I love animals. I have always believed that they enrich my life. In doing some research I’ve found a subject in particular that I find very intriguing. Not only can pets and animal interaction enrich your life, they can have psychological and physiological benefits as well. In short, having pets and being around animals can actually be good for your health!
Studies dating back to the 1980’s have shown that animals are a very good human health aid. Incredibly, various studies of pet owners have shown the following:
In general;
- Pet owners have a significantly lower use of general practitioner services.
- In many cases there is a reduced risk of asthma and pet allergens in children when exposed to pet allergens in the first year of life.
- Pet owners may have, a reduced risk of cardiovascular disease.
- Pet owners that have suffered from myocardial infarction tend to have a higher survival rate.
Dogs owners not only receive affection from their pets, which is soothing and relaxing, they are encouraged to exercise daily. Needing to walk your dog, and having a companion for jogging or long walks is a great way to get yourself moving every day.
Animals are used in different forms of pet-facilitated therapy, and have been found to be a huge benefit for patients. Physical and occupational therapists sometimes use trained dogs with a handler during therapy. The dogs, acting on commands, help patients with a variety of exercises for increasing range of motion or strength development or can help them achieve their goals more quickly.
Dog therapy has also been used in elder care facilities and group home settings. Dogs are brought in for structured visits. Clients have been found to be very responsive to this type of visit, enjoying the social interaction and the affection.
Dogs are not the only animal used in physical therapy. Over the past few decades pets and animals have proven to benefit disabled children or children that are slow to develop motor skills. Horses are utilized in a couple of ways. Horseback riding, for those that are healthy, or children with disabilities helps to normalize muscle tone, increase flexibility improve coordination and increase strength, balance and circulation. Riding also helps to improve psychological and social functioning.
Dolphin therapy was first attempted in the 1970s by psychologist, David Nathanson. Nathanson speculated that interactions with dolphins would have a variety of benefits. He speculated that dolphin therapy would increase attention span and improve cognitive faculties. Later studies show that, in fact, dolphin therapy helps children with disabilities learn faster and retain information for longer periods than children with the same disabilities taught in only a classroom setting.
Even though new types of therapies have come about, sometimes reverting to something as simple as having a pet is a great idea!
Have a happy and safe Fourth of July!!
MumblesMom
Tags: dogs, dolphins, horses, occupational therapy, pet health aids, physical therapy
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