(Source: Mayo Clinic) Pet therapy is a broad term that includes animal-assisted therapy and other animal-assisted activities. Animal-assisted therapy is a growing field that uses dogs or other animals to help people recover from or better cope with health problems, such as heart disease, cancer, and mental health disorders.
Imagine you're in the hospital. Your doctor mentions the hospital's animal-assisted therapy program and asks if you'd be interested. You say yes, and your doctor arranges for someone to tell you more about the program. Soon after that, an assistance dog and its handler visit your hospital room. They stay for 10 or 15 minutes. You're invited to pet the dog and ask the handler questions.
After the visit, you realize you're smiling. And you feel a little less tired and a bit more optimistic. You can't wait to tell your family all about that charming canine. In fact, you're already looking forward to the dog's next visit.
Health Condition | Colitis, Dehydration |
Journal Topics | Pet Therapy |
Journal Types | Information |
Mental Health Professionals | Therapists |
Mental Health Services | Assessment & Therapy |
Mental illnesses & Diseases | Anxiety Disorders |
Source Verified: Health News Organizations | Mayo Clinic |
Veterinarian Care & Therapy | Pet Therapy, Wellness Care |