Scratchings-and-Sniffings

Posted by Animals at 5:38 PM Wednesday, October 14, 2009

Scratchings-and-Sniffings

The Health Benefits of Human Pet Interaction

Posted: 12 Oct 2009 09:11 AM PDT

Good-dog-Miles-with-DrLarry I've written before about the good work being done by the Pet Partners Program on Animal Assisted therapy. Dogs, cats and horses are used in various programs around the country for kids with autism, alzheimer patients and other hospitalized or institutionalized patients. Most experts agree that there are numerous health and well being benefits to these animal assisted therapy programs.

Despite the anecdotal observations that patients derive health benefits from these people- pet interactions there has not been much serious research that would confirm or quantify these benefits.
 
That's about to change according to an article I read earlier this week.
 
The Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Animal Health and Human Development in partnership with the Waltham Center for Pet Nutrition and the National Institute of Nursing are looking to fund research projects in this important area.Boe-the-therapy-dog
 
Specifically, they are looking for research projects that would document the therapeutic effects of pet interaction and the role that pets play in childhood development and health.
 
That's exciting news. I've seen how dogs can help alzheimer patients first hand by watching my father-in-law around his two dogs. And, one of my best friends has a son with autism that derives great joy from a program involving horses. 
 
We pet lovers know how much our own dogs and cats mean to our health and well being. For many of us our pets provide happiness and emotional support. It will be interesting to follow up on this program and to see which projects get funded and eventually what we learn from the research.
 
I'll keep my eye on both topics and report back as things develop.

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