It is now widely recognised that many physical diseases are caused by mental stress. Spending time with companion animals creates a tremendous sense of well-being, as well as increasing self-confidence and a positive outlook. Scientific evidence proves that spending time with a companion animal, such as a dog, improves both the physical and mental well-being of people.
Scientists believe that a closeness with animals can have a natural healing effect on many medical conditions.
UK and Australian surveys show that when patients are able to give their attention to an animal, they are able to forget their own suffering for a while. Simply, being in close contact with an animal makes you feel good!
Physical, occupational and speech therapy programmes repeatedly find that animals help motivate patients to exercise and improve their verbal and coordination skills, as well as enhancing general mobility and social interaction.
Companion animals play a critical role in human socialisation - being in contact with companion animals reduces the sense of loneliness and isolation that many patients and the elderly feel, as well as helping to break down social barriers.
Simple exercises such as throwing a ball, brushing a coat, or taking a new friend for a walk can give new meaning to life in care.
How it works
Companion animals provide friendship, entertainment, intimacy, affection, stimulation and offer a break from the normal routine.
Companion animals can help raise morale.
Companion animals can strengthen a patient's contact with reality.
Companion animals help draw people into community activities.
Dogs provide a unique and often major source of support for people, increasing a person's perception of his or her own ability to cope.
Dr Dog visits create a shared experience among residents in care.
Dr Dog visits allow opportunities for interaction and touch that do not exist in conventional therapy
Improvements in psychological components of general health amongst patients are attributed to:
The increase in sensory stimulation that is brought about by the presence of companion animals.
The increase in social interaction
The increase in communication
Pets are effective medium of communication and growth for children
Pets and Children
Scientific proof after evaluating the effect of Dr Dog visits on the behaviour of mentally handicapped adults
Scientific Proof
