Pet Therapy

Animals are amazing creatures.They have demonstrated widespread ability to improve the health and well-being of people of all ages, including those with acute and chronic medical conditions, and those with psychiatric illnesses and developmental challenges.Numerous formal programs have emerged in which animals are used specifically to reach therapeutic goals, and the areas in which animals are so utilized include psychotherapy,physical and occupational therapy.

Most of us are familiar with assistance dogs for the visually impaired,but there are also hearing-assist dogs and specially-trained assistance dogs for Parkinson's patients. Great danes are found to be particularly good for Parkinson's patients because they are sweet-natured,gentle,big,strong,and responsive. It is also believed that dog's have a very acute sense of smell and have been used to help in detecting an oncoming seizure. Prior to the seizure,the brain shows increased electrical activity that a dog can sense the same way they sense an oncoming thunderstorm.

Other animals such as horses,sheep,pigs,chickens,and birds have been helpful in assisting emotionally disturbed children towards developing trust and becoming more responsible. Studies have found that all lot of these children harbor deep sorrow and intense rage and as a group, have not experienced a lot of positive touching.It has been found that the animals provide a kind of non-threatening touch and provide nurture they badly need.

Hippotherapy is the technical term for therapy with horses. Riding a horses involves a person's pelvis to tilt up,sideways,forward and back.This movement has been found useful for people with physical or neurological handicaps because it helps them reacquaint their muscles that leads to improve strength,muscle control and eye-hand coordination.

Other therapeutic programs have utilized llamas to interact with autistic children.Because the hands of autistic children tend to be sensitive, stroking a llama spine to feel the difference between soft fur and firm bone structure has helped these children in developing sensory integration.

Numerous studies have been conducted showing the role of pets in treating chronic conditions.Chronic pain disrupts normal functioning and reduces activity levels which can often be accompanied by depression and anxiety.Pets have been reported to have a powerful anti-anxiety effect that helps to improve pain thresholds. When bonding with an animal, feeling of acceptance,pleasure,nurturing and love can be stimulated. These feelings cause changes in brain chemistry that help release positive mood-altering biochemicals such as dopamine,beta-endorphing,prolactin,phenylethylamine and oxytocin.

Study after study has shown the benefits to health and well-being of pet owners. They are a source of companionship,nurturing, and affection. We are greatly attached to our pets for good reasons....our pets are a life-affirming,life-enhancing aspect of what it means to be alive and well. I have two cats: Charlie and Sam.