Argumentative Essay On Animal Therapy

In nursing homes, most of the elderly patients are far away from home; some may rarely or even not at all receive visitors. However, a simple solution would make their stay more fulfilling, joyous and beneficial. Introducing an animal therapy program would give the elderly a chance to both receive and give affection freely. The opportunity to participate in this program would instill patients a sense of purpose as caring for animals can mimic the feelings that parents have when caring for their children. Stroking, petting and playing with the dogs can reduce the frustration and agitation that come with the limitations of aging. It can also prevent senior residents from escalating into aggressive interaction with staff members. Many hospitals, nursing homes, and rehabilitation centers have already implemented therapy dogs as a treatment option for all hospital residents. It has been proven a safe and effective way to maintain positive feelings in what can be a melancholy environment. Due to the many benefits of therapy dogs, I would install the Animals for Anxiety program for Lexington
Although there are skeptics, regular visits from therapy dog’s produce physical and mental benefits. The physical benefits of pet therapy include lowering blood pressure, steadying heart rate, and suppresses overall pain. In fact, studies show that “Pressure in the heart’s top left chamber dropped 10 % and pressure in the pulmonary artery dropped 5% when heart patients were visited by a dog and person” (Benefits of Pets and Pet Therapy, 2008, p.2). A multitude of emotional benefits can also be seen in those who use therapy animals. Patients who suffer from depression, anxiety, and loneliness are also benefited from therapy animals. This is due to the increased level of oxytocin, our “happy hormone”, that is released when an individual strokes an animal (Benefits of Pets and Pet Therapy, 2008,