The Magical Effects of Pet Therapy

By Dale Davis

A magical connection takes place when looking into the big open eyes of our dogs. It may be the unconditional devotion they give to us, the nonjudgmental way they trust us, or a combination of things but dogs and pets of all kinds have a positive effect on how we feel. Learning how to create and stimulate these positive connections with our animals are key steps to getting back in touch with ourselves, and grounding us to living in the moment.

Children with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) can benefit from interaction with animals.  When a child with ADHD is acting out and unruly, they are reacting to their high-energy level with no directional focus. But, when working with a dog in a structured training/exercising activity and that child becomes proactive with a purposeful goal in mind. It becomes a natural centering activity for both the child and the dog. Just the act of grooming a dog with a brush can drain that hypertension right out of a child suffering with ADHD.

Our pets can ground us to sanity. As Dr. Marty Becker, Veterinarian, and author of HUMAN-ANIMAL BOND said, “I believe having a pet has all the benefits of an antidepressant drug, and more - but without a single side effect.” Panic attacks, phobias, and depression are other areas where working with or just walking a dog can ground us to living in the moment. When we focus our thoughts directly towards the animal our worries, tensions, and pressures dissolve.

In a study done by Dr. Johannes Odendaal, a physiologist and veterinarian, it was found that after a 30-minute quiet time of human-animal interaction, blood analysis from both the animals and humans showed significant hormonal increases having to do with emotional benefits. Dr Rebecca Johnson, associate director of research, Center of excellence on Aging, University of Missouri-Columbia, had this to say about that research and those hormonal increases. “They showed beneficial increases in endorphins, known as runner’s high. The study provides insight into delaying the aging process.” 

Another study showed that those heart attack sufferers who own a dog have an eight times better chance of surviving one year than those who don’t. When we can see and understand how other creatures feel and think, and can then provide a positive influence on them, that kind of empathetic empowerment will stimulate us to feel good too. As the old adage says, “It is better to give than to receive.”

Dr. Edward Creagan, a professor of oncology at Mayo clinic Medical School said, “Studies suggest that pets can do more than keep you young at heart, they can help keep your heart--- and the rest of you--- younger and healthier. Our pets create a balance between our minds and our bodies.”  

November 6, 2011