For example, watching fish in an aquarium was found to be as effective as hypnosis in reducing anxiety in patients awaiting dental surgery. Animals help decrease our blood pressure There have been several scientific studies using healthy adults, healthy children, and adults with high blood pressure, which show that simply being in the presence of a dog, or petting an animal can reduce blood pressure. Animals can be a silent therapist Animals have been used by psychiatrists and psychologists in formal psychotherapy for many years. Informally, owners typically talk to their animals as if they were human. We can unload our problems, fears and concerns to them without fear of being judged.
Animals are always good listeners, never give bad advice and are always supportive.
This beneficial effect of animals has been used in many different settings. These children have a history of violence or abuse towards animals or people, or are victims of abuse and violence. The child is paired with another child and a homeless dog three times a week at school. They spend time learning how to train a dog, and undergo humane education and communication exercises. This wonderful program has been helping children break their cycle of violence while transforming an unwanted dog into an animal which is adopted into a loving family.