Types Of Animals Used In Therapy

Overview

The bond between humans and animals goes far back in history. Animals, besides keeping company to humans, were also a helpful part of the community. From using pigeons to deliver messages during war times and using horses for travelling, to using dogs for police investigations, as well as for medical support, like detecting seizures, low blood sugar, or even guiding people with vision impairment. Additionally, animals have been used as part of the therapy for various conditions that affect people’s lives.

Types of animal therapy

While both Animal Assisted Activities (AAA) and Animal Assisted Therapy (AAT) use animals to enhance human well-being, their methods and goals are different. AAT is a focused therapy in which a qualified health or human services professional guides the integration of an animal that satisfies particular requirements into the therapy process. Its main objective is to enhance physical, social, emotional, and cognitive functioning. Each person's progress is monitored by goals and objectives that are specifically designed for them.¹

On the other hand, AAA offers chances for therapeutic, educational, and recreational advantages to improve general quality of life. Dogs and horses are the most often utilised therapy animals. Dogs are chosen because they are easy to train and keen to interact with people due to their pack instinct. Alternatively, horses provide mental benefits like decreased stress levels and higher self-esteem. They can also successfully replace specific physiotherapy activities in physical rehabilitation, offering patients undergoing treatment a less stressful and possibly more stimulating option of treatment.¹

Types of therapy animals

Canines 

Canine therapy can help a variety of people, including schizophrenic and stroke patients.

Schizophrenic patients

Dogs have been a part of treatment for various groups of people struggling with different disorders or diseases. In the case of schizophrenic people, having a dog in a typical psychological treatment plan can have potential benefits. Having a schizophrenic patient interact with a dog and be included in different activities such as guiding dogs over obstacles, and playing catch can improve the patient’s sense of self-worth, and self-determination, and decrease emotional and positive symptoms (like hallucinations, delusions, and disorganised thinking) associated with schizophrenia. Additionally, it increases social contact as well as enhances the quality of life with regard to social relationships. This implies that the advantages of dog-assisted therapy may extend beyond the scope of conventional care.^2,3

Alzheimer’s patients

Furthermore, dog-assisted interventions for senior Alzheimer’s patients have been proven to be useful and successful in boosting mood and cognitive function.³ Dogs can alleviate dementia symptoms, suggesting that having a dog around can help people with dementia become more sociable and less agitated.^2,3,4 

Stroke patients

As for stroke patients, dog-assisted therapy has been an advantage to standard therapy methods because it lowers stress and helps to destruct the patients from aphasia symptoms (not understanding speech, not speaking clearly, and having trouble writing). In general, dog therapy can lower depressive symptoms in elderly patients who have been institutionalised.³

Mobility Impairments

Including canines in the treatment regimen for people with severe mobility impairments has significant advantages beyond physical rehabilitation to improve social and psychological health. For some people, having a dog as a companion gives them a sense of control and boosts their self-esteem, which gives them the confidence they need to face the challenges of life. In addition, the therapeutic relationship they develop with their dogs provides comfort and emotional support, which aids in their integration into their communities. Dogs are essential in removing barriers and increasing inclusivity since they provide companionship and encourage social connections, eventually improving the lives of people with mobility issues. Moreover, research indicates that dogs have a good impact on more practical aspects of daily life. Specifically, people who include dogs in their therapy regimen prefer to attend school and work part-time jobs more frequently. Essentially, including dogs in therapy is a revolutionary approach that enables people with significant mobility impairments to live happy, social lives in their communities.³

Horses 

When using horses for therapy, can be divided into hippotherapy and therapeutic riding. Hippotherapy is a specialized form of therapy that utilizes the way that horses walk and their movement in general to address therapeutic goals, such as improving balance, strength, and coordination, under the direction of licensed therapists. Therapeutic riding, also known as horseback riding therapy, involves individuals riding horses for recreational purposes, which can also offer physical and emotional benefits. However, unlike hippotherapy, therapeutic riding sessions may not have specific therapeutic goals and are typically not led by licensed therapists. Instead, they are often conducted by trained instructors or volunteers in a more relaxed, recreational setting.⁵

