top of page

Pet Therapy (Animal Assisted Therapy)

Pregnancy: Use with caution

Image by Gareth Hubbard
Pregnancy1.png

This is the involvement of animals as a form of treatment to improve social, emotional, physical and mental wellbeing

Caution
  • This is not appropriate when there is a dislike of animals or allergies to them


  • Animal cruelty is not acceptable and should not be practiced: be humane to pets and animals at all times


  • If you do not feel that the chosen animal is good for you, return them responsibly. Do not abandon them


  • Assess the suitability of the animal by spending time with them either at home or in their current place of abode or Pet store


Therapy for:

Animals can:


  • Provide a sense of calm, comfort and safety


  • Divert attention from an unpleasant or stressful situation


  • Provide a method of ‘touch therapy’ by being stroked or hugged


  • Provide a means of verbal communication that is easy on the human (One way verbal)


  • Encourage exercise and activity



Their presence also:


  • Reduces anxiety and depression


  • Promotes social interaction


  • Provide unconditional love and affection


  • Provide genuine companionship



This is useful in a number of situations as a complementary addition to other forms of treatment:


  • Children with mental health issues


  • Distraction method for pain and unpleasant experiences


  • Dementia support


  • PTSD


  • ADHD


  • Autism


  • Loneliness


  • Depression


  • Social Isolation


  • Disabilities


  • Cancer supportive management



Owning a pet is associated with:


  • Lower levels of stress hormones


  • Lower blood pressure


  • Lower heart attacks and strokes


Comments
  • Research your chosen pet before you acquire it


  • Find out:


        -    What are the bedding/environment/housing requirements?


        -    What does it eat?


        -    How to recognise illness or unusual behaviour?


Read more on Pet Therapy (Animal Assisted Therapy) >

Your content has been submitted

An error occurred. Try again later

Edit Intervention

Safe with diabetes

Diabetes.png

Safe with children

Child1.png

Most Searched Interventions

Pet Therapy (Animal Assisted Therapy)

This is the involvement of animals as a form of treatment to improve social, emotional, physical and mental wellbeing

Faith Healing

This is the practice of prayers and hand gestures in a belief that healing can occur as a result. Faith is usually (but not always) part of a religious practice. It can be exercised individually or through a collective of similarly inclined people

Ginger

The consumption of ginger-based products to improve health. It is both healthy and delicious, and it has been a part of the human diet for generations

Cannabidiol. CBD Oil

Extract oil from the Cannabis plant. It may be smoked, vaped, sprayed into the cheeks or placed in the mouth. It is used as an agent to promote wellbeing

Quick Exit.png
bottom of page