Nurses are being urged to recognise the "power of a pat" and let animals help their patients help them feel better.

A survey of 260 nurses by the Pet Health Council found overwhelming support for interaction with animals as having a major impact on patients' wellbeing.

The research revealed that 100 per cent of nurses who worked in hospitals and care homes where pets were allowed believed their patients benefited from the regular visits.

And 94 per cent of nurses who worked in places where pets were not let in thought their patients would benefit from being allowed contact with animals.

The charity Pets As Therapy (PAT) organises for dogs and other pets to visit patients in hospital and residential care homes.

Many patients, especially the elderly, have to leave their pets at home and their health can suffer because they miss the companionship.

The latest research found that 96% of nurses saw enhanced social skills among patients who owned or received a regular visit from a pet.

PAT said that older people in particular greatly benefited from having pets to provide companionship, reduce loneliness and provide a sense of purpose and fulfilment for someone living on their own.

But nurses said that pet care could also be a major concern for their patients.

More than eight out of 10 (84%) said they had known patients who were reluctant to seek medical treatment if it meant leaving their pets.

PAT director Maureen Hennis said: "Pets As Therapy can really help patients through the recovery process or at least provide them with much needed TLC.

"71% of the nurses surveyed were aware of the work we do but shockingly only 21% have organised a visit from one of our volunteers.

"We really want to call on nurses to contact PAT and witness for themselves the power of a pat.

"PAT volunteers also visit special needs schools, day care units, rehabilitation centres and patients with animal phobias."

More information can be found at www.petsastherapy.org.