Therapeutic horseback riding has demonstrated significant improvements across various areas for individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). These include:

• Reduced inactivity
• Enhanced sensory sensitivity
• Social motivation
• Sensory-seeking behaviour
• Decreased neglect and distractibility

The results imply that therapeutic horseback riding can improve children with autism's social responsiveness, which in turn can improve their behaviour and focus.^2,3

Equines therapy has also become a useful intervention for those with Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). People with PTSD who receive equine therapy have shown improvements in their emotional well-being, anxiety, and depression. Additionally, it has demonstrated effectiveness in reducing alcohol intake, providing a comprehensive strategy to address the numerous challenges related to PTSD. Equine therapy offers them a unique way of healing in a safe environment.⁶

Farm animals

Through the use of Animal-Assisted Activities (AAA) therapies, farm animals such as cows, cattle, sheep, horses, cats, dogs, and rabbits can be highly beneficial in therapeutic settings. These therapies are highly beneficial for individuals with depression, providing opportunities to enhance self-efficacy, lessen anxiety, and reduce symptoms of depression. These treatments include activities like feeding, brushing, milking, and general farm animal care, which help people develop better-coping mechanisms and self-efficacy.²

Many studies have consistently shown that interacting with farm animals through Animal-Assisted Activities (AAA) is helpful for people dealing with depression. Spending time with farm animals and taking part in different activities to take care of them can make a significant positive difference in the mental health of those who are clinically depressed. By offering a safe and nurturing environment for individuals to connect with animals, AAA interventions with farm animals present a holistic approach to mental health care that addresses the needs of individuals struggling with depression.^3,6 

Other animals  

Dogs, horses, and farm animals are widely recognized as integral components of therapy interventions, yet the spectrum of animals involved in therapeutic settings extends beyond these traditional choices. Therapy plans have included birds and even dolphins, with encouraging outcomes. Studies have shown that, despite having very distinct traits and living environments, both dolphins and birds can successfully reduce the symptoms of depression.³

Considerations of selecting therapy animals 

Including animals in therapy may sound fun, especially for people who love animals, but there are some guidelines to be followed. A programme for animal-assisted therapy (AAT) and Animal-assisted Activities (AAA) must take a number of factors into account. These comprise the traits of the particular animal species, the patient, and the suitability of the patient and the given animal. For instance, it is not wise to have an Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) person interact with an energised dog as this can affect their symptoms, while the same dog can help a person with depression to be more energised. It's also critical to comprehend the therapeutic basis of the chosen animal-interaction contact and ensure that it supports the goals of therapy.

Furthermore, in order to guarantee the well-being of the animal receiving therapy, factors regarding animal welfare need to be thoroughly considered. Above all, it is critical to make sure the patient is safe while interacting with the therapeutic animal. For example, when working with kids, the size of animals should be considered since if it is big this may cause distress to the kid. Overall, for an AAT/AAA programme to be implemented successfully, a thorough strategy taking these variables into account is required.¹

Summary 

Several research works have offered convincing results of the positive impact that animals have on the treatment of people dealing with a range of challenges. Animals have demonstrated an amazing ability to help people struggling with mental health disorders by reducing symptoms of depression and anxiety, boosting confidence, and giving them a sense of control. Furthermore, the promotion of general well-being and an improved quality of life has been associated with their presence. Despite the wealth of existing research shedding light on the positive impacts of animal-assisted therapy, there remains a pressing need for further investigation.

While previous research provides insightful information, more study is necessary to fully comprehend the ways in which animals can benefit people on their therapeutic journeys. Researchers can find new applications for therapy, improve upon current procedures, and customise therapies to better suit various requirements of patients by digging deeper into this field. Therefore, there is great potential for future studies to broaden the application and effectiveness of animal-assisted therapy, which would ultimately improve the state of mental health care and treatment.