The History of the use of animals to soothe humans
The knowledge of the power of
human-animal interaction in history was limited. However, the basis of current
studies date back to this original stand point. Using pets in medical settings
has always yielded successful and now the combination of medicines with their
presence can create an even more powerful medical advancement. Aubrey Fine, a
clinical psychologist said, “the use of pets in medical settings actually dates
back more than 150 years” (Rovner). In the late 1970s researchers began to
uncover the scientific reasoning for the bond between humans and animals
(Rovner). Studies finding that heart attack victims lived longer accompanied by
a pet than without were originally published in 1980 (Rovner). Although these
studies have been refined, scientists had a general understanding that animals
could aid in the prevention and curbing of medical issues. Now, scientists must
focus on the benefits from the combination of animals and medicines to create a
cure to medical conditions. With the technology in today’s society, scientists
and doctors have the power to take human-animal interaction studies and apply
their effects on patients. A lot of the knowledge we know today comes from
outdated studies and research. Scientists have revisited corners of this study but
haven’t completely refined it. Scientists are focusing on the scientific
reasoning for the relations between human-animal interaction and happiness.
Pets offer tremendous benefits for their companions which have yet to
be recognized.