What is Pet Therapy?
Pet therapy encourages connection with animals in various ways such as patting, watching, and playing with the animal to help individuals let down communication barriers, socialise more easily and relieve tension. Dr Ben Levinson was one of the first people to start research into pet therapy. He used fifty patients for which no other therapy had worked. Forty seven out of the fifty patients showed some improvement and they all said they felt happier in the presence of animals. It does not appear to matter what type of animal is used as long as the animal’s temperament matches the persons.
Benefits of Pets
Speechless communication with a pet or just patting can produce a communication response
Pets make people feel responsible and needed which may stimulate the survival instinct.
Pets provide unconditional, non-judgemental love and affection.
Can help people shift their focus from themselves to the larger world.
Help depressed people cope with feelings of loneliness, isolation and promote a sense of play and humour.
Activities
Watching Fish – Can lower blood pressure and stress levels. Fish have a very calming influence.
Horses/Horse Riding – Can give people self esteem and confidence. Allows the person too to be in control and gives the individual a chance to achieve. Especially good for people with intellectual disabilities.
Games with dogs, e.g., tug or fetch – Benefit people as there is a lot of touch and communication involved. These games bring out childlike exuberance and humour. This in turn enhances people’s moods, encourages exercise, encourages communication, provides companionship, and opens up avenues for socialization.
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