wagging tails
PETS, NOT PILLS Written By Dr. Lana Husbands (MD)
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The Healing Power of Animals in our Lives
Animals have been used in therapy since the 17th century to help alleviate pain and anxiety in children and adults. For instance, persons who have experienced different forms of abuse, suffered illness, or grieved a loved one passing, have found animals to be a great source of comfort.
Animals are generally perceived as non-threatening and nonjudgmental and are thus seen as the “ideal therapist”.
Many pet owners relate that when they returned home from a stressful work day, their dog gives them a nuzzle or reassuring lick, and they feel comforted.
1) Animal-Assisted Therapy (AAT): • Is a structured, goal-directed intervention in which an animal is incorporated as an integral part of the treatment process. • Delivered and/or directed by a professional health or human service provider. AAT is documented and evaluated within an individualized treatment plan.
It seemed that their dog “knew” how they felt and wanted to “make it right.”
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Let us Explore Two Forms of Animal Therapy:
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Sessions generally have a fixed length. An example of AAT is the use of animals to rehabilitate war veterans suffering from PTSD.
2) Animal-Assisted Activities (AAA): • A basic ‘meet-and-greet’ sessions of pets visiting people in a hospital, long-term care centre, etc. • They provide opportunities for motivational, educational, therapeutic and/or recreational activities. • May be delivered by a specially trained professional, paraprofessional or volunteer. • No defined treatment goals are planned for each visit; detailed notes and documentation are not required. • Visits are spontaneous and can be as short or long as necessary.
Does it Really Work?
Understandably, with any new medical intervention, there will be questions such as: Are results measurable and reproducible? Is this just another fad in alternative medicine which serves no practical purpose, but is little more than a “feel good” remedy? Happily, there is increasing and compelling evidence that trained animals (most commonly dogs who are easily and predictably trained), have been successfully used as standard, vital emotional support for sufferers. The first formal therapeutic work and research was done by Dr. Boris Levinson, a respected child psychologist. In 1961, while working with a withdrawn and mentally impaired young boy, Dr. Levinson made an “accidental discovery” involving his dog, Jingles. Levinson briefly left Jingles alone with the boy and, when he returned, found the young boy interacting with the dog. This inspired Levinson to do further research with Jingles and his young patients. He found that the presence of a dog during
therapy sessions had a positive effect on impaired young patients. Levinson is often credited with coining the term “pet therapy” and suggested its use as part of standard care. As they carefully listen, the therapist may then be able to effectively proceed with individualised treatment modalities (including medication if indicated ) for a positive long-term recovery.
Are only Dogs Useful?
Not at all; there are several, albeit mainly anecdotal reports that cats, guinea pigs, rabbits, hens, fish and even reptiles may be used, but these are often owned by the patient. Horses are increasingly used to rehabilitate persons with physical challenges, autism and those with drug and other addictions on a group level. Dogs, however, are more widely accepted, and (as mentioned), predictably trained and can remain on a leash if needed, especially if any in the group may not be comfortable with an animal roaming amongst them. The patient may then stroke, brush or even be encouraged to walk with the dog to increase their mobility. (Anyone who dislikes or fears animals or is allergic to them, is not a likely candidate for AAA intervention.)
The Elderly
In their book: “Between Pets and People”, medical professors note a 1992 study by an Australian cardiologist. The study found that people with pets had lower blood pressure and lower blood fat levels than those without pets. The authors also point to the trend by nursing homes to incorporate animals into the routine and environment for patients. COVID-19 has brought sudden and sometimes fatal consequences, but one group especially devastated have been our dear elderly ones, who are most
susceptible to contracting and dying from this virus. The loss of many of them in the hardest hit countries has been painful to see and read about. We wish those families all best wishes in coping with this ongoing crisis. One concern which has been repeatedly highlighted is the depression and the sense of loneliness and abandonment which many report as they are in an unprecedented situation which is distressing and fraught with uncertainty, but also adds to the fear and apathy in life. Therapy animals have been given permission in some states in the United States of America during the pandemic, for the volunteers with their handlers to make arrangements for outdoor visits so that those isolated in their rooms may see and talk to their favourite animal. Evidence suggests and overall increase in subjected heart rate, blood pressure, mood and the will to live as there is something to look forward to. Those with dementia are reported to become more verbal and sociable after contact with animals and this is presently being more widely studied. We all know that to feel happy, prosperous and fulfilled, we need our mental, physical and emotional needs met; we highly value our families and friendships and when we experience emotional or other pain or any kind of suffering, we all need a helping hand or a paw. Lana Husbands, MBBS (UWI), is Creative Director of Homes, Hearts and Paws of Love (new AAA not for profit organization) and Affiliate Friend of Action For Animals Barbados. References: http://www.pawsitiveinteraction.com/pdf/a_scientific_look.pdf https://www.pdresources.org/blog_data/animal-assisted-therapy-a-brief-history/ http://opensiuc.lib.siu.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1701&context=gs_rp Between Pets and People: The Importance of Animal Companionship by Professors Alan M. Beck (Veterinarian) and Aaron H. Katcher, (psychiatrist) http://www.wideopenpets.com/6-types-of-animals-used-for-therapy/ http://www.who.int/about/mission/en/ http://animaltherapy.net/what-is-aataaa/
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