The Healing Power of Animal Therapy

Animal therapy, also known as animal-assisted therapy (AAT), has gained widespread recognition as a powerful tool for promoting emotional, psychological, and even physical well-being. This therapeutic practice involves the use of trained animals to assist individuals in achieving specific health goals. From reducing stress and anxiety to aiding in physical rehabilitation, the benefits of animal therapy are both profound and scientifically supported.

But we can also benefit from the joy of our own pets, our friends’ pets, or even volunteer or paid work with animals. There is something about the unconditional love of animals and the joy even just a few moments with them, can bring. It can alleviate the pressure of a stressful day and take your mind off the busyness of life, if you let it.
I love animals and relish in any opportunity to catch up with my friends where I can also spend time with their dog, or whatever pet they have. I’ve even volunteered to walk neighbours’ dogs for them and pet-sit for friends when they’re away.

What I love about when I am in Australia is catching up with one of my dear friends who has the most adorable little dog, Nellie. Of course I love lots of catch ups with my friend, Nellie just brings a whole different energy and both of us are better for it. Another great reason for social interaction, good coffee and long walks. So, it made perfect sense to do a blog about the benefits of animal therapy, the real-life applications and the evidence supporting its effectiveness.

Here are six benefits of animal therapy and how they can be applied:

Reducing Stress and Anxiety
Stress and anxiety can be crippling and animals have an extraordinary ability to soothe and comfort, making them ideal companions for those dealing with this. Interacting with therapy animals has shown to lower cortisol levels (our primary stress hormone) and increase the production of oxytocin, which is our “feel-good” hormone.

A 2019 study in Frontiers in Psychology demonstrated that interacting with dogs for just 10 minutes significantly reduced cortisol levels in college students during exam periods.
PMID:32231132, PMID:31640244

Although I think mine would lower within just one minute, especially if it’s Nellie.

This has actually been practically applied during exam week in schools and universities where therapy dogs have been successfully used during these high-stress periods, for students. Emotional support animals are also being used to provide comfort to individuals with anxiety disorders or PTSD.

Improving Mental Health and Emotional Well-Being
Now this one I have definitely experienced personally, when I spend time with Nellie, and more recently at a visit to the local RSPCA. In fact, whenever I come across people friendly dogs while out on a walk, or run, my mood immediately improves.
Animal therapy is very effective in improving mood and reducing symptoms of depression. That unconditional love and companionship which therapy animals can provide boosts self-esteem and helps to alleviate feelings of loneliness.

In 2021 BMC Psychiatry published research that found weekly animal-assisted interventions led to significant reductions in depressive symptoms in adults with major depressive disorder. https://doi.org/10.1079/hai.2024.0008, https://doi.org/10.1079/hai.2021.0007

This is supported by the results found from equine therapy (therapy involving horses) that is used to support individuals with depression, bipolar disorder, and trauma. Benefits have also been evident in programs that pair therapy animals with veterans suffering from PTSD. They have reported remarkable improvements in the mental health of the individuals who are part of the program.

Enhancing Social Skills and Reducing Isolation
Not everyone likes being social, but dogs need walks which means you have to go out, and a lot of people find engaging with others a lot easier if they have a dog/animal, it’s like an icebreaker.
Studies have found that animal therapy can foster good social interaction and communication, especially for individuals with social anxiety, autism spectrum disorders, or those in rehabilitation settings. The animals act as social catalysts, encouraging people to connect with others.

In the Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders, a 2015 study found that children with autism who participated in dog therapy sessions exhibited increased social engagement and verbal interactions.
PMID:35287312, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ctcp.2022.101719  Search Page | SpringerLink

Therapy animals are used in these group therapy sessions to encourage participation and social bonding. There are also canine therapy programs in hospitals to help patients build rapport with staff and fellow patients.

Aiding Physical Rehabilitation
Physical rehabilitation can be tough and draining and some good motivation can come in handy. Individuals who are recovering from injuries or living with physical disabilities, have found that animal therapy can be a motivating factor in their rehabilitation journey. Engaging with the animals can encourage movement, improve motor skills, and increase their physical activity.

A 2018 study in Rehabilitation Psychology showed that equine-assisted therapy improved balance, strength, and coordination in stroke survivors.
PMCID:6477876, PMID: 38007472, PMID:32260047, Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, DOI:10.1002/14651858.CD013314

The hippotherapy, which uses horseback riding to assist individuals with physical or neurological disorders, is also widely used for patients with cerebral palsy or multiple sclerosis. In addition, therapy dogs are used to encourage physical activity in elderly patients during rehabilitation sessions.

Supporting Cognitive Function
Another benefit of animal therapy is the promise it has shown in improving cognitive function, especially in older adults with dementia or Alzheimer’s disease. They have found that animals can stimulate memory recall, and the American Journal of Alzheimer’s Disease & Other Dementias reported, in 2017, that therapy dog visits led to significant improvements in mood and attention span among patients with dementia.
PMID:31492131, PMID: 30678665

In addition, nursing homes and memory care units often use therapy dogs to engage residents in meaningful interactions and programs incorporating therapy animals in schools have also shown success in helping children with ADHD improve focus.

Providing Comfort in Challenging Situations
And finally, comfort, which many of us are familiar with and animals seem to just know when their owners need some comforting. Animals have a calming presence that can help individuals cope during a crisis or during emotionally charged situations, such as medical treatments or trauma recovery.

One study published in PLOS ONE (2020) found that therapy dog visits significantly reduced preoperative anxiety in paediatric patients. PMID:31597211
Many organisations now provide this for children hospitals, and some have inhouse animal therapy for children and the therapy animals are also used in hospitals to comfort patients undergoing chemotherapy or surgery.

In addition, crisis intervention teams will often include therapy dogs to provide emotional support after natural disasters or tragedies.

There are many real-life success stories with the use of animal therapy where patients have shown faster recovery times, prisoners have shown improved emotional regulation and job readiness and children reading aloud to therapy dogs have shown increased confidence and literacy skills,

The therapeutic bond between humans and animals is undeniable. Whether reducing stress, aiding recovery, or improving emotional well-being, animals offer a unique and impactful approach to healing. Growing scientific evidence gives animal therapy a bright future. Whether you’re seeking comfort, companionship, or a boost in mental or physical health, a furry (or feathery) friend might be just what the doctor ordered.

As always, if you have any questions please feel free to get in touch either by my social media or email me here: [email protected]
Alternatively, you can book a free consult here.