Benefits of Pet Therapy
It's well-known (and scientifically proven) that interaction with a gentle, friendly pet has significant benefits.
Physical Health:
- lowers blood pressure
- improves cardiovascular health
- releases hormones that have a calming effect
- diminishes overall physical pain
- the act of petting produces an automatic relaxation response, reducing the amount of medication some folks need
 Mental Health:
- lifts spirits and lessens depression
- decreases feelings of isolation and alienation
- encourages communcation
- provides comfort
- increases socialization
- reduces boredom
- lowers anxiety
- helps children overcome speech and emotional disorders
- creates motivation for the client to recover faster
- reduces lonliness
 READing to a dog:
- helps child focus better
- improves literacy skills
- provides non-stressful, non-judgmental environment
- increases confidence, reduces self-consciousness
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 In Physical Therapy
- increases joint movement and improves recovery time
- maintains or increases motor skills
- provides motivation to move more, stretch farther, exercise longer
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