Pet therapy is a guided interaction between a person and a trained animal. It also involves the animal’s handler. The purpose of pet therapy is to help someone recover from or cope with a health problem or mental disorder.
Dogs and cats are most commonly used in pet therapy. However, fish, guinea pigs, horses, and other animals that meet screening criteria can also be used. The type of animal chosen depends on the therapeutic goals of the person’s treatment plan.
Animal therapy dogs also provide therapy in many settings, including but not limited to:
- Airports
- Nursing homes
- Assisted living facilities
- Rehab facilities
- Mental health institutions
- Schools, hospitals
- Cancer center’s
- Hospice facilities
- College campuses
- Your own home
Researchers and experts agree that pets excel as therapeutic agents and that dogs are an antidote to depression. Studies have shown a decrease in both blood pressure and stress levels during therapy dog visits.
A visit from a therapy dog can break the daily routine, increase overall emotional well-being, and stimulate the mind in dramatic ways. Therapy dogs offer so many wonderful benefits to people of all ages such as:
- Bringing joy and laughter, even if for a short time.
- Taking a person’s mind off personal problems, aches, pains and worries.
- Giving a chance for people to communicate with others.
- Lowering stress levels and blood pressure.
- Rekindling warm memories of their pets.
Want to learn more about therapy animals? Feel free to read more here.
Peyo’s The Stallion
We have found one very interesting but not so small pet that’s helping hospital patients and care home residents.
Peyo is a 14-year-old stallion living a normal horse’s life, he loves to run and play but has an incredible aptitude towards people especially when they are sick. Peyo helps boost morale and brings a smile to those who need it most. He can be fiery in the meadow but in the hospital or care home he behaves with the zenith of a Buddhist monk.
Once inside the buildings, Peyo decides which room he wants to visit. No one guides him. He seems to have a sixth sense to where he’s needed most.
When visiting care home’s, the staff said it had an extraordinary effect on the residence as Peyo improves everyone’s moods and general wellbeing.
Why not learn more about Peyo here while enjoying a cup of calming herbal tea?
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