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Tags: health, wellness, physical therapy, pet therapy
 Pet therapy which is also known as AAA (animal assisted activities), AAT (animal assisted therapy) and animal visitation is widely known all over the world. Pet therapy has been known to deliver a host of benefits to a diversity of patients. Whether is the infirm, the elderly, a resident or hospitalized children, pet therapy is said to be effective.
One who has had a pet may understand why. Keeping a pet at home can be a rewarding experience. Pets give unconditional love and loyalty. They are a constant source of welcome company. These same benefits of keeping a pet can be had with pet therapy. Normal individuals certainly can appreciate the presence of a warm and accepting pet.
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What more of ailing, debilitated and languishing people. Pet therapy is actually a general term and it encompasses many therapeutic activities involving animals. These animals can be companions or occasional visitors to the sick, the elderly, the mentally ill or a resident going through rehabilitation. Pet therapy has been widely recognized in hospitals.
It is even a great way to help children cope with the stress and anxieties of hospitalization. A wide range of medical and emotional ailments are now facilitated with pet therapy. At times, even just one treatment of it can and does work in alleviating many of the patient’s symptoms.
Pet therapy apparently works in more ways than one. Other than promoting socialization, it also enhances the patients’ self-esteem. Patients can also find acceptance and entertainment with pet companions. Animal visitations provide a warm presence to ailing individuals. Pets have become patient listeners to these people. Residents of health care facilities enjoy a relaxing interlude with animal visitations.
The Wishard Health Services initiated the pet therapy program in November 2002. Since then, the therapy program grew in popularity. Nursing homes, hospitals, rehab centers, mental institutions and health care centers began acknowledging the effectiveness of the program. Pet therapy continues to grow in leaps and bounds. It is one of the most rewarding volunteer activities an animal and a handler can get involved in.
In most cases, dogs are trained to aid in pet therapy. Visits from these animals can have a positive effect both the patients’ physical and emotional health. With pet therapy, an ailing person or a resident’s loneliness can be reduced. They are able to find a sense of purpose in the company of animals.
People who enjoy animals can find pet therapy worthwhile. Better health, improved communication, a relaxed mood and an enhanced connection with the world are some of its delightful rewards. Patients and residents can find their needed chance to play and recreate with animal visitations. Pet therapy can promote physical movement, cognitive awareness, emotional well-being and social involvement.
Dogs used in pet therapy initially go through extensive training. For those who intent to have their dogs participate in pet therapy, they can begin searching online for organizations that seek volunteers. They can also obtain information from a university’s school of veterinary medicine. Pet therapy is indeed fulfilling for all those involved- the pet, the handler and the patient.
It is where each can find a purpose in reaching out and making a difference.
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About the author
The author of this article Rose Windale is a Health and Wellness Coach who has been successful with several natural health programs for many years. Rose recently published a step-by-step guide on how to lose weight the EASY way and become totally healthy and happy. More info on her life-changing eating habits plan HERE.
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