Stressed Out? Let Your Pet Be Your Therapist!

"Tired, Stressed, Lonely, Heartbroken?" Let Your Pet Heal Your Heart! Believe it or not, pets are like a great vitamin that can help put your mind at ease. Even though they can't talk, they can convey love through their actions and their eyes. On top of that, pets also take on an important role as four-legged therapists, known as "Pet Therapy."

"Pet Therapy" is the use of animals to treat illnesses or conditions related to mental health. Animal-assisted therapy has a long history dating back to the 19th century in Europe, and it's now widely popular in many countries. The reason pets are able to help treat humans is because they can stimulate perception and touch, increase focus, build a sense of trust, and also provide us with warmth. This method helps in the recovery of people with health issues such as Alzheimer's, depression, and many other conditions.

Popular Types of Pet Therapy

• Dogs are often used for mental health therapy, reducing stress, and reducing symptoms of depression, and they also help with physical movement in patients with paralysis. Popular breeds trained for this include Labrador Retrievers, Golden Retrievers, and Poodles.
• Cats: there's scientific proof that a cat's purr has a low frequency that helps stimulate the nervous system, aiding in relaxation. In Japan, cats have been working as therapists for over 10 years, in the form of bringing cats to visit patients or nursing homes to help elderly residents relax.
• Dolphins are highly intelligent animals that interact well with humans and are also friendly. Dolphins also have a special ability to emit frequencies that help humans feel relaxed and cheerful.
• Horses are often used in therapy for children with autism or ADHD. Equine therapy helps with body movement control, calming the mind, and improving focus. When children try horse therapy, it builds their sense of pride and self-confidence, and also helps train focus and the ability to stay still.

In addition to dogs, cats, dolphins, and horses, there are many other types of animals used as therapy animals for patients. Using "Pet Therapy," or animal-assisted therapy, is another treatment option for patients suffering from illness or mental health issues. Each therapy session must prioritize safety and require thorough training from experts -- otherwise, there's a risk of harm from being injured by the animal.