Argumentative Essay On Animal Therapy

Animal-assisted therapy is basically what it sounds like: patients seek comfort and psychological aid from endearing, devoted pets. Of course, there is more to it than that. Centuries of extensive studies and research have supported the positive effects of animal therapy. By lowering depression and anxiety levels, this form of treatment, or even simply owning a pet, can calm a patient in the uneasy hospital atmosphere, and reduce stress for those with mental disorders in their everyday lives (Rathsam, 2002). A service animal assisting aiding an ill person is nothing new; however, it is typically associated with apparent, physical disabilities. For this reason that there is less skepticism in that field (Sanburn, 2013). An emotional support
animal, or ESA, may raise a few eyebrows of those who are unaware of the benefits an ESA can have. It is difficult to believe such a method could be useful, especially when animals do not have to be trained specifically for therapy (just to behave themselves).These benefits are very real, but often go unconsidered by those who are set on recovering through the help of psychologists and medications, and as a result, are uncommon. Even so, many researchers and doctors agree that although it is effective, it does not get enough recognition (Oaklander, 2017).

Animal-assisted therapy was first theorized by Florence Nightingale in the 19th century who aided injured soldiers through this practice.
Years later, Sigmund Freud continued this study, then Dr. Boris Levinson, and then Dr. Samuel Corson, and many researchers in between and after (Gilmer & Goddard, 2015). Animal therapy most commonly takes place in hospitals, especially children’s hospitals. It has also been known to console those in rehab centers, nursing homes, and the homes of the patients themselves. People of any age and any circumstance can heal emotionally from animal therapy. As well as those with psychological disorders, it is beneficial for those with physical ailments to help cope with stress of surgery and recovery (Rathsam, 2002). Being in contact with an ESA, or even a pet, increases the production of a “love hormone” called oxytocin in the brain, which helps to relieve the host of their stress and anxiety (Healthy Years, 2015). Animal therapy can be beneficial to people of all ages, with a variety of symptoms, and stuck in many different circumstances. Some examples are children with school phobia (Scallion, 2010), recovering alcoholics (Grady, 2009), or women with antepartum high-risk pregnancies (Women’s Health Weekly, 2015). There can be complications with the owner trying to fit the animal into their everyday lives, as a result of others not understanding the importance of them. For example, it would be difficult for a person to own a therapy animal if
their landlord does not allow pets, or for a school to allow therapy animals for children with special needs (Sanburn, 2013). While initial doubt on the subject is understandable, animal therapy is a very unique, relaxed, and effective way of treating psychological distress, and should not be dismissed. For many, it is the best and, sometimes, only option. An alternative, such as counseling or medicine, could be difficult, expensive, and not produce the same results.

Animal-assisted therapy is beneficial to a person’s emotional health. Whether it is with a trained ESA or with a pet, seeking comfort from animals is wholesome and pleasant. It benefits children, adults, and elderly alike in many ways, such as improving mood, reducing anxiety, and strengthening social skills. This sort of effective and long-lasting treatment can help with a wide range of conditions: clinical depression, anxiety disorder, social anxiety, just to name the basic few. A more specific example of a treatable illness is PDD (Pitts, 2005). A variety of disorders can be treated by a variety of animals. PTSD symptoms in children can be tamed through caring for a horse, through little tasks such as grooming (Oaklander, 2017). Oaklander wrote, “When people at an Alzheimer's-disease facility dined in front of aquariums with brightly colored fish, they ate more, got better nutrition and were less prone to pacing. They were also more attentive and less lethargic.” Animal therapy is beneficial towards a person’s mental wellbeing, but, physically-speaking, it is considered unsafe for those with allergies. While this is true, precautions are always made in hospitals and other facilities to keep animals away from people and rooms with people who have allergies. Allergies aside, this method is considered safer than most medications. For example, I unfortunately know from personal experience that some medications, such as a mood stabilizer called “venlafaxine”, must be taken every day, or else the patient will experience withdrawals. Withdrawals can be horribly sickening, with symptoms such as severe vomiting and paresthesia. It may be very difficult to walk without assistance. Assuming they live alone, if the patient loses their phone and is too weak to find it and call an ambulance, they could go into hypovolemic shock. As for nondependent drugs, there are likely side effects that can cause disturbance, such as drowsiness, lack of focus, or hyperactivity. Thinking logically, the pros outweigh the cons of simply giving the comfort critters a chance before moving on to other options, especially if it is encouraged by a doctor.

Unfortunately, there are flaws in this plan.
This is not regarding the treatment itself, but the support, or lack thereof, from the public and the American Disabilities Act. It states that a service animal must be trained for the purpose of carrying out specific tasks for the disabled person, which applies to seeing-eye dogs and helper monkeys, but not ESAs (Ryan, 2017). Sadly, this means they are not protected by federal laws. One can find ESAs in some hospitals and retirement homes, but it could be difficult or even impossible for a child to bring an animal to school, or a traveler to bring one on an airplane. Even worse is that some cannot have an ESA at all because their landlord forbids “pets” (Sanburn, 2013). Albeit very audacious and seemingly unrealistic, I propose that through petitions and letters, the people persuade the U.S. legislative branch to make adding a regulation to the ADA amending this issue. Every millennial knows the advantages of social media, and using that to our advantage is key. Online petition-forming websites are well known and a reliable place to start – I for one used to be an active member of Change.org. Big changes such as this could take along and unpredictable amount of time, so until then the best course of action is to simply be sympathetic. A person with no visible handicap carrying an animal in public does not always mean they were brought along just for pleasure. It would be best for all to be patient and considerate of people such
as them. For so many with disorders and phobias, animal-assisted therapy could be the best, but least supported solution. The most crucial goal is to give ESAs the same regulations and protection as any other service animal. What I believe to be the biggest concern is the possibility that people without disabilities will take advantage of the change, and feign illness to bring their pet to wherever they wish. However, if this change is to take effect and ESAs and service dogs are truly equals, then they will be given the same requirements a service animal would have. Requirements include the obligation to provide documented proof that the animal is indeed needed by the patient and prescribed by a doctor, and they must be housebroken and trained to not cause a disturbance. As for public places, such as restaurants, that are not allowed to pry, a special vest on the critter or a plaque on the cage can suffice for quick and unobtrusive assurance.