Animal therapy - learn about therapy with animals

Date of the last update: 19.12.2024

In ancient times, animals were integral to human survival and cultural development. They provided not only food and materials but also companionship and emotional support. Historical texts, such as those from ancient Israel, indicate that humans recognized a mental and emotional bond with their domestic animals. This bond has been characterized by anthropomorphism, where humans attribute human-like qualities to animals, reflecting the deep connections formed over millennia.

Today, the presence of animals continues to enhance human life significantly. Research highlights that companion animals contribute to mental health and overall quality of life. They offer socio-psychological support, which can be particularly beneficial for individuals facing various health challenges.

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Can animals heal?

Animals play a key role in people’s lives, having a positive impact on our health and wellbeing. Simply owning animals, such as dogs, cats or horses, improves mood and reduces stress levels and blood pressure. Interaction with them increases the production of happiness hormones such as endorphins and oxytocin, which has a beneficial effect on people’s mental and physical health. Contact with animals also promotes the development of social skills and empathy, while teaching responsibility and patience. For many people, animals are not only companions, but above all beings that bring joy, a sense of security and a deep emotional bond to life, being an indispensable part of everyday life and support in difficult moments.

What is animal therapy and what does it involve?

Animal therapy, also known as therapy with animals, is a form of therapy that uses animals to support people’s physical and emotional health.

During animal therapy, specially trained animals such as dogs, cats, horses, alpacas and more, together with appropriately trained therapists, help and support patients. The animals act as companions in the therapeutic process, becoming part of the therapeutic intervention to improve the mental and physical health of those who benefit from this form of treatment.

Which illnesses does animal therapy help with?

Despite appearances, this form of therapy is available to a wide range of patients. Both adults and children can benefit from it. This makes animal therapy an effective therapeutic form used to treat a wide range of illnesses and conditions, such as depression, anxiety and panic disorders, autism, emotional disorders in children, ADHD, physical rehabilitation, and behavioural disorders in children and adolescents.

Numerous research studies suggest that animal-assisted therapy can have a positive impact on mental health in different age groups and clinical contexts. The study “Animal-Assisted Therapy as a Treatment for Anxiety in Children and Adolescents” by Stefanini, M. C., Martino, A., Allori, P., Galeotti, F., & Tani, F. found that animal-assisted therapy is an effective method in reducing anxiety in children and adolescents, producing significant improvements in stress levels and anxiety symptoms.

Another study “The Impact of Animal-Assisted Therapy on the Mental Health of Elderly Patients” by Filan, S. L., & Llewellyn-Jones, R. H. found that animal-assisted therapy significantly improves the mental health of elderly patients. The results indicate a reduction in symptoms of depression and anxiety, an improvement in mood, and an increase in overall mental well-being in a group of participants who regularly attended sessions with animals.

What are the types of animal therapy?

Animal therapy, depending on the type of condition, uses different forms related to animal species and their unique therapeutic characteristics.

Equine-assisted therapy (hippotherapy) – involves the use of interaction with horses to improve motor function, balance, coordination and sensory integration for people with a variety of physical and psychological disorders. Hippotherapy is often used with children with autism, people who have had strokes, cerebral palsy and other neurological conditions.
Therapy with dogs (kynotherapy) – uses interaction with a dog as a form of supportive therapy, which includes visits to healthcare facilities, schools, care homes, as well as one-to-one sessions. Dogs help to reduce stress, improve mood, increase motivation for physical activity and develop social skills.
Dolphin therapy – this is a specific form of therapy that uses interaction with dolphins in sea or pool water. Dolphins support the therapy of children and adults by stimulating the senses, improving communication and motivating interaction.
Therapy with small animals (e.g. cats, rabbits) – small pets are used in therapy to reduce stress, improve well-being and increase social interaction. This therapy is particularly popular in care homes, schools and medical facilities.
Therapy with alpacas (alpaca therapy) – alpacas are increasingly popular in therapy due to their gentle nature and ability to build positive interactions with people. Therapy with alpacas helps to reduce stress, improve mood and develop interpersonal skills.
It is worth noting that any type of animal therapy can be tailored to the patient’s needs and abilities, offering therapeutic support through interaction with appropriately trained animals.

It is worth noting that any type of animal therapy can be tailored to the patient’s needs and abilities, offering therapeutic support through interaction with appropriately trained animals.

Benefits of animal therapy

In general, therapy sessions with animals have many benefits both physically and emotionally.

Improving mental health by, reducing stress, anxiety and depression, improving mood and overall quality of life.
Emotional support – animals often become therapeutic companions that build emotional connection and provide a sense of security.
Physical health improvement – some forms of animal therapy, such as horseback riding, support physical rehabilitation by improving muscle strength, coordination and balance.
Sensory stimulation – interaction with a variety of animals stimulates the senses and improves sensory abilities, especially in people with developmental disorders.
Increased motivation and engagement – therapy with animals motivates people to perform therapeutic tasks and supports educational and therapeutic processes.
Development of social skills – animals help to teach responsibility, build interpersonal relationships and develop communication skills.
Reduction of feelings of isolation – contact with animals reduces feelings of loneliness and isolation, especially in older or sick people.
Increased self-acceptance – for some people, interaction with animals is a form of therapy to aid personal development and build self-confidence.

Animal therapy is therefore a comprehensive form of support that has a huge impact on various aspects of human health and well-being.

How can ecotherapy improve the effectiveness of animal therapy?

Ecotherapy, which focuses on healing through interaction with nature, includes animal therapy. It is believed to be useful to ensure contact with animals in a natural environment, as it promotes effective interactions and deepens the concetion. Open space, fresh air and the presence of natural elements such as earth, water and vegetation reduce stress in both humans and animals. By combining ecotherapy with animal therapy, the animals respond better to the needs of the patients. And consequently, the interactions become more therapeutic and fuller of positive health effects. The integration of both forms of therapy not only enhances their effectiveness, but also supports a holistic approach to mental and physical health.

Check out also: Animal-Assisted Therapy: Unleashing the Healing Power of Animals

Summary

Animal therapy, also known as therapy with animals, is an extremely effective form of therapy that supports both human mental and physical health. Using interaction with a variety of animal species, such as dogs, cats, horses or alpacas, animal therapy not only reduces stress and improves mood, but also supports rehabilitation processes and the development of social skills. Thanks to the variety of forms, animal therapy can be adapted to the individual needs of the patient, offering therapeutic support through close contact with animals. It is worth emphasizing the positive impact of close contact with nature during therapeutic activities. In this way, patients not only benefit from the health benefits associated with interaction with animals, but also experience the regenerative effects of the surrounding natural environment.