Pet Therapy The companionship and unconditional love we receive from a loving pet touches our hearts and makes us feel good. This connection is wonderful medicine for hospice patients and their family members.
The health benefits of pet therapy
A simple visit from a calm, gentle dog can provide significant health benefits, including: reducing blood pressure, relieving pain, decreasing stress and fostering relaxation.
The emotional benefits are just as important: reducing depression, anxiety and loneliness; encouraging communication; creating a physical connection through touch; and sparking memories of beloved family pets.
“The same joy my dog brings to me, he can bring to others – just with his eyes, his touch and his presence.”
Physical benefits of pet therapy
A simple visit from a gentle dog can produce significant health benefits.
- Reducing blood pressure
- Releasing calming endorphins
- Relieving pain
- Decreasing stress
- Increasing relaxation
The emotional benefits are just as important
- Reducing depression, anxiety and loneliness
- Encouraging communication
- Providing an uplifting break
- Creating a physical connection through touch
- Sparking memories of beloved family pets