5 Amazing Benefits Of Pet Therapy

As part of Mental Health Awareness Week 2017 at Middlesex University, Lecturer in Child Health Nursing Jenny Phillips hosted an 'animal cafe' to talk to students and staff about the scientific benefits of humans spending time with creatures, great and small. From surviving to thriving, here are the ways that animals can help people improve their wellbeing.

1. Dogs for depression

Middlesex University

Dogs can help people with depression in a number of ways, including through physical touch, affection giving, reducing loneliness, encouraging exercise and providing a source of fun and laughter.

Jenny also describes dogs as a 'social lubricant' because they are a conversation starter - helping humans form connections with each other.

2. Parrots and PTSD

Martin Pettitt / Via Flickr: mdpettitt

Cognitively sophisticated, parrots have been found to suffer from post traumatic stress disorder in a similar way to humans. Rescue parrots are now helping veterans and others deal with their own symptoms.

3. Purr power

Susanne Nilsson / Via Flickr: infomastern

The hertz rate of a cat's purr give them a meditative quality that helps reduce stress. Their purring encouragements to human touch can help strokes victims with muscle rehabilitation.

4. Skunks and schizophrenia

Neil Turner / Via Flickr: neilt

One of the more unlikely sources of animal comfort is the skunk. Surprisingly similar to cats and not smelly unless threatened, skunks encourage the release of endorphins when stroked and petted, distracting patients with schizophrenia from the voices within their heads.

5. Tortoises triggering memories for dementia sufferers

Don DeBold / Via Flickr: ddebold

Tortoises, which were popular pets in the 50s and 60s, can help trigger childhood memories in dementia sufferers. And animals of all species create positive feelings among those dealing with the condition.