Pet therapy

it's a part of mind-body therapy (psychiatric nursing)

1. MIND – BODY THERAPY Presenting by, S . Anusha M.sc(N)

2. Animal Therapy

3. “ A pet is an island of sanity in what appears to be an insane world. Friendship retains its traditional value and securities in one’s relationship with one pet. Whether a dog, cat , bird, fish, turtle or what have you once can rely upon the fact that one’s pet will always remain a faithful, intimate, non competitive friend – regardless of the good or ill fortune life bring to us” -- Dr Boris Levinson, child psychologist

4. Animal-Assisted Therapy Animal-assisted therapy (AAT), also known as pet therapy, utilizes trained animals and handlers to achieve specific physical, social, cognitive, and emotional goals with patients. Animal assisted activities provide opportunities for motivation, education or recreation to enhance quality of life.

5. Animal Assisted Activities Provides opportunities for motivational, educational and or recreational benefits to enhance quality of life.

6. Animal Assisted Therapy Is goal directed intervention in which an animal meeting specific criteria is an integral part of the treatment process. Promote improvement in human physical, social, emotional, cognitive functioning. Provided in variety of settings & may be group or individual

7. Common Treatment Goals AAT Reduction – physio, psycho pain Improved self care, self esteem Greater sense of personal control, purpose Enhancement positive sensations – affection, pleasure

8. Reduction in feelings of agitation, fear, anxiety Encouraging cooperation, empathy, problem solving Lessening boredom,isolation, lonlinesss Facilitating greater compliance to medical treatment Increased optimism, feelings of empowerment Greater levels of concentration, attention

9. Goals:- improving motor skills and joint movement improving assisted or independent movement increasing self-esteem increasing verbal communication developing social skills increasing willingness to join in activities improving interactions with others motivating willingness to exercise

10. Cont.., Other benefits of pet therapy include: making you happier, lessening depression, and improving your outlook on life decreasing loneliness and isolation by giving you a companion reducing boredom reducing anxiety because of its calming effects helping children learn empathic and nurturing skills improving the relationship between you and your healthcare provider

11. Why animals ? Less lonely Less depressed Change from routine Renewal of old friendships Entertaining Petting encourages use of hands, arms, stretching and turning Stroking a dog or cat reduce BP

12. Conditions which benefit from AAT Cancer – improve depression, oxygen saturation Dementia – improved eating habit, claming effect, improved self esteem, communication skills Heart health – lower BP, stress hormone level Mental health- children with pervasive development disorder becomes playful and social after therapy, autistic children Psychiatric disorder- schizophrenia, anxiety - improve ability of independent self care, experience pleasure Reduce anixety Pain –

13. Cont.., 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 endorphins ( oxytocin ) 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

14. Cont.., Mental Health: lifts spirits and lessens depression decreases feelings of isolation and alienation encourages communication provides comfort increases socialization reduces boredom lowers anxiety helps children overcome speech and emotional disorders creates motivation for the client to recover faster reduces loneliness

15. Cont.., Reading: (PAWS for Reading) helps children focus better improves literacy skills provides non-stressful, non-judgmental environment increases self-confidence, reduces self-consciousness   In Physical Therapy increases joint movement and improves recovery time maintains or increases motor skills provides motivation to move more, stretch farther, exercise longer

16. Children with special needs Child improves reading skills Mental stimulation E.g. child recovering from traumatic brain injury experiences considerable difficulty dressing and grooming due to loss of function in one arm. The therapist may ask the child to reach out with the weak arm to a pet ,brush or even feed the dog A wrist wt may be added to weak arm to develop strength. Child becomes motivated , excited to participate

17. What kind of animals participate? Domestic animals Cats, dogs, birds, Hippo Calf Lamb Caged rodent Farm animals Horses fish

18. How does it work? Animals socialize Reinforce rehabilitative behaviors in patients- throwing a ball, walking, verbal response Hippo therapy – improve posture, balance, coordination.

19. Concerns related to AAT Lowers self esteem if animal rejects Death of animal – grief, guilt Human injury if animals are selected inappropriately Zoonotic disease – if lack of sound sanitation, veterinary supervision

20. Key to successful AAT Interdisciplinary cooperation – physicians, veterinarians, nursing staff, activity directors, therapists, volunteers Planning – realistic goals, expectations, anticipating problems and development of solutions prior Supervisions Animal selection – type, breed, size, age, sex, medical & behavioral history , natural behavior. Animal training – positive reinforcement

21. Pet therapy and mental health A wide range of mental health conditions are now treated through pet-therapy programs. Interactions with animals are considered to offer benefits to patients suffering from  post-traumatic stress disorder , autism , and challenging psychiatric disorders.

22. Cont.., Animal therapy is also used extensively to treat  depression . Petting an animal is believed to cause the release of endorphins (feel-good neurotransmitters) which can have an extremely positive impact in patients dealing with depressive disorders

23. Dogs and other animals have taken part in visiting programs to assisted living centers for elderly people for many years. Although this type of interaction can certainly lift the spirits of those living in such centers, Alzheimer’s experts felt more could be gained through structured animal-assisted intervention programs.

24. Therapy animals have also been successfully used within treatment programs for  individuals with substance abuse issues . The presence of an animal can in itself help calm the patient down and prepare them to face their demons.

25. Addicts often focus almost exclusively on themselves. Engaging with an animal can encourage them to think about the needs of others . Delivered in a group setting, addicts are also more likely to interact socially with others if an animal is involved. Doctors observing how the addict deals with the animal also get a greater  insight into the patient’s self-esteem issues , helping them identify specific coping mechanisms and healthier new behaviors

26. Role of Nurses Often integrated into counseling programs, animal therapy can help learn more about teamwork, communication , trust , and self-expression

27. journal A study done in psychiatric centre – 250 patient referred for therapeutic recreation sessions on AAT reduces anxiety levels of psychiatric patients Pre and post treatment cross over study design was used . Result – statistically significant reductions in anxiety scores were found – psychotic disorders, mood disorder

28. Cardiac patients Studies prove- long survival rate of MI patients with Pets than with no pets