What are the benefits of pet therapy?
Your pet can be used as your private therapist. Pet therapy builds on the pre-existing human-animal bond. 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 different ways. Defined objectives are an important part of therapy, and your progress will be recorded and tracked at structured sessions.
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:
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
During a medical procedure, people may have less anxiety if a pet is present. 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.
So, if you have a pet, play with it the benefits that you will get from doing it are immense.
