CHECK OUT 4 WAYS A THERAPY PET CAN HELP THE SICK

You may not think pets and hospitals go hand in hand, but they do. The very presence of an animal in the hospital often causes an uproar - but in a good way. Everyone wants to get in on the fun.  

Have you ever been in hospital? It can be a scary place. And, it's filled with sick people. The environment can also be lonely and isolated with only health professionals coming into your room. For some, hospitals conjure up visions of pain and death. But it doesn't have to be that way. 

Pet therapy programs can be found in many healthcare facilities. They are designed to assist patients with recovery and treatment. We know pets increase good mood and decrease blood pressure. They are sensitive to their owners' moods and strive to soothe them whenever possible. Pets have been used in pain therapies (such as arthritis), behavioral issues, mental health patients, veterans with PTSD, nursing home residents, and more. 

Their companionship can provide health benefits such as:

• Lower cholesterol levels,
• Lower blood pressure (previously mentioned),
• Increased alertness,
• Increased balance,
• Increased wellbeing and socialization,
• Less stress.

Who wouldn't benefit from that kind of therapy? People worry about pets in hospitals, but measures are taken carefully to ensure the animals chosen to participate in these therapy programs are immunized, friendly, clean, and well-behaved. 

Four Ways to Help Sick People with Pets:

Pets are a responsibility. They are learning to care for them. Seeing them every day can spark a renewed sense of purpose in those undergoing chemotherapy or other major procedures. Their bond with the pets gives them a reason to fight on and meet complex medical challenges with hope and a positive outlook.

Many hospital patients, who receive pet therapy, are reminded of their pets left behind at home. The therapy pet is a willing surrogate and can also help their recipients to recover faster or needless care so they can get back home to their beloved dog or cat. Many patients are secretly worried about who will care for their pets while away or if something happens to them.

It can be lonely staying in the hospital. Therapy animals make the stay more exciting and less isolated. Patients who may not get many visitors look forward to their daily dog walk or cuddle time.

Other family members benefit from animal visits. The presence of a dog affects everyone in the room. For a moment, they can forget and enjoy a laugh and a cuddle with their loved one and their doggie friend.

Sickness doesn't have to be a lonely experience when therapy pets are around.