Love Your Pets? Here Is How Animals Can Provide Emotional Therapy To Humans

The idea of someone waiting for you after you come back exhausted from work can just change your entire mood. If this someone is a furry pet then it just makes a lot more sense because these innocent animals are the most loyal companions anyone can have. They give without any expectation and help without any judgment. But here is the deal, these furry creatures can also help a human's mental health and can lead to one's overall betterment.

What is animal-assisted therapy?

For many with mental health disorders animals can be a boon. In fact, animals can be very helpful in improving one's mental health and there is a proper channel through which animals can provide a way to provide therapy as well. This is called animal-assisted therapy (AAT).

Animal-assisted therapy (AAT) is a therapeutic approach that involves the use of animals as a part of a therapeutic treatment plan. It typically involves a trained therapist or counsellor working alongside a certified therapy animal, such as a dog, cat, horse, or even a smaller animal like a rabbit. The goal of animal-assisted therapy is to improve the emotional, mental, and physical well-being of individuals by incorporating interactions with animals into the therapeutic process.

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Dr Bhanu Dev Sharma, Co-CMO & Co-CCO at MaxPetZ has spoken about this form of therapy and shed some light on the same. A study titled "Paws for Thought: A Controlled Study Investigating the Benefits of Interacting with a House-Trained Dog on University Students' Mood and Anxiety" shows that spending time with therapy dogs reduces symptoms of depression and anxiety and also helps in the treatment of issues like post-traumatic stress disorders (PTSD). In fact, we¡¯ve found it also has a great role to play in the treatment of children on the autism spectrum or those with other developmental and communication disabilities."

"We've also seen this in our own experience as vets. One of our groomers regularly takes her dog, Myra, to interact with kids with special needs and the impact on their wellbeing is significant. However, the benefits of animal interactions are not just limited to pets. There¡¯s evidence to show that interactions with farm animals including cows, horses and even chickens can have a profound impact on people¡¯s mental health. In fact, there is also evidence for the positive impact of emotional therapy involving marine life such as dolphins and aquarium fish."

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When was this first discovered?

As per Connor K, Miller J. Animal-assisted therapy: an in-depth look, the discovery of Animal-assisted therapy was first discovered back in the late 1800s, when Florence Nightingale, considered the founder of modern nursing, made substantial discoveries regarding AAT. It was discovered that small pets were helping children and adults in psychiatric institutions to feel better mentally and emotionally. She also noticed that it was also helping with anxiety.

What are the different kinds of animal-assisted therapies?

The animal-assisted therapy is not about one size fits all. It has different variations wherein different kinds of animals or their counterparts can help with distinct emotional and mental problems. Here are a few different kinds described by Dr Bhanu:

Canine assisted therapy

This is often referred to as "dog therapy" involves interaction with trained dogs for emotional support and assistance. Therapy dogs are commonly used to alleviate symptoms of depression, anxiety, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

Feline assisted therapy

This is also known as cat therapy. Even though it is less common than canine therapy, it can have a calming effect and reduce stress and anxiety. Cats are often used in healthcare settings to provide comfort to patients.

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Help with children

Pets can also help children with learning disabilities learn how to regulate stress and calm themselves, making them better equipped to overcome the challenges of their disorder. Playing and exercising with a dog or cat can help a child with learning disorders stay alert and attentive throughout the day. It can also be a great antidote to stress and frustration caused by the learning disability.

Equine-assisted therapy

This involves interactions with horses and is often used for individuals with mental health issues, developmental disorders, or trauma. Activities may include riding, grooming, and caring for the horses, helping clients develop emotional awareness and improving communication skills.

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What makes animal-assisted therapy a success?

Now that we are well aware of the fact that animal-assisted therapy is beneficial for the betterment of the overall health of a person, there is a proper reason why this form of therapy has been a success. According to Dr Bhanu Dev has shed some first-hand opinion as to why it works.

"The concept of animal-assisted therapy is rooted in the emotional bond that develops between people and animals when they interact. Animal companionship is emotionally safe and non-judgemental, provides comfort and safety, and helps divert attention away from a stressful situation. Talk to anyone after interacting with an animal and they will tell you they feel happier and more peaceful. This happens because the simple act of petting an animal or cuddling with it can help our brain release feel-good neurotransmitters. This is the reason that interacting with animals helps people beat loneliness, boost social support, increase motivation, and even help individual empathy and self-esteem."

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As per Dr Bhanu, there has been an increase in animal-assisted therapy and more people have been opting for it. Not just that, people in India are slowly realising and understanding how animals play a vital role in the betterment of the society and overall well-being of a person which includes emotional and mental growth.