 |
Animal Therapy
Animal therapy is a wonderful way of bringing pets and people together for healthy interaction. The benefits of this unique therapy are countless. By taking docile and trained animals to hospices, medical centers, children's hospitals, retirement centers, and even home-bound patients, animal therapy enhances memory and social interaction. As a natural stress reducer, animal therapy is an excellent method of incidental physiotherapy.
Medical research shows that animal therapy promotes shorter hospital stays, decreases blood pressure, and dramatically improves sense of wellbeing. In most cases, patients excitedly anticipate their furry friends' visits; thus giving children, adults and the elderly even more reason to feel happier, healthier and more alert.
Individuals who have been professionally trained in animal therapy have gained essential skills in people-animal communications, and can have a healthful and empowering effect on both children and adults, alike. Dogs that are used in animal therapy are generally certified as therapy dogs through the Therapy Dogs International; and have received obedience training prior to certification.
Dogs that participate in animal therapy programs are also trained in various settings like in elevators, noisy areas, and in public or confined locations to desensitize them from potential encounters like medical machinery, among others.
To begin the process of getting your dog into an animal therapy program, you will need proof of up-to-date vaccinations and certificate of good health from a veterinarian; be able to give the dog annual physicals, and demonstrate animal cleanliness. In addition, dogs should be able to comprehend and adhere to basic behaviors like non-aggression towards strangers, loose lead walking, walking through a crowd; and sit, stay, and down verbal commands. The most important attribute of the prospective candidate for animal therapy is friendliness and a calm disposition.
If you (or someone you know) are interested in learning more about this or other natural health innovations, let professional training within fast-growing industries like massage therapy, naturopathy, acupuncture, Chinese medicine, Reiki, and others get you started! Explore animal therapy near you.
Additional Animal Therapy Resources
If you found this article on animal therapy helpful and would like more information on this or other natural health and career training options, see additional related material below:
|
Articles in the category Animal Therapy:
The Fourth Magi Parts I & II
Pet Therapy for Residents of Nursing Homes
The Pomeranian of Today Make Good Professional Therapy Dogs
Shih Tzu Puppies for Sale: A 2008 Legend of the Saddle Marking
The Papillon as a Service Dog?
Animals Benefit from Energy Healing
Goodbye, My Little One
|
|
|
Animal Therapy