Pets as Therapy
I remember, many years ago, our family had a dog called Morgan.
A beautiful German Shepherd, Morgan was intelligent, loyal, proud and loving. We used to joke that he thought he was human; a key part of the family. I know my whole family loved him and miss him immensely.
I don’t think this is an isolated experience. Pet owners typically love, and are loved by, their pets. They sometimes think of their pets “as people”.
But pets can be more than a comfort or a friend.
Owning a pet, or being visited by a pet, can have a significant therapeutic effect on people who are agitated or in mental distress. I would like to explore how this happens. But first, a caveat; there is not a great amount of strictly scientific research on pets as therapy, although there is plenty of anecdotal research. And the anecdotal evidence is very clear.
Pets can be helpful in different contexts. They may be therapeutic pets in aged care facilities, or in houses for Supported Independent Living. They may belong to a person who suffers mental distress or illness. They may even be an animal that comes to visit every once in a while.
A pet can become a friend for someone. This may be particularly for people who are living alone or isolated from friends or family. The pet is a companion.
A pet usually loves unconditionally. This sense of love, of being loved, can have powerful psychological impacts. The person with the pet may feel more self-worth, more satisfaction in their life. A pet does not stigmatise you for having mental illness.
A pet also provides an object for love for their owner; providing a sense of connection and significance.
A pet can provide an outlet for physical activities that may benefit a person who may otherwise stay in their home. A dog needs a walk every day!
A pet can help you feel useful and grant you purpose; it can give you responsibility for another being.
Research shows therapy dogs can reduce stress physiologically (cortisol levels) and increase attachment responses that trigger oxytocin – a hormone that increases trust in humans.
There is even work suggesting that many animals can read the mood of their owner, and change their behaviour accordingly.
I know there are current developments in medicine towards social prescribing – that is, doctors prescribing outside medications; recommending exercise or counselling or group activities, and so forth. Perhaps doctors could prescribe acquiring a pet for therapeutic reasons, and mental health support organisations could look carefully at the use of pets as therapy.
Dr. Richard Schweizer, Policy Officer at One Door Mental Health richard.schweizer@onedoor.org.au.
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Dr Richard Schweizer