Social and Behavioral Sciences Commons^™

The Impact Of Pet Therapy On Pediatric Physical And Psychological Health, Kayla Redman, Brenna Smith

Lake Campus Research Symposium Abstracts and Posters

Pet therapy or animal-assisted therapy (AAT) is categorized as a cost-effective alternative treatment method for hospitalized pediatric patients. Recent reports of AAT have been shown to decrease anxiety and depression, boost communication skills, and soothe the fears of the family and patient. This integrated approach has positively impacted patients’ psychological health, along with their physical health. The presence of an animal in the healthcare setting has proven to lower blood pressure and heart rate, as well as decrease pain. Pet therapy has also demonstrated a positive influence in children with mental illnesses such as Autism Spectrum Disorder and mental retardation …