Pet Therapy

It’s not unusual to find dogs used in pet therapy.

Animal assisted therapy has been found beneficial in that many patients have a stronger positive reaction to a visitor with a therapy dog than to just the visitor without the dog.  Dogs are often seen as social facilitators and it begins with giving patients and therapists a common topic of conversation etc.  Patients are encouraged to give the dog commands such as sit whilst they pet them and if capable, might be asked to treat them or fetch a bowl of water to motivate and give interest.  Some patients who won’t engage with other humans will chat to an animal.

Regular contact with dogs has been reported to promote an array of good for our well-being including lowering blood pressure and stress right through to a reduction in pain.

A therapist attending a facility with a dog is considered less threatening by some patients and gives them something extra to look forward to.  Dogs are subject to meeting a number of criteria to pass as suitable for pet therapy.

 

Leah & Angela OMeara

Hound Dog Day Care (Specialists in Dog Minding & Dog Boarding, Pet Sitting Brisbane & Doggy Day Care Brisbane)