The Benefits of Pet Therapy

Print Friendly Version

Pets are good for people in many ways. It is not uncommon to pick up a magazine or newspaper and read yet another article describing the benefits that family pets have on long-term care residents, hospital patients and sick children. Among the beneficiaries are the people suffering from diabetes, high blood pressure and depression. Therefore, every Recreation Therapist should incorporate a pet’s visit into their ‘Life Style Program’ to provide an enjoyable break in the structured routines of Nursing Homes.

Ideally, every Nursing Home should own at least a couple of pets, for example: dogs, cats, canaries, budgies, fishes, turtles or rabbits. However, if this is not possible then a visiting dog or cat for ‘Pet Therapy’ can also cheer and comfort residents with remarkable success. Dogs greet everyone with the same enthusiasm regardless of who they are or whether they communicate effectively and most people enjoy touching the soft fur of a cat.

The benefits of pet interaction and companionship may include:

• Mental stimulation through the interaction, entertainment and enjoyment provided by pets.
  
  
• Shifting of focus. Often residents in long term facilities concentrate too much on themselves because of chronic pain, depression and poor self esteem. Animals can provide a new focus of conversation.
  
  
• Acceptance. Animals accept people unconditionally and this can be really heartwarming and soothing for residents.
  
  
• Increased self esteem and alertness through a sense of responsibility. Residents often suffer from their perceived loss of freedom and responsibility; animals can add purpose and inspiration to their lives.
  
  
• Entertainment. Pets inspire humour and good times.
  
  
• Rapport. Pets are emotionally safe and non-threatening. They don’t discriminate or impose demands. They live for the moment and interacting with them often helps residents concentrate on the present and stop dwelling on the past or worrying about the future.
  
  
• Development of empathy. Animal’s are easier to ‘read’ than humans and interaction with pets can help develop an individual’s sense of empathy as they respond to the animals needs.
  
  
• Reminiscing. Caring for pets encourages adherence to a daily schedule and will often evoke wonderful memories of the past.
  
  
• Improvement in physical activity. Caring for a pet dog may encourage physical activity: playing with a ball and going for a walk.
  
  
• Socialization. Most people love animals and will enjoy sharing time together in the company of animals, talking and laughing together.
  
  
• Physiological benefits. Having a pet may enhance your immunity system as well as give you spiritual fulfillment. An animal’s love is unconditional.

The ideal pet is the one that is calm and gentle. He may be just a weekly or fortnightly visit to your facility. Remember that there may some people who are afraid of dogs or cats – for these people a pet bird or an aquarium may be better. If you know someone who has a calm and friendly dog ask them to pay your facility a visit. It may not work for everybody but it is worth a try.

Here are some Pet Therapy activities to try:
Pet Therapy with a Dog
Pet Therapy - Bathing a dog

We would love to hear from you!
Name:
Email:	(kept private)
Location:	(i.e. Brisbane, Australia)
Comment:
	Notify me via email when someone replies to my comment
Security Code: