Animal therapy is a special kind of psychotherapeutic care where different animals are used to treat patients: cats, dogs, horses, dolphins and others.
Many of us know that communicating with animals is uplifting and calming. But the objectives of animal therapy are much broader. It is used as an adjunctive treatment when working with cerebral palsy, autism, Down syndrome, depression and other disorders.
Multiple observations and studies prove that children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) laugh, talk, and exhibit other positive social behaviors when they have a companion animal. Pets help people with autism combat feelings of loneliness. Additional research shows that pets can reduce the anxiety, depression, and fear that many people with ASD (autism) experience.
Where did animal therapy come from?
The first attempts to use animals in the treatment of patients were recorded in the XVIII century. In the hospital for the mentally ill, which was opened in 1796 by the British philanthropist William Tuke, doctors noted the positive effect of dogs on patients: in their presence patients’ aggression and frequency of seizures decreased.
Boris Levinson, an American child psychiatrist, began to use these animals in treatment. He noticed how small patients reacted positively to his dog, which was in the waiting room during the session. He subsequently proposed the use of dogs and cats to treat mental disorders. Levinson first used the term “pet therapy” in 1969.
The main objectives of animal therapy as a method of psycho-correction is to reveal additional possibilities of a person in his behavior and communication.
Research data indicate that watching animals increases the activity of the prefrontal cortex of the brain. This area is responsible for decision making and social interaction.
In addition, animal therapy activates the production of endorphins. These hormones are responsible for feelings of pleasure and are also characterized by pain-relieving activity, calming, improving mood, and relieving anxiety and stress.
Animal-assisted therapy can be used for a wide range of patient ages, from the very young to the elderly.
Types of animal therapy
Types of animal therapy can vary, with the main classification based on which animals are used for therapeutic purposes.
1. Canister therapy – therapy based on socialization with dogs
A dog is man’s friend. And also, his attending physician. In the classical sense, canister therapy means practicing a specific methodology with a specially trained dog.
In recent years, pet therapy has been successfully used to recover from injuries, stress disorders, strokes and to overcome disorders in epilepsy, neurosis, autism, cerebral palsy, Down’s syndrome and various types of dementia.
Studies have shown that dogs stabilize mental state, motivate motor activity, have a positive effect on attention and provide improvement of emotional background.
2. Felinotherapy – therapy based on interaction with cats
Felinotherapy is relevant for the treatment of a wide range of diseases, primarily psycho-emotional disorders: depression, neuroses, other mental disorders.
Cats have a unique biofield, which has a positive effect on the human body. The animal is laid on the sick place of the host and its warmth improves blood circulation and relieves spasms.
According to British scientists, peaceful purring with a frequency of 25 to 150 Hz relieves pain and reduces inflammation. The beneficial effects of cats for lowering blood pressure, healing bones and joints have also been confirmed by studies by Russian and American scientists.
3. Hippotherapy – therapy using horses
This type of therapy can be used for different age groups of patients and has a therapeutic effect both on the physical state of the body and on the psyche of the person.
This type of therapy is recommended for:
- Psychiatric disorders of varying severity;
- Neurological disorders;
- Physiological problems (paralysis, consequences of stroke)
It has been noted that in recent years medical clinics are increasingly cooperating with riding centers, where they provide rehabilitation for patients with autism and cerebral palsy.
4. Dolphin therapy is a therapy aimed at communication with dolphins, therapeutic swimming with them, which helps to relieve muscular and psycho-emotional tension.
Dolphin therapy is useful for the following categories of patients:
- Genetic pathologies (e.g. Down syndrome);
- Autism;
- Cerebral Palsy;
- Attention Deficit Disorder;
- CNS dysfunction;
- Experienced stress or trauma;
- Depressive disorders;
- Memory impairment;
- Mental retardation.
Additional aspects of animal therapy for children with autism
Animal therapy has a positive impact on children with autism, not only in terms of psycho-emotional well-being, but also in the development of various skills. Here are some additional aspects of this therapy:
- Developing emotional regulation and self-care: Interaction with animals helps children learn to care for others, develop empathy and improve social skills.
- Improving motor skills: Activities with animals, such as hippotherapy and canister therapy, help improve motor coordination, agility, posture and physical strength.
- Psychophysical effects of animals:
– Cats have a calming and relaxing effect.
– Dogs stimulate active exercise.
– Horses help develop balance and body control.
- Reduced need for medication: Regular sessions with animals can reduce stress levels, resulting in a reduced need for antidepressants and other medications.
Thus, animal therapy not only helps in treatment, but also contributes to the harmonious development of children with autism, improving their physical, emotional and social well-being.
Conclusion
Animal therapy is an effective and multifaceted method that has a positive impact on the health and psycho-emotional state of patients, especially children with autism and other disorders. Interaction with animals such as dogs, cats, horses and dolphins helps to improve social skills, reduce anxiety and depression, and activate the body’s self-healing mechanisms. Due to its universal properties, animal therapy continues to develop and attracts the attention of not only medical professionals, but also parents seeking to offer their children additional methods of support and correction. It is important to note that this approach requires professional training and supervision, but the results it brings confirm its value as an adjunctive therapy in the treatment of many diseases and disorders.
