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Pets and Mental Health



Companionship boosts emotional well-being
Companionship boosts emotional well-being

Animal-assisted therapy (AAT), or pet therapy, is intended to improve healing for people who are recovering from a serious injury, illness, or health condition by engaging with animals, such as dogs or cats. AAT is becoming more common in post-acute care settings as studies have shown it can help increase the quality of life in older adults as they are recovering from a hospitalization. It has also been proven to help improve the mental and social well-being of those with chronic health conditions such as Parkinson’s Disease, or Dementia.


For those in recovery from brain injury or stroke, an animal can boost recovery efforts. A pet can provide:


• Relief from loneliness. Having a stroke or brain injury can be an isolating experience. If the survivor also has aphasia, it may feel difficult to communicate with other people. An animal provides comfort, company and stimulation, as well as a pathway to a less isolated life.


• Lessening negative emotions. Brain rehabilitation is difficult and can take an emotional toll on survivors. Pets offer acceptance, love, and motivation. Even just petting an animal can provide a calming and comforting effect that may help with mental health.


• Motivation to move. A pet can provide an incentive for survivors to work rebuilding walking ability. Clinicians report seeing patients walk further with a dog on a daily walk, than without, because they are distracted by the dog and aren’t aware how far they are walking. In addition, activities like brushing a pet, feeding them treats, and putting a leash on and off can act as exercises to help increase motor recovery.


• Help with aphasia. Pets may encourage individuals with aphasia to try to communicate. When out and about with a dog, for example, a pet is a great conversation starter, giving survivors more opportunities to practice talking with strangers.


• A sense of purpose. Pets may provide the comfort, confidence, and motivation survivors need to keep up with rehabilitation.


Not just for emotional support


As described above, household pets can provide significant support during brain rehabilitation, but in addition, there are specially trained service and therapy animals who may provide additional assistance, depending on the needs of the survivor. Service animals may fall into the following categories:


• Service animals. Usually dogs (or even miniature horses) are trained to help people with disabilities such as visual impairments, mental illnesses, seizure disorders, or diabetes. In a person recovering from a brain injury, a service animal may provide assistance with balance or walking. Service dogs often live with their humans, and may enter environments otherwise closed to animals, such as restaurants, by right of the Americans with Disabilities Act.


• Therapy animals. Also known as AAT – animal-assisted therapy – these animals (usually dogs) are trained to provide comfort and affection to people in schools, hospitals, and clinics. One therapy animal may serve many people in a therapeutic setting.


• Emotional support animals. Known as ESAs, these trained animals may provide therapy through companionship. You can think of ESAs as pets who have the right to enter some environments otherwise denied to animals, such as airplanes, upon following proper procedures.


Remember to always consult your healthcare professional before starting any new treatment or exercise regimen to ensure it's safe and appropriate for your specific condition.


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This web site is provided for educational and informational purposes only and does not constitute providing medical advice or professional services. The information provided should not be used for diagnosing or treating a health problem or disease, and those seeking personal medical advice should consult with a licensed physician. Always seek the advice of your doctor or other qualified health provider regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on OUCH MATCH website.

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