Animal therapy is the process of using animals to help humans with a variety of issues. Therapists often use dogs or horses during sessions but don’t always have to. Animal therapy has been around for thousands of years, but it is only recently been studied in an academic setting. There are many reasons why animal therapy is used in our society today and how it can benefit people who participate in it.
Animal Therapy In Many Ways
As you may have already gathered, animal therapy benefits the animals themselves in many ways. It helps to improve their health and well-being, their mood and behavior, as well as building trust and confidence. This can also be seen in how it helps them to be more sociable with other animals or humans.
One benefit that isn’t immediately obvious but has been proven by studies is how animal therapy helps improve the physical health of both dogs and cats.
People And Animals In Very Different Ways
For example, humans can benefit from interaction with animals by feeling less stressed or anxious. The calming effect that some pets have on their owners has been well documented. In fact, many seniors who live alone have reported that owning a dog or cat has helped them stay active and independent for longer than they would have otherwise been able to do without one!
On the other hand, when it comes to animal therapy benefits for our furry friends themselves (i.e., what does animal therapy do for pets?), there are many potential benefits including:
Help People To Relax And Feel Less Stressed
As we’ve discussed, animal therapy can help people feel less stressed and more relaxed. It can also boost confidence, reduce anxiety and increase motivation.
When you’re stressed out or anxious about something, it’s easy to get caught up in your own headspace: “What if this happens?” or “I can’t do this!” But when you interact with an animal–even if just for a few minutes–it makes you focus on them instead of yourself. You’re not thinking about what might go wrong; instead, you’re focused on making sure this sweet creature has everything she needs right now at this moment in time (and hopefully enjoying yourself while doing so).
Increase Self-Eesteem And Confidence Levels
Animals are non-judgmental and don’t care about your age, appearance, or disability. Animals also don’t care if you’re rich or poor, famous or not, young or old. They will accept you as you are without passing judgment on your character or behavior. This can be very healing for people who have suffered from mental health issues such as depression and anxiety because it’s difficult for them to get past their own feelings of low self-worth when they are constantly surrounded by people who judge them harshly based on their appearance, age etcetera.”
Both Humans And Our Furry Friends!
Animal therapy benefits both humans and our furry friends. While it may seem like a strange idea to some, it’s actually a very real thing that helps people relax and feel less stressed. Animal therapy benefits are most often seen in nursing homes, hospitals, prisons, and schools where children who have been abused or neglected can find comfort in the presence of animals.
Animal lovers will tell you that they feel better when they’re around their pets because they make them happy! Pets are comfortable companions who always listen when you need someone to talk to–and who never judge what you say (or how often).
Conclusion
There are many benefits to animal therapy, but the most important is the impact it has on the animals themselves. Animal therapy is a great way for people to interact with animals in a safe and controlled environment. It can help people who are grieving over the loss of a pet or loved one, as well as those who feel lonely or depressed because they don’t have any family members nearby.
