Pet Therapy
It is well-known anecdotally that interaction with a gentle, friendly pet has significant benefits. What is less well known is that there is strong scientific evidence to back this up.
Here are some of the more common:
For Physical Health
- lowers blood pressure
- improves cardiovascular health
- releases endorphins (oxytocin) that have a calming effect
- diminishes overall physical pain
- the act of petting produces an automatic relaxation response, reducing the amount of medication some folks need
For Mental Health
- lifts spirits and lessens depression
- decreases feelings of isolation and alienation
- encourages communication
- provides comfort
- increases socialization and sense of community
- reduces boredom
- decreases anxiety
- helps children overcome speech and emotional disorders
- creates motivation for the client to recover faster
- reduces loneliness
For Literacy Support
- helps children focus better
- improves literacy skills
- provides non-stressful, non-judgmental environment
- increases self-confidence
- reduces self-consciousness
- encourages the love of reading in specific and learning in general
In Physical Therapy
- increases joint movement
- improves recovery time
- maintains or increases motor skills
- provides motivation to move more, stretch farther, exercise longer
For more detailed information see here: Paws for People