Who could argue that animals can have a positive effect on emotional well-being? With research being carried out in the field of alternative medicine continuously, more and more people are beginning to realize the cathartic effects that animals have on the well-being of people, especially those patients suffering from depression. .

While some people recover from depression using medication alone, there are many others who would prefer to use a combination of alternative therapies to try to alleviate the symptoms of depression. One of these treatments under study is ‘Pet Therapy’, but what is this alternative and how could it help?

Many scientists have spent endless hours researching the different types of therapy available to treat depression as an illness; ‘Pet Therapy’ has been concluded as one of these therapies. Animals have long been recognized as a positive force in the healing process.

Dogs have a calming and therapeutic effect on people. They can help people cope with emotional problems related to their illness. They also offer physical contact with another living thing and help divert a person’s attention from their pressing daily problems. Owning a dog creates a sense of responsibility. Dogs depend on their owners for food, walking, attention and love. What better excuse for a depressed person to get out of bed in the morning?

Dogs love almost everyone without any degree of prejudice or rejection. You don’t need to speak any kind of language to communicate with a four-legged friend. Give them a treat, tickle their belly and they will love you without limits. Dogs are aware of illness and sadness and really want to provide companionship and comfort; they show an abundance of intelligence and are intuitive and compassionate. Any dog ​​owner will relate and agree with me when I say that it is a warm feeling when their dog can sense her pain and lick her tears.

Pet therapy can facilitate many positive changes, one example being increased socialization skills. Animals can be used as part of group therapy programs to encourage communication and increase the ability to concentrate. Helping to build a person’s self-esteem and reducing loneliness and anxiety are just some of the potential benefits of individual animal therapy.

The bond between humans and animals is demonstrated every day in millions of homes around the world. It is also becoming a powerful and common mode of therapy in many facilities such as hospitals, schools, and nursing homes.

While it is difficult to measure and quantify the benefits of dog therapy with solid scientific facts, there is no doubt that the magical interaction possible between animal and human is unmistakable. Tears can dry. Frowns turn into smiles. The silence is broken, and last but not least, loneliness and isolation can be expelled from a person through the contact and hugs of the mother. Dogs offer the absolute and unconditional love of their owner and a limitless level of patience that no human being could provide. A dog’s love is limitless, what better form of alternative therapy could there be?

The author reserves all rights to this work.

(c) Samantha Weaver 2006