Hospice Pet Therapy
Humans and their pets are faithful companions who share a strong emotional bond. Pets often contribute to their owner’s feelings of relaxation and reduce anxiety and stress. The special relationship between humans and their pets also exists between humans and animals in general. In many health care settings, patients and animals are paired together as a form of therapy. Specifically, in a palliative care setting, pet or animal therapy is used as a strategy to improve or preserve an individual’s wellbeing, happiness and overall comfort. Pet therapy can be especially effective in a palliative care setting in transforming a terminally ill patient’s outlook on life to be one of joy rather than one of fear or sadness. In a hospice setting, pet therapy can take on many different forms, from the type of animal to the activity practiced. There are six main types of animals used in hospice pet therapy. Dogs are the most common request from patients because of their ability to read human emotional cues and their outgoing and energetic nature. Cats are also a popular request because of their calm and loving presence. That said, other animals such as rabbits, pigs, horses and birds are also among the animals used in pet therapy. Each animal has a different demeanor which allows pet therapy to be suited to a variety of individuals. As well, depending on the animal chosen, pet therapy can involve a variety of activities. For more active animals, it can involve playing with a toy or tossing a ball to fetch. Pet therapy can also be more relaxing when individuals simply want to pet, cuddle or talk to an animal peacefully.
Dogs are a popular choice for hospice pet therapy because of their ability to read emotional cues and their outgoing and energetic nature.
Cats are an equally popular choice for hospice pet therapy because of their calm, quiet and loving presence. As well, cats have an ability to connect emotionally with humans which can be important for pet therapy.
Rabbits have a calm and quiet nature and are often small enough to sit in a patient’s lap. They are a great alternative for patients who are allergic to dogs or cats.
Birds are fun, cheerful and entertaining which make them great for pet therapy. They bring both laughter and enjoyment to patients who interact with them.
Horses have a kind and calm nature and are a popular choice for hospice pet therapy because of their ability to communicate and bond emotionally with humans.
Pigs are a great choice for pet therapy because of their calm and affectionate nature. Pigs are very intelligent and serve as a great alternative for patients who have had past negative experiences with either dogs or cats.
Regardless of its form, pet therapy has been shown to have several concrete physical and emotional benefits for hospice patients. It can help reduce pain and blood pressure while promoting cardiovascular health. As well, pet therapy can have positive impacts on an individual’s mobility by encouraging physical activity while interacting with an animal. In terms of emotional benefits, the relaxing presence of animals can reduce the feelings of fear, loneliness and anxiety that come with being diagnosed with a life-limiting illness. In general, pet therapy animals are loving and understanding towards humans and can improve the overall comfort of an individual coping with a life-limiting illness
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