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.
