Spending time with your pet has been known to offer several mental, physical and emotional benefits, which can improve your quality of life. Animal-assisted therapy can significantly reduce fatigue, anxiety and depression including a range of different health problems.

Pet therapy is a form of guided interaction between a trained animal and a person. This form of therapy helps patients recover from mental disorders and health problems. The type of animal is chosen depending on the person’s treatment plan and therapeutic goals. Pet therapy strengthens your bond with the animal. This can help alleviate stress and improve the patient’s psychological state. Here are 5 benefits of pet therapy:

1. Increased Physical Activity

Pet therapy offers you and your loved ones a way to increase physical activity. Taking your dog on walks or out for grooming sessions to the vet will give you the chance to get some exercise. This improves motor skills and encourages independent movement. Staying physically active reduces the risk of joint stiffness, falls and pain. This proves to be exceptionally beneficial for patients that suffer from debilitating diseases such as arthritis. This helps maintain strength and flexibility.

2. Improved Self-Esteem

Some patients, especially seniors, are prone to suffer from low self-esteem and loss of confidence. This becomes common when patients have to depend on others or suffer from loss of responsibility and freedom due to their illness. Taking care and spending time with pets boosts one’s self confidence and improves self-esteem. Patients feel independent and happily take on the responsibility of being a pet owner. Animals add a sense of purpose to their lives and allow patients to spend their time productively.

3. Dogs Are Proven Stress Reducers!

Who doesn’t love spending time with a cute puppy or a friendly dog? Spending time with a pet releases endorphins. This has a calming effect on patients, resulting in low levels of stress. This is especially beneficial for patients that suffer from dementia or other kinds of disorders.  Such patients can become stressed and frustrated when they are unable to communicate with people or are unable to express their ideas or feelings. However, having pets around allows patients to bond with animals without relying on any language.   Patients are able to develop a strong bond with their support dogs and pets; this reduces stress, loneliness, anxiety and eases symptoms of their condition. Pet therapy also helps children overcome emotional disorders and overcome speech problems.

4. Reduced Risk of Depression

Pet therapy reduces the feeling of alienation and isolation, which ultimately leads to depression. Having a pet pushes patients into getting more social contact. It might help you make a new friend or chat with others while walking your pet at the park or while waiting in line at the vet. Pet therapy slowly pushes patients into getting more social contact. Animals are loving creatures that offer their owners comfort and reassurance. There is something naturally soothing about petting your dog or cuddling a cat on your lap. With a pet, you will never feel alone, this reduces the risks of depression.

5. Decreases the Risk of Blood Pressure

Patients suffering from high blood pressure are at a greater risk of developing heart diseases, especially if they are coming of age. Spending time with a pet has known to lower blood pressure levels. This ultimately plays an active role in lowering the risk of heart problems and other coronary problems. Patients with blood pressure are known to benefit from pet therapy and are likely to live a longer and healthier life.

The above are just a few benefits of pet therapy that allow patients to lead a happier life.