Published on 12, July, 2020
Pet therapy, also known as animal-assisted therapy (AAT), is a type of therapy that involves using animals to help people improve their physical, emotional, and mental health. Pet therapy has been used for many years to help people with a wide range of health conditions, including mental health disorders such as anxiety and depression.There is a growing body of research that supports the effectiveness of pet therapy for improving mental health. Here are some of the ways in which pets can help improve mental health:Reducing Stress and Anxiety: Pets have been shown to help reduce feelings of stress and anxiety in people. Studies have found that simply petting a dog or cat can help lower levels of the stress hormone cortisol and increase levels of the feel-good hormone oxytocin.Boosting Mood: Pets can also help boost mood and alleviate symptoms of depression. Spending time with a pet can increase levels of dopamine and serotonin, which are neurotransmitters associated with feelings of happiness and well-being.Providing Social Support: Pets can also provide social support and a sense of companionship, which is especially important for people who may be feeling lonely or isolated. Pets can offer unconditional love and a non-judgmental presence, which can be very beneficial for people struggling with mental health issues.Encouraging Physical Activity: Many pets, such as dogs, require regular exercise, which can encourage people to be more active and get outside. Regular exercise has been shown to have a positive impact on mental health, including reducing symptoms of depression and anxiety.
Yup I get this. My dog was just a regular dog. A rescue dog who came into my life just as a pet but he is way more than that now. He's become very tuned in to my emotions and even before I realise I'm stressed he's by my side. He gets me out of the house every day because he needs his walk and he helps me to start conversations with other people who are walking their dogs. Some days that will be the only human conversation I have as I do prefer to be at home. Can't hide away because I need to take care of his needs. My boy is now around 11 years old and I worry about how things will be when he's gone. I strongly suspect I will be down at the local rescue very soon after I loose him. I'm widowed and live alone so he's my whole world.
I am in a very similar situation. My JRT is 13 but very fit and still competing successfully in agility competitions but I know this can only be for a year, may be 2, more. I am thinking about finding him a rescue sister before he goes, otherwise I don't think I will cope.