Therapeutic applications of the human‐companion animal bond

Abstract

Better understanding of the human-companion animal bond (HCAB) has resulted in a number of initiatives to help people with diverse health and social needs. The authors of this article trace the history of the HCAB, and discuss current programmes and key requirