to feel more blissful and trusting. Along with being emotionally benefited from working with animals in assisted therapy; people can benefit physically. For example, people who have physical

Animal assisted therapy includes all psychological theories and incorporates animals, such as dogs or horses, into a therapeutic treatment plan. It is used to enhance and complement traditional therapy methods, but it is not done by itself. Animal assisted therapy has been effectively used in individuals with autism, medical conditions, and trauma survivors. It may also be implemented for people with psychological disorders, such as depression, schizophrenia, and addiction. Depending on the type of therapy and the type of animal involved, you may keep the therapy animal at home and with you throughout the day for emotional support, or you might learn to ride and care for a therapy horse that is kept at an equestrian facility. Afterwards, you

The practice of using animals as therapy tools is becoming ever more popular and common place in the mental health field. Animal assisted therapy (AAT) was formally defined by the Delta Society as “a goal-directed intervention in which an animal that meets specific criteria is an integral part of the treatment process” (Kruger, Trachtenberg, & Serpell, 2004). The hope is that the specially trained animal will help facilitate conversation, and subsequently healing, between the therapist and the client. AAT is focused on improving the humans physical, mental, emotional, and social functioning. Animal assisted therapy is not to be confused with service animals: service animals fall under the category of animal-assisted activities

Animal Assisted Therapy dates back to the early 18th century. It was used to help the mentally ill patients at the York Retreat in England. They would allow animals to wander the grounds with the patients and it was believed that is was helpful in increasing the socialization of the patients. The first documented use of an animal therapy was when Dr. Boris Levinson accidentally left his dog and a difficult child alone and when he came back the child was calm and talking with the dog. Today animals are being used in many different environments to help assist patients with their daily activities. Over the years, studies have shown that some animal assisted therapy has been more affective on people than the use of a medication.

Animal assisted therapy is a highly productive form of cognitive therapy that strives to reduce an individuals stress levels and increase their mental and physical health in the form of companionship. Famous psychologist Sigmund Freud theorized from early on that the presence of his dog during psychoanalysis sessions significantly improved the patient’s mood and comfortability. According to research from the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, animal companionship has been seen to lower a person’s heart rate, blood pressure, and cholesterol. Bonding annually with over 80,000 people, the organization visits various places such as; hospitals, nursing homes, youth facilities, convalescent homes, and developmentally disabled centers.

The human-animal bond is a very powerful connection, built strongly on the practices of healing and understanding. The relation is mutually beneficial for both parties, stimulating better health in both the human and his or her animal companion. Animal-assisted therapy utilizes this unique connection to treat those suffering from a variety of illnesses, diseases, and disorders. More specifically, the use of therapy dogs is the most common form of animal-assisted therapy. Their services are vastly used all around the world and are quickly growing in popularity as one of the most practiced therapeutic methods to date. Although this therapeutic method is becoming so prominent, there are many still questioning whether animal-assisted therapy is

Animals are a great and brilliant asset to psychological and physical therapies. Animal assisted therapy facilitates various health conditions such as epilepsy, autism, Parkinson’s disease, those who are visually impaired, those who are deaf, those who suffer from depression, those with mental illnesses and disabilities and people with physical disabilities and Animal Interaction and Assistance in Psychological and Physical Therapy injuries, and many other psychological and physical conditions. Animal assisted therapy progresses the states of patients’ mental, physical, social and emotional capabilities and functions with the interactions of animals with people. The kind of animal used for this form of treatment is dependent on the needs of

Therapy does not always mean sitting in an office talking to a psychologist. Sometimes it could mean someone going to a dentist appointment with a dog by his or her side or even riding a horse. Animal assisted therapy is treatment focusing on relationships between humans and other animals, and the human-animal bond in clinical and social settings (Giaquinto, 595). Although it has been proven to provide a handful of benefits to different types of people, incorporating animal therapy in public facilities continues to be debated (Ward, 198). Throughout the years, different types of programs have come about to specialize to certain people or groups (Kršková, 51). Animal assisted therapy is a growing subject that can provide major health advantages

Not only are pets therapeutic for humans but they also can be beneficial to the physical well-being of a person. Having a pet can mean staying active and thus being physically healthier. While many pets require walking, playing or simply require more physical work like cleaning, bathing etc. it pushes people to be more active on a daily basis which is healthier than sitting on a couch watching television. Having a pet can also add structure or a daily routine to a person’s life. For example “Dogs require a regular feeding and exercise schedule. Having a consistent routine keeps a dog balanced and calm—and it can work for you, too. No matter your mood—depressed, anxious, or stressed—one plaintive look from your dog and you’ll have to get out

Research has proven that having a pet around when sick can “enhance mood and well-being” of the patient. It is known that many children who have disabilities, own a therapy dog that a help them throughout the day. This help provided by therapy dogs, improve the lifestyle of these individuals tremendously. The change of environment therapy dogs have, due to their never ending energy, bring smiles to people’s faces like a switch. It is said that patients improve in socializing when caring for and being with animals.

Over the years, animals have participated with great results in the treatment of the elderly and terminally ill. Now, Animal Assisted Therapy (AAT) is benefitting people diagnosed with Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) with promising results. Veterans are the most notable with it comes to PTSD. These men and women share a deep sense of fellowship and believe that no one but another fellow soldier can understand what they have experienced. Helping veterans who are suffering as a result of Posttraumatic Stress Disorder has mostly been through counseling, medication, and partnering with other military veterans for support. (U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, 2017) A large number of people have often have been exposed to animals at a young age through having pets, pictures in books, going to the zoo, television, classrooms, blankets, or clothing. Pairing animals with humans to treat any number of ailments is a new route many people are taking as part of their treatment plan. The resent use of Animal Assisted Therapy for people that suffer from Posttraumatic Stress Disorder has been on the rise in recent years to help with dealing with everyday life and recovery. Moreover, the healing process for PTSD has