It's hard to overstate the role that
animals play in people's lives. For many households, dogs, cats, and other
animals are more than just pets; they're companions and members of the family.
If you're one of the millions of Americans that have gone to therapy in the
past few years, you might be surprised to learn how helpful animals can be when
it comes to recovery. For many people, having an animal present can make all
the difference in the world. But why?
Keep reading to learn all about why
animal-assisted therapy can be such an effective way to heal and recover.
Reduces
Stress and Anxiety
From college campuses to
psychologist offices, therapy animals are everywhere today. That's because
animals can have an enormous impact on a person's stress and anxiety levels.
Studies have shown that interacting with animals such
as dogs can help steady a person's declining mental health. The act of petting
animals releases hormones like serotonin, oxytocin, and prolactin that can make
you happier and improve your mood.
Therapy animals also help eliminate
the fear that many people experience at therapy. They help people attending
therapy feel calm, while also eliminating the social stigma that goes along
with it.
Promotes
Physical Health
Aside from improving your mental
health, animal therapy can help your physical health as well. Petting animals
lowers your blood pressure, which can cause your cardiovascular health to
improve with time.
Petting animals also helps ease any
pain that you feel. It gives your mind something to focus on besides the
discomfort, without having to resort to pharmaceutical medications. In this
way, animals work the same way as a holistic recovery center.
Helps
Grow Sensory Tolerance
For children or people who've
suffered through a traumatic event, pets can be a great way to build sensory
tolerance in a safe environment.
From a paw resting on your thigh, to
a tail-wagging against you, animals are a great way to grow your tolerance of
textures, sounds, and smells. Interactions such as throwing a slimy tennis ball
for an excited dog can also help.
Animals
Provide Companionship
As any pet owner knows, animals are
companions that are there for you no matter the situation. When you're crying
or upset, many pets will come to your side to console you. If you hurt
yourself, an animal will make sure that you're okay.
Whether you have a pet at home or
see one when you attend mental or physical therapy, you can rest assured that
they'll provide you with the unconditional love you need to overcome any
situation.
Enjoy
the Benefits of Animal-Assisted Therapy
If you or someone you know is
looking to heal from past trauma, animal-assisted therapy can help you do that.
Whether you work with a dog, horse, reptile, or some other type of animal, you
can be certain that animal therapy will help you get on the road to recovery.
Do you now have a better idea of all
the benefits that go along with animal therapy programs? If you do, make sure
to check out some of our other articles for more wellness guides and tips.
