Scientists have proven that communication with cats, dogs, horses, rabbits, and other animals strengthens people's immunity and nervous system and positively affects a person's psychological state. The Online.ua Guide discovered what diseases animals can treat, what pet therapy is and how it works.
What is pet therapy?
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Pet therapy is using animals to treat and prevent various diseases, including problems with the cardiovascular system and mental disorders. As studies have shown, animals have a positive effect on the condition of patients with autism, emotional disorders, post-traumatic syndrome, schizophrenia, depression or harmful addictions.
Emotional support animals do not need to be taught any specific skills. It is enough that there is a friendly attitude between the pet and the owner, and an emotional connection is formed. There is also no restriction on the types of animals - the main thing is that the pet likes the person.
Restrictions on pet therapy can only be an allergy to fur and a phobia of certain types of animals.
How does pet therapy work?
According to supporters of this technique, communicating with and caring for animals helps stabilize a person's emotional state. The pet owner becomes more balanced and can relax during nervous tension. Also, animals help a person to increase self-esteem and socialize after a severe shock.
Together with a four-legged friend, a person does not feel lonely and abandoned. He becomes less irritable and begins to control his emotions. It has been scientifically proven that even after a few minutes of communication with an animal you like, the hormones of joy — endorphins and oxytocin — begin to be released in the human body.
Dogs
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The dog is considered the most famous-legged "psychotherapist" among pets. Getting a dog is recommended for people who suffer from depression, are often stressed and have problems with the nervous system. A dog of any breed and size is suitable for emotional support, and the main thing is that friendly relations develop between him and the owner.
Cats
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Cats are often kept in homes for the elderly, hospitals and schools. There are even speciuniques where you can sit with a cat in your arms. These animals calm the nerves, help relieve stress and cure insomnia because the presence of a cat nearby creates a feeling of security. A cat's purr allows you to relax, and stroking a cat releases the hormone of joy — oxytocin.
Horses
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Horses are used for psychotherapy of people with alcohol and drug addiction, as well as children with Down syndrome and cerebral palsy. It is not necessary to know how to ride a horse — it will significantly improve the well-being and care of horses. It is also noted that horses can recognize and imitate human emotions, so pet therapy with the participation of these animals is recommended for people who have experienced severe stress or emotional upheaval.
Dolphins
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Dolphin therapy is a separate type of medical and psychological rehabilitation and pet therapy. Playing with this animal and performing special exercises, a person begins to feel better and gets rid of fears and anxieties. For example, dolphin therapy is recommended for children with cerebral palsy, mental retardation, autism, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, Down syndrome, and other mental disorders.
Rabbits
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People who, for some reason, cannot take care of a cat or dog can get a rabbit. This animal is quiet and calm and does not require special care. Watching rabbits helps relieve stress and calm down, and stroking these cute animals helps develop fine motor skills. But before buying a rabbit in a pet store, you must ensure the animal is tame and used to people.
Reptiles
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Reptiles are primitive animals, and caring for them is not suitable for everyone. However, studies have shown that reptiles help distract from negative experiences and even treat depression. The point is that caring for a reptile is not very easy, but it is interesting. Therefore, a person will be busy with this process and will be able to get rid of sadness in this way.
