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Playing With Your Pet Children (Who Says Pets Can't Be Your Children?)

Updated: Apr 16


Pets are often like children to their humans! Playing with them not only strengthens the bond but also keeps both of you happy and healthy. 


The bond between humans and animals is one of the most rewarding relationships we can experience. Having a pet not only enhances our emotional well-being but also provides physical, social, and even spiritual benefits. 


Emotional Benefits

  • Stress Relief: Interacting with pets reduces cortisol levels (the stress hormone) and increases oxytocin (the "feel-good" hormone), promoting relaxation and happiness.

  • Companionship: Pets provide unconditional love and comfort, reducing feelings of loneliness and isolation, especially for people living alone or in challenging circumstances.

  • Emotional Support: Many people find their pets are their best listeners, offering a nonjudgmental presence that helps process emotions.


Physical Health Benefits

  • Lower Blood Pressure & Heart Health: Studies show that pet owners often have lower blood pressure and a reduced risk of cardiovascular diseases.

  • Increased Physical Activity: Dogs, in particular, encourage regular exercise through daily walks or play.

  • Boosted Immunity: Exposure to pets in childhood may reduce allergies and strengthen the immune system.


Mental Health Benefits

  • Anxiety and Depression Management: Pets create a calming presence, helping to alleviate symptoms of anxiety and depression. The act of caring for a pet can also provide a sense of purpose.

  • Mindfulness: Pets live in the present moment and can help us practice mindfulness by focusing on the "now."

  • Therapeutic Effects: Animal-assisted therapy is widely used for conditions such as PTSD, autism, and dementia.


Social Benefits

  • Improved Social Interactions: Pets often serve as conversation starters, helping their owners connect with others during walks, vet visits, or pet-related events.

  • Community Building: Pet groups, training classes, or dog parks can introduce people to like-minded individuals.


Spiritual Connection

  • Many people describe their bond with pets as spiritual, offering a sense of connection to the natural world. Pets teach lessons in empathy, compassion, and the power of unconditional love.


Role of pets in the healthcare systems worldwide - Animal-Assisted Therapy (AAT) or Animal-Assisted Activities (AAA)


Reducing Anxiety and Depression: The calming presence of animals can help patients manage symptoms of anxiety and depression. For example:

  • Petting a dog or cat has been shown to release oxytocin (the "love hormone") and reduce cortisol (stress hormone).

  • Therapy animals are used in mental health facilities to comfort patients undergoing therapy for PTSD, trauma, or grief.


Animal-Assisted Therapy (AAT)

  • AAT involves structured, goal-oriented therapy sessions where animals are an integral part of the treatment. This is led by a trained therapist and can include:

    • Physical Therapy: Encouraging patients to stretch or reach by interacting with the animal.

    • Speech Therapy: Patients might practice speaking commands to therapy animals.

    • Occupational Therapy: Helping patients improve fine motor skills by grooming or feeding the animal.


Benefits in Special Populations

  • Children with Autism: Interactions with therapy animals help improve social skills, reduce sensory overload, and promote emotional regulation.

  • Veterans with PTSD: Therapy dogs are commonly used to help veterans manage trauma-related symptoms, providing companionship and a sense of safety.

  • Dementia Patients: Animals help stimulate memories and create moments of joy, reducing agitation and depression in patients with Alzheimer's or other forms of dementia.


Examples of Successful Programs

  • Canine Therapy Programs: Organisations like Therapy Dogs International or Pet Partners train therapy dogs to visit hospitals and schools.

  • Equine-Assisted Growth and Learning Association (EAGALA): Uses horses in therapeutic settings for mental health treatment.

  • Pets for Vets: Matches veterans with emotional support animals to help them reintegrate into civilian life.


Written by: Riya Chatterjee


12/2024


References

Abd-Alrazaq, A., Alhuwail, D., Househ, M., Hamdi, M., Shah, Z., & Khalifa, M. (2023). The effectiveness of animal-assisted therapy on mental health and well-being: A systematic review and meta-analysis. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 20(3), 1997. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC10000229/


Cipriani, J., Riley, M. L., & Bernard, R. (2023). A scoping review of equine-assisted services for older adults. Occupational Therapy International, 2023, 1–19. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC10262044/


Eagala. (n.d.). Equine-assisted psychotherapy and personal development. https://www.eagala.org/

Pets for Vets. (n.d.). Pets for Vets: Healing Vets and Saving Pets. https://petsforvets.com/


Muñoz Lasa, S., Ferriero, G., Brigatti, E., Valero, R., Franchignoni, F., & Gandolfi, M. (2021). Animal-assisted interventions in neurorehabilitation: A review of the most recent literature. Neurology International, 13(3), 408–420. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8415490/


Noble Canine. (n.d.). Home. https://www.noble-canine.com/


O’Haire, M. E. (2020). Animal-assisted intervention for trauma: A systematic literature review. Frontiers in Psychology, 10, 1–15. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7036682/




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