1. Therapy with Animals By Amy Lawson

2. Why use animals for therapy? • Animals tend to have a calming effect on people. • Animals can help relieve stress and tension. • Just seeing an animal can raise spirits. • People tend to be more relaxed and open around animals. • Animals promote activity and interaction. • Animals stimulate the senses.

3. What kind of animals are used for therapy? • Any gentle and trustworthy domesticated animal can help with therapy. • Some examples are: • Dogs • Cats • Horses • Llamas • Rabbits

4. Take a moment to look at this photo….. How/What do you feel?

5. Benefits of Canine Therapy • Companion for the handicapped person • Encourages speech • Stirs emotions • Encourages attention • Promotes movement and interaction • Promotes health and healing

7. Physical Benefits of Equine therapy… • Stretching of tight or spastic muscles • Increased Range of Motion of the joints • Improved respiration and circulation • Improved appetite and digestion • Simulates human walking movement. • Stimulates the senses

8. Psychological Benefits of Equine therapy • Improve self-confidence • Increased interest in the outside world • Increased interest in one’s own life • Emotional control and self-discipline • Educational skills as well as Social skills are other benefits that can be acquired from Equine and Canine therapy.

10. Anyone and Everyone can benefit from therapy with animals. TheEnd