Pets Make Us Happy: The Benefits of Animal Therapy

There’s no denying that pets bring us joy. Whether it’s dance parties with our dogs, jumping around with our cats, or watching our rabbits do silly behaviors, the bond between humans and animals can be truly special. However, pets are more than just cute and cuddly companions. Studies have shown that pets provide therapeutic benefits for individuals who suffer from mental illnesses. Emotional support animals have become increasingly popular and are known to help improve depression, anxiety, attention deficit disorder, bipolar disorder, and post-traumatic stress disorder.

What are Emotional Support Animals?

Emotional support animals are pets that offer comfort and support to individuals suffering from mental health issues. These animals can be any type of pet, as long as they have a positive effect on their owner’s mental health. Emotional support animals are not the same as service animals, as they do not have to be trained to perform specific tasks. However, emotional support animals are still protected under the law and are allowed in certain places, such as airplanes and housing.

Types of Animals Used for Emotional Support

Dogs: Dogs are perhaps the most well-known type of emotional support animal. They can offer comfort, companionship, and a sense of security to those suffering from mental health issues. They can be trained to sense their owner’s emotional needs and can even alert them when they sense a potential panic attack or other negative emotional state.

Horses: Horses are also becoming increasingly popular as emotional support animals. Equine therapy involves interacting with horses, either by riding them or simply petting them. Equine therapy has been shown to reduce feelings of insecurity, improve self-confidence, and improve attention and concentration. It is particularly effective for those with phobias, autism, anxiety, nervousness, and aggressiveness.

Rabbits: Rabbits make great emotional support animals due to their mild nature. They are less aggressive than predators and can be easily trained. Holding and petting a rabbit can offer comfort to both the rabbit and the person in need of healing. Some hospitals even have bunnies on staff to help patients in the healing process.

Alpacas: Alpacas are great for patients suffering from substance abuse or other mental disorders. Taking care of an alpaca can offer a sense of accomplishment and responsibility, which can help those suffering from mental illness gain a sense of pride and accomplishment.

Birds: While not a traditional therapy animal, birds have been shown to help those with mental health issues. Some birds, such as parrots, can mimic words and phrases, which can help patients recognize when they are being negative versus positive. Bird watching can also improve a person’s ability to be reflective and introspective.

Cats: Cats are great for reducing anxiety and fear in children and adolescents. They teach kids responsibility, offer them friendship and a distraction, as well as physical contact and social comfort. Cats’ purring has been shown to have a calming and relaxing effect on people.

Reptiles: Therapy snakes are trained specifically to work with people who have mental illnesses. Handled properly, they can give a person a sense of achievement and may be less judgmental than other therapy animals.

The Benefits of Animal Therapy

Animals instinctively provide a level of comfort and companionship that can be difficult to achieve through traditional therapy. They provide a sense of unconditional love and are often more sensitive to our emotional needs than other humans. Studies have shown that patients who have access to therapy animals have lower levels of stress and reduced anxiety. They also have lower blood pressure and improved social skills.

Emotional support animals can be a valuable addition to mental health treatment plans. Their calming presence can offer a sense of peace and healing to those who need it most. While traditional therapy will always have its place, the joy and companionship of an animal can be a valuable tool in healing those who suffer from mental illness. So, whether it’s a dog, cat, horse, or even a reptile, animals have the power to make us happy and heal our mental health.