Animal Therapy

1289 Words3 Pages

The potential therapeutic qualities of companion animals have been recognized and explored long ago from the Ancient Egyptians to the Ancient Greeks. Records indicate that the ancient Egyptians worshipped and praised cats, treating them like they were royalty, and even mummifying and burying them in blessed/sacred vaults beside the Nile River. Similarly, the Ancient Greeks went so far as to build Temples specifically for “healing” dogs. Overall, studies suggest that animals indeed maintain numerous therapeutic attributes that ultimately improve both the mental and physical health of an individual. The medical history that pertains to the advantageous use of animals for therapeutic purposes is extensive. One exemplifying individual …show more content…

It could be a safe place for them. Some people confuse pet therapy with Animal Assisted Activities, they are different because pet therapy is for patients working towards specific goals when AAA sessions are more casual and seeking enjoyment and comfort with the animals around them. For children with disabilities, that type of companionship can also include inestimable physical and emotional therapy. Whether it's enhancing muscles through horseback riding, feeling inspired to improve while swimming with dolphins or gathering confidence with the benefit and companionship of a service animal, kids with disabilities can benefit from many different kinds of animals and is proven that it genuinely helps them improve in their own …show more content…

Edward Creagan, a professor at the Mayo Clinic in Minnesota, has encouraged patients to get pets for the last 30 years."Studies suggest that pets can do more than keep you young at heart," he said during an educational summit. Depending on the nature of your therapy and type of animal involved, "They can help keep your heart-and the rest of you-younger and healthier." To support his recommendations, his own studies show that pet owners are four times more likely to live a full year after surviving a heart attack than non-owners. A wellness program involving animal health, human health and environmental concerns should be done for animals participating in AAA and AAT. All animals involved in this therapeutic work should be healthy and of good temperament. Animals should be closely monitored for signs of stress. They also undergo periodic behavioral assessment and if needed, participate in behavior monitoring and rehabilitation

More about Animal Therapy

Open Document