The importance of Pet Therapy

Often my coworkers hear me said, “I ready to go home to my dog”.   They laugh; I laugh, it’s all good.  There is, however, a reason behind feeling this need to just pet your favorite canine.

When I was managing a skilled nursing unit, we allowed family to occasionally sneak a patient’s pet in to spend some time with them.  We found it often helped to calm the patient so they could better get through their physical therapy and revamped their willingness to recover.

Pet therapy has been shown to facilitate stress reduction on both physical and emotional levels. Dogs are commonly recognized as companions with significant therapeutic value. Many pets form strong bonds with their owners and exhibit protective behaviors.

Interacting with animals has been shown to stimulate the release of oxytocin, a hormone associated with bonding and well-being. In addition, this activity can reduce cortisol levels—the hormone linked to stress—while also elevating serotonin and dopamine, which contribute to feelings of calmness and happiness. Other documented benefits include a reduction in feelings of loneliness.

Physical benefits of pet therapy include lower blood pressure, increased activity from walking your dog, and possible pain relief by focusing on your pet instead of yourself.

So, enjoy your best friend, talk to them and just generally love them and pamper them.