Animal-assisted therapy (AAT) involves using animals to help people with mental and physical health conditions. With anxiety becoming more common, pet therapy is being used more often in therapeutic settings to help manage it.
Pet therapy aims to improve the well-being of those with anxiety and support them in living fulfilling lives.
If you’re curious about how pet therapy works and how it helps with anxiety, keep reading to learn more.
What is Pet Therapy?
Pet therapy uses the bond between humans and animals to provide emotional support for people dealing with anxiety. Animals naturally connect with humans in an empathetic way. Many believe that animals carry positive energy that benefits human emotional well-being. Pet therapy harnesses this bond to help people who are struggling with mental health issues.
The bond between humans and animals has existed for a long time. Even before modern civilization, animals provided comfort and support to people.
Does Pet Therapy Work?
Pet therapy isn’t just limited to dogs. Other animals like cats, dolphins, horses, rabbits, and birds are also used. Each animal offers different benefits depending on the person’s needs.
Studies show that pet therapy can help release endorphins and lower blood pressure, which is key in managing stress and reducing anxiety.
How Does Pet Therapy Work?
Pet therapy is tailored to individual needs. It can be recommended for different reasons, such as providing comfort or improving social or movement skills. It’s also helpful for people dealing with depression, as it motivates them to engage in various activities.
A key part of pet therapy is the handler, who ensures that the animals are properly trained and attend therapy sessions. Many organizations train handlers and connect them with healthcare providers.
Becoming a handler or therapy animal requires training and certification. Once certified, they are matched with healthcare providers to help patients in therapy.
Animal Handlers in Pet Therapy
Handlers are usually volunteers trained to work with therapy animals. The animals undergo medical checks, including physical exams and immunizations, to ensure they are healthy and safe for therapy. They also go through temperament testing and obedience training to ensure they can safely interact with people.
How Pet Therapy Reduces Anxiety
Pet therapy is especially useful for managing anxiety disorders. The bond between humans and animals provides emotional support and helps reduce anxiety.
The techniques used vary based on individual needs, but activities like playing with, petting, or cuddling the animals can promote mindfulness and relaxation. Caring for a pet can also give people a sense of responsibility and purpose, which helps reduce anxiety and depression symptoms.
Interacting with a pet can combat loneliness and improve overall emotional well-being, enhancing the quality of life.
Benefits of Pet Therapy
Some key benefits of pet therapy include:
- Reducing loneliness and providing companionship
- Improving mood and emotional well-being
- Encouraging physical activity and social interaction
- Reducing mental health conditions like anxiety, depression, ADHD, schizophrenia, and dementia
- Helping identify serious health conditions like cancer, heart failure, stroke, and epilepsy
Types of Animals Used in Anxiety Therapy
Different animals are used in therapy depending on individual needs. While dogs are the most common, other animals like guinea pigs, dolphins, birds, horses, and cats also provide unique benefits for reducing anxiety.
Conclusion
Pet therapy is an effective way to help people manage mental and physical conditions, especially anxiety. The bond between humans and animals can be used to offer emotional support and improve well-being. If anxiety becomes overwhelming, consider professional pet therapy as a helpful treatment option.
