Studies show that animals used for therapy improve people?s emotional, social and/or cognitive well-being. Animals can also be used for educational and motivational effectiveness. Before introducing animal therapy to anyone it is important to make sure the person who is in therapy is not allergic to or afraid of the animals. It is important to know if the person likes the type of animal that will be used for their therapy. Some people don?t like being around horses, dogs or cats for various reasons. It is a mistake to think that every person will benefit from this type of therapy. People with weakened immune systems should get their doctors clearance before starting any type of animal therapy.
Therapy in the way of animals was started in the 18th century in England. Mental patients had calming effects when allowed to be around small domesticated animals. Sigmund Freud had his chow present during his sessions with patients. He found the dog made his patients relax.
Modern therapy animals are used in many situations from prisons, mental hospitals and medical hospitals to nursing homes and regular homes. Often you will see a therapy dog with a disabled person. This dog is the person?s life-line to freedom in many instances. Animals are non-judgmental thereby making many people with disabilities or deformities more at ease. Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans have been helping shelter dogs with obedience training. This not only helps the dogs get homes but it helps the Veterans readjust to civilian life. Many hospitals have therapy dogs that visit patients. It has been proven that the patients feel happier and better from reduced blood pressure to less anxiety after a visit from their pet friend.
Horses are therapeutic for children with special needs. Studies show that children with autism have improved speech including more language and better engagement when involved in therapy that includes horseback riding. It has been recorded that this interaction helps with following directions as well as life skills such as getting dressed and balance issues.
Therapy animals are something to be taken seriously. It is not something to be taken lightly. It is important that the animal handler has the animal properly trained for everyone?s safety, including the animals. Many specialists are trained, although there is not a governing body to oversee therapy animals. The Delta Society is a good place to start if you are interested in therapy animals. Their website is http://www.deltasociety.org/
One of the biggest benefits of therapy animals is the love and affection the patient can cultivate. This is an important basic need that is essential for mental health and emotional well-being.
References:
Animal Assisted Therapy Wikipedia
NPR Pet Therapy How animals and humans heal each other
Andrew Weil M.D. Wellness Therapies
Tracy Robinson
www.ajpetproducts.com
See also this story on Life With Dogs about therapy dogs helping kids with cancer.
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Source: http://wepets.wordpress.com/2012/08/21/therapy-animals-by-tracy-robinson/
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