The history of animals used in therapy and recovery goes back hundreds of years to the Middle Ages. Some believe it goes even further back to the ancient Greeks, who would specifically use horses as a means of lifting the spirits of the severely ill. Whether it was the Belgians of the Medieval era or the Greeks of antiquity, the actual research into this form of therapy first began in the 1800s.
Anxiety, depression, or post traumatic stress disorder can all be treated with fluffy animals. (life)
As Florence Nightingale once said, “A small pet animal is often an excellent companion for the sick.” Dr. Sigmund Freud even experimented with animal therapy with his pooch. Hopefully, he kept his animal experimentation to therapy… Either way, this is the long and storied history of animals lifting the spirits of their human counterparts.
First Recorded Assisted Animal Therapy
The power of puppies. (pinterest)
Unfortunately, for the Belgians and ancient Greeks, the lack of hard research into the benefits of animal therapy means Dr. Boris Levinson of Germany earned the godfather of animal therapy title. Along with Konrad Lorenz, an Austrian Nobel laureate in Physiology, the pair invented the Human Animal Bond concept. They theorized the bond as humanity’s intrinsic need to connect with nature against the backdrop of their chaotic lives.
Animal Therapy Skepticism
Pot-bellied pigs, monkeys, llamas, and even rats can be trained as therapy or companion animals.
At first many held a skeptical view of Levinson and Lorenz’s research until Freud’s findings on the subject were translated and published. Apparently, the critics never enjoyed the simple pleasure of spending time with man’s best friend. Freud believed, like just about every dog owner, that his pup Jo-Fi could accurately judge a person’s character. He also found that having his pup present during therapy sessions imbued a calming influence on his patients, especially children. It’s like they just discovered dogs.
Accidental Discovery
Sigmund Freud learned from his dog. (timetoast)
Ironically, Levinson accidentally stumbled on the positive effects of dogs after leaving his pupper, Jingles, in a room with a mentally impaired young boy. Upon returning to the room he found the young boy happily iterating with Jingles and decided to do more research. He dubbed the term “pet therapy” in reference to the positive effects his dog Jingles spread to his patients.
“O Really Doctor?”
Even fish tanks have proven to calm nerves, slow heart rates, lower blood pressure, while reducing anxiety and muscle tension.
As Levinson wrote in 1969, “It has by no means been the intention of this writer to indicate that pets are a panacea for all the ills of society or for the pain involved in growing up and growing old. However, pets are both an aid to and a sign of the rehumanization of society. They are an aid in that they help to fill needs which are not being met in other, perhaps better ways, because society makes inadequate provision for meeting them. In the meantime, animals can provide some relief, give much pleasure and remind us of our origins.” It does make you think being a clinical researcher isn’t that hard…
Not Just Dogs Lending A Happy Hand
Kids have even improved their reading skills by reading allowed to animals! (historydusted)
Nevertheless, years before Levinson and other researchers realized animals were more than meat, the American Red Cross set up a farm where injured veterans could further their recovery by taking care of animals in the 1940’s. Still, thanks to Levinson’s research, hospitals began using all types of animals to lift the spirits of patients. Ducklings, rabbits, guinea pigs, cats, and even snakes and birds all earned their place as assisted animal therapy possibilities.
Animal Therapy Facts
Reseachers discovered it's hard to be sad around baby ducklings.
As the research into animal therapy grew, researchers began looking into the positive effects of pets at home. According to studies owning a pet can help you live a happier, healthier life. Man’s best friend specifically has proven to reduce the risk of heart disease in their owners. Cats also help reduce the chances of their owners suffering another heart attack. Animals have also proven to reduce the aggression and feeling of helplessness with those suffering from dementia and Alzheimers. Ultimately, a lot of scientists took credit for things we already knew but it’s still nice to know your fluffy friend is keeping you healthy.
