Contact with pets helps reduce stress and relieve pain in people undergoing treatment
The relationship between humans and pets goes far beyond companionship and affection. For those who are fortunate enough to share life with a petyou know that their presence can be a powerful source of comfort and well-being.
And it’s not just the tutor who benefits from this relationship. Just ten minutes of contact with a dog or cat, small or large, as the case may be, can relieve pain and bring about changes in cases of anxiety and depression, according to researchers at the University of Saskatchewan, Canada .
This brief contact already helps the body reduce blood pressure, cholesterol and triglyceride levels, according to research by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the National Institute of Health (NIH), in the United States. The presence of animals also helps in the production of endorphins, which act as a natural painkiller, and serotonin, regulating mood, sleep and appetite.
Treatments with the help of animals
Known as “zootherapy,” the practice can help hospitalized cancer patients, among other cases, by acting as a complement to current treatment. In the treatment of cancer, for example, pets They help divert attention from the side effects of medications and chemotherapy.
In the field of zootherapy there are two methods: Animal Assisted Therapy (AAT) and Animal Assisted Activity (AAA). The first is used to relieve the patient’s pain during hospitalization or treatment, carried out according to specific criteria and diagnoses, and needs to be monitored by healthcare professionals; the second has a recreational focus, without generating analysis of the patient, and involves visits, recreation and distraction through contact with animals.
«The important thing is to always evaluate with the appropriate doctor what the most appropriate approach is. It is also fundamental to evaluate whether the pet in question is actually healthy and with the vaccines updated, as well as understanding if your personality is compatible with these situations. If you pay all the attention, the practice has everything to be fruitful”, comments Marina Meireles, behaviorist at Nouvet, a hospital veterinary center in São Paulo.
Other animal contributions
In addition to a few minutes of contact, recovery accompanied by a small animal can have prolonged effects and improvements in the practice of physical activities, communication, memory and concentration. “Have the pets Gifts can also help humanize the clinical or hospital environment, distracting patients and reliving a familiar routine”, comments Marina Meireles.
With children, practice is also welcome. For them, dealing with many doctors, the hospital environment or the effects of treatment can be more delicate and difficult. Therefore, encouraging interaction between them and their pets can improve mood, disposition, communication and patience during hospitalization.
“There are several institutions that promote these moments for free in public and private hospitals to bring lightness to such a delicate scenario. Pets They are a great source of happiness, fun and love and can make a difference in the recovery of children, adults and the elderly,” adds veterinarian Nouvet.
By Giovana Macedo
Source: Terra
Ben Stock is a lifestyle journalist and author at Gossipify. He writes about topics such as health, wellness, travel, food and home decor. He provides practical advice and inspiration to improve well-being, keeps readers up to date with latest lifestyle news and trends, known for his engaging writing style, in-depth analysis and unique perspectives.
