The phrase “pet therapy” encompasses a variety of animal-assisted therapies and activities. Animals such as dogs and horsesare used in helping patients cope with or recover from cancer, mental illness, or heart disease. Its aim is to provide enjoyment and comfort to nursing home residents.
What Is Animal/Pet Therapy and How Does It Work?
Animal therapy can be used to achieve a range of objectives, and how it is implemented will be dictated by those objectives. Here are a few examples of objectives:
- Relieving pain and providing comfort
- Increasing mobility and motor skills
- Social and behavioral abilities development
- Encouraging people to engage in physical activity and social contacts
Animal handlers, frequently the owners of their pets, typically bring the animals to each animal therapy session. The handler’s job is to help the patient achieve the therapy’s goals while under the observation of a physician. Handlers are trained and connected to healthcare providers through a variety of organizations. The majority of handlers are self-employed. Before an animal and its handler can be utilized for therapy, these groups and organizations require certification from both the animal and the handler. Typically, handlers must finish an intense training course on engaging with people and offeringmany sorts of therapy.
In addition, the animal must pass a series of examinations. A veterinarian performs a physical examination in addition to examining immunization records to assess the animal’s health. A temperament evaluation will be undertaken to guarantee that the dogs act appropriately around their handlers and other people.
In addition, the dog will receive obedience training. This technique has been thoroughly tested and certified by all parties concerned. This testing ensures that all parties involved are competent and safe and that each individual receives the most satisfactory therapy sessions.
A therapy dog’s rights are distinct from those of a service dog. A therapy dog, for example, is not permitted to visit a business place with its handler.
People Who Are Eligible To Receive Animal-Assisted Therapy Fall Into This Category.
Animal-assisted/pet therapy provides comfort from worry, pain, tiredness, and melancholy for people with various health conditions. A list of people who can benefit from animal-assisted therapy is as follows:
- Children at the dentist’s office.
- Patients suffering from tumors
- Patients who have a cardiac condition
- PTSD sufferers
- People who are prone to anxiety.
Others, in addition to people with health problems, benefit from it. Friends and family members of animal visitors are also happier. Pet therapy has also been used in non-medical settings such as communities and universities to help people cope with stress and anxiety.
Risks Connected To Animal Assisted Therapy
Hospitals are especially concerned about cleanliness and safety. The hygiene, vaccination, training, and behavior inspection rules at hospitals and other treatment centers that provide pet therapy are usually very tight.
Seek Out The Best Clinic For Animal-Assisted Therapy.
The Mallard Lake Detox Center’s program includes more than a dozen therapy dogs and their handlers. They visit several hospital departments daily. The dogs provide a nice distraction and also aid in reducing tension and anxiety connected with hospital stays. Contact our online team for further information.
