11 - Emotional Support From Pets

Companion animals contribute much to the physical, mental, and emotional health of their human friends. Long-time animal owners know this. Now it has been documented in many research studies as well. In our fast-paced, urban society, people tend to be more isolated from extended family members than ever before. Pets fill the void of isolation people experience. Pets offer unconditional love. For people with mental health problems or delinquency problems, pets provide opportunity to take responsibility to care for another living creature.

petsPets have a very calming influence on their human partners, a positive effect on people’s moods. Human-animal bonding reduces stress and anxiety, diffuses tensions, improves cardiovascular health, heightens one’s sense of self-esteem, and increases one’s sense of security.

Pet therapy has been used extensively in several different institutions. Dogs and cats visit various care facilities such as hospital rooms of the terminally ill, extended care institutions for the elderly, institutions for the mentally ill, and even a variety of places of incarceration.

Pets appear to love one and all without discrimination. They also display trust in people, which is very therapeutic. Pets give people who are ill and dependent a sense of dignity. Pets generate a feeling of being needed, which gives patients the opportunity to practise their nurturing skills. The overall health of some of the fragile elderly has improved as they anticipate regular visits from four-legged friends. Some people who shrink from communicating with human beings will break that barrier and talk to their pet friends. In some cases, pets have proven to be more effective in helping the ill than either drug treatment or counselling.