Pet Therapy also called Animal-Assisted Therapy (AAT) is a therapy technique that uses animals to help people take their mind off their sickness or problem
Dogs and Cats are the most common animals used, but fish, horses, birds, & guinea pigs can be used if they pass the screening process
The animal chosen depends on the goal of the patient and what it is they need to make progress in their treatment
All interactions and progress made is recorded
This therapy is used to help build the human-animal bond that is preexisting in most people. It can help with human, physical, social, emotional, and cognitive function
The nursing home was the first setting for this therapy
Gives moderate willingness to exercise
Improve fine motor skills
Increase self-esteem
Improve assisted or independent movement
Increase verbal communication
Decrease anxiety or loneliness
Develop social skills
Increase willingness to join activities
Improve interaction with others
Selection of a good animal for the therapy
Physical exam of the animal to ensure no illness
Obedience training and ensuring control of the animal
Trainer needs to be trained on proper patient interaction
Evaluation of the animals temperament and behavior with the handler
Certification of training
Patients undergoing chemotherapy
Mental health patients
Patients hospitalized with chronic failure
Children having physical dental procedures
Veteran with post traumatic stress disorder
Stroke victims and physical therapy patients
Regaining motor skills
Residents in Long Term Care Facilities
Reduces pain, anxiety, depression, and fatigue
Improves physiological state, decreases heart rate and blood pressure
Increases physical contact opportunities
Increases mental stimulation
Increase relationship between patient and health care workers
Improves outward focus
Acquires empathetic and nurturing skills
The elderly are known to become lonely, depressed, have lack of energy and lack of socializing
A study done at University of Missouri-Columbia showed that after a few minutes of petting a dog it released “feel good” hormones like serotonin, prolactin, and oxytocin and lowers the stress hormone cortisol
Fish tanks were also used with patients with Alzheimer's to help stimulate the mind of the patient and bring patients to the present
Canaries were also used in the elderly population of Italy with showed an increase quality of life
It is shown that pet therapy lowers heart attack risks and encourages patients to walk more
Elderly in nursing homes and pet therapy are associated with a reduction in medications, improved vital signs, and improved physical functioning
Elderly that take part in this therapy showed a reduction in agitated behaviors, reduce their depression and loneliness, increase their overall well being, social skills, and their nutritional intake
Pets increase the survival rate of heart attack victims it showed that 28% of people who suffered a major heart attack survived verses the 6% that did not have one
Studies have shown that the elderly that have pets visit the physician 21% less than the elderly that either do not have a pet or are not involved in pet therapy
The elderly that own pets can better cope with loss or major life events without medical interaction
Pets in the nursing homes increase social interaction
Patient with allergies can have a reaction depending on the pet used
Mishandling of the pet can lead to injury to the pet
Patients that do not understand it is not their dog or animal to keep may get upset and angry
If an animal would die it could lead to guilt or increase risk for depression because of the loss
References
https://www.psychologytoday.com/blog/iage/201305/pet-therapy-older-adults
http://www.pawsforpeople.org/wp-content/uploads/2012/10/The-Effects-of-AAT-on-Lonliness-in-an-Elderly-Population-in-Long-Term-Care-Facilities.pdf
http://www.libertyhealthcareandrehab.com/bermudacommons/2011/10/21/benefits-of-pet-therapy-in-the-elderly/
http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0022395612003846
http://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-living/consumer-health/in-depth/pet-therapy/art-20046342