This article considers the effectiveness of dog visitation therapy in dementia care and considers implications for practice. The literature indicates that visits by animals to care settings can bring various benefits to patients and residents, including relaxation, less apathy, agitation and aggression, and lower blood pressure. Much of the evidence is, however, anecdotal. If animals are to be introduced to care settings, careful multidisciplinary planning is required to ensure that stringent protocols and procedures are in place to protect the health and safety of all involved.
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This work was carried out as a collaboration between all authors. Author AD led the design of the study, planned the data collection, led the workshop discussion on co-creation of research and led the writing of the manuscript. Author DM provided guidance on methods of qualitative analyses, supported coordination of the data collection and assisted in shaping the paper. Authors JH, AEK, AP led the workshop discussions on co-creation of education resources (JH) and peer support (AK and AP) and, provided subject-specific knowledge in these areas in the paper. Author NTG provided extensive support in coordinating the workshop, carried out much of the data analysis for the paper in collaboration with Author AD and produced the tables of data. All authors read and approved the final manuscript.
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