The Civil Hospital of Malaga, Spain, launched an initiative called “Your pet accompanies you“. This program allows palliative care patients to spend time and say goodbye to their pets.
The project is part of Animal-Assisted Therapy (AAT), whose main objective is to improve the quality of life of these terminally ill individuals.
How Your pet accompanies you works
The project is aimed at terminally ill patients who are hospitalized in the palliative care unit, belonging to the Internal Medicine service of the Regional University Hospital of Malaga.
In all cases, they must have explicitly expressed their desire to say goodbye to their pets.
The impact on health.
According to a statement released by the center, currently, animal-assisted therapy in the palliative care unit focuses solely on authorized and identified pet visits.
The main goal is for these visits to take place in a “comfortable and safe” manner, not only for the patient but also for other hospitalized individuals, family members, healthcare professionals, and also for the animal.
Animal therapy
Animal therapy has shown a notable anxiolytic effect. It helps alleviate feelings of isolation and loneliness that are common in these circumstances.
The hospital highlighted to local media that there are numerous studies supporting this. Interaction with animals, especially pets, has a “significant positive impact.” This is seen in the reduction of stress and anxiety levels in patients with terminal illnesses.
“The hospital is aware of what it means for a person to be hospitalized, and that is why we promote initiatives aimed at humanizing healthcare,” stated the supervisor of the palliative care unit, Maria Teresa Moyano, to La Opinión de Málaga.
“These initiatives result in comprehensive care based on respect and the value of the individual, tailoring each case according to their needs,” she added.
The positive impact on health of hugging your dog
Pets, especially dogs, have become inseparable companions for many people.
Beyond the affection and loyalty they provide, various studies have shown that living with these animals has a positive impact on the physical and mental health of their owners.
Among the many displays of affection shared with them, hugging them is one of the most special and, at the same time, a source of well-being.
The act of hugging a dog goes beyond a simple display of affection. According to experts from Houston Methodist Hospital, this action can reduce stress and anxiety levels, providing a sense of calm and security.
Likewise, the National Institutes of Health of the United States (NIH) pointed out that the connection between humans and pets enhances mood and reduces feelings of loneliness.
