Does Zootherapy Work? Learn More About This Technique
Animal-assisted therapy or zootherapy works through the use of certain species in therapeutic, rehabilitation, integrative and psychopedagogical activities for human beings.
We must emphasize that zootherapy works without representing any physical or emotional abuse to animals. The species used in their practices must be bred and maintained with the care they need and the respect they deserve. The therapeutic experience must be appreciated by the patient and the animal.
Does zootherapy work?
For many years, these therapeutic practices were considered alternatives and questioned by medicine. Fortunately, advances in medical research have made it possible to scientifically recognize the benefits of zootherapy for our health. In other words, this technique really works.
Currently, animal-assisted therapy activities are widely recommended for drugs. The indications are diverse, as well as the types of exercises and forms of contact and interaction with each animal.
Next, we’ll learn more about the applications and benefits of each modality of modern zootherapy.
What animals are used in zootherapy?
The progress of zootherapy studies and techniques allowed for the adaptation of practices to different species. The choice of a particular animal is usually guided by the expected goals of therapy. In addition, the preferences – or possibilities – of each patient, whether children, babies, etc., are also considered.
dogs
Logically, man’s best friends could not be left out of zootherapy. They are used in numerous therapeutic, integrative and psychopedagogical practices, with different purposes.
A good example of this is people with partial or complete loss of vision or hearing. Guide dogs provide freedom of movement and help with the social integration of these patients. These animals are part of these people’s routine and provide them with a more active and healthier life.
Currently, dogs are also very successful in psychopedagogical methodologies that use zootherapy. The objective is to encourage the learning and socialization of children and adolescents diagnosed with developmental disorders. Among such disorders are autism and Down syndrome.
Dogs also play an important role with patients with severe or terminal conditions. They can also be found in hospitals around the world and in nursing homes for the elderly. The simple presence of animals is able to improve mood and provide a feeling of tranquility to patients.
dolphins
Dolphin-assisted therapy (or DAT) arouses hope and controversy thanks to its results. Many studies show that interaction with these beautiful cetaceans has important positive health effects. Furthermore, it is noteworthy that most patients and their families confirm the effectiveness of zootherapy with dolphins.
Certainly, the controversy over dolphin therapy is related to how animals are raised. Is it ethically correct to deprive a wild animal of its freedom and natural habitat to benefit our health?
Organizations like Israel’s Dolphin Reef prefer to create their “therapist dolphins” in open environments like the Red Sea. Thus, they can train them without depriving them of their natural instincts and routines. In this way, it is possible to guarantee a better quality of life for these special beings.
horses
The benefits of hippotherapy (or zootherapy with horses) was already known by classical civilizations. In ancient Greece, for example, horses were widely used to prevent and rehabilitate multiple physical and psychological illnesses.
Currently, the horse is used as a therapeutic tool to rehabilitate children, adolescents and adults at a psychological, neuromuscular, cognitive and social level.
Cats
Recent studies have shown that contact with the cat’s coat can stimulate memory and cognitive ability in the elderly. Therefore, cats have been widely used in zootherapy proposals for the elderly. Persian cats are generally preferred, thanks to their affable character and extraordinary coat.
Small lizards or iguanas
Certainly, the therapeutic application of lizards is one of the most innovative and exotic proposals in zootherapy. These little reptiles are able to stimulate our children’s cognitive, emotional and social skills.
And all this with one big advantage: they have no hair. They may be better suited for children with allergies or respiratory problems.
Rabbits, hamsters and guinea pigs
Finally, we could not fail to mention these curious little rodents, which are used in the emotional and social stimulation of autistic children.
It is noteworthy that zootherapy in all its modalities should only be practiced under the guidance of specialized professionals. Each patient must receive personalized attention and treatment to choose the right animal, plan the exercises and the frequency of sessions.
