The Amazing Benefits Of Pet Therapy

Animals Can Aid In Pain Management

Further studies have also explored the effectiveness of canine visitation therapy (CVT) in pediatric pain management. The findings revealed a single visit from an animal significantly reduced a patient’s perceived pain and general discomfort after surgery, which suggests pet therapy may have a physical health benefit to it. The logic behind this idea is pets provide a distraction from pain, and are a comforting reminder of home for many of these children. The patients themselves reported the pets were a source of happiness, fun, pleasure, and entertainment, whereas the physical contact provided by the pets contributed to the reduction in perceived pain.

Similar findings have been discovered for hospitalized adults and the benefits of pet therapy. For instance, adult patients experienced a significant improvement in their energy level and respiratory rate, as well as a major reduction in pain and a negative state of mind when interacting with an animal. Specifically, these adult patients showed monumental improvements on several mood state subscales, which included their tension, anxiety, fatigue, and inertia levels, and pet therapy improved a patient’s mood and pain overall.

Next, find out the various types of pet therapy available to those who need this highly interacting and loving form of therapy.