The Power of Pet Therapy

It is gaining more attention now that ever-the introduction of pets to aid in the treatment of illnesses. Recent research proves that those patients who have suffered heart attacks live longer when they own a pet. Something as simple as watching a tankful of tropical fish can temporarily lower blood pressure, and a study of 92 patients being treated for angina or heart attack who also owned pets were more likely to live a year longer than those patients who did not own pets. Think about it - something as easy as owning a pet can actually imrpove the quality of life, help with illnesses, and provide loving companionship too!

Today, pets like dogs and cats are being used in the treatment of AIDS, cancer, care for the elderly and the mentally ill. Why are animals helpful when used in therapeutic treatment? Doctors feel animals provide a constant source of comfort in which to focus our attention. Interactions between people are complex and unpredictable, this kind of problem does not seem to occur with animals, because animals bring out a nurturing instinct. "They also make us feel safe and unconditionally accepted. We can just be ourselves around our pets. " (pet therapy, Holisitic online)

Any way the mind can be reverted from the thoughts of stress and depression that often accompany illness is very beneficial, and animals have this power. Think about how watching puppies or kittens at play makes us laugh. It is a wonderful way to get our minds off our worries. Research shows that having pets reduces stress, and adds years to your life. A recent study at UCLA uncovered that miraculously, that dog owners required less medical care than for stress-produced ailments than non-dog owners.

It doesn't even seem to matter what kind of pet you choose, any kind of pet that interests you can enrich your life. The therapeutic benefits are the same whether you choose a dog, cat, fish, or bird. Just make sure you pick a pet that suits your personality, your lifestyle, and your home.

It is an interesting notion that pets can add so much to our lives. It isn't so hard to see why-animals only ask for the basic necessities, but when they are given love, they return it in spades. And you can communicate clearly with them without ever uttering a word. Doctors have strong feelings why having a pet can actually add more years to your life:

"Pet owners often feel needed and responsible, which may stimulate the survival incentive. They feel they need to survive to take care of their pets. (Many cancer patients with pets have lived longer because they felt that their pets need them!) Stroking a dog, watching a kitten tumble, or observing the hypnotic explorations of fish can be an antidote to a foul mood or a frazzling day. " (pet therapy, Holisitic online)

Pets brought into nursing homes and hospitals boosted patients' spirits as well as social interaction. Animals are a great way to take the focus off the stressful occurences of our everyday lives, and gives us the feeling of unconditonal acceptance. You can be yourself. Animals are incredibly forgiving-if you have to spank your dog, within minutes he has forgotten all about it. They love you whether you're rich or poor, and they don't care what sex or color you are. We can all learn a great deal about the goodness that is naturally in the hearts of animals. Perhaps this is partially why they are so therapeutic.