Pet Therapy
While we all know that pets can trigger a smile or a sense of calmness within most people, it may surprise you that a pet can actually reduce pain. Pet therapy utilizes trained animals to provide therapeutic benefits of comfort, relaxation, and easing the pain to people of all ages with a wide range of health problems. Experts have suggested a number of potential links, and it may be a unique combination of these that leads to pain improvement.
In addition to a decrease in pain, research shows that pet therapy can also improve mood and reduce anxiety, agitation, and fear in adults. Taking care and spending time with pets boosts one’s self confidence and improves self-esteem. Pet therapy reduces the feeling of alienation, isolation, and symptoms of depression.
Cara and Otis Bring Puppy Love
What’s better medicine than a cuddly therapy dog with a loving, calm disposition? In this video, meet Otis, a three year-old Bernese mountain therapy dog. Otis and his owner, medical student Cara Guenther (MED) bring comfort and joy to patients and staff at Boston Medical Center as well as to Cara’s fellow medical students at BU School of Medicine.
Request Pet Therapy
Ask your nurse to put in a request for you to receive pet therapy.
We will make every effort to fulfill the request prior to discharge.
If you are discharged before the consult, below are some available resources.
Resources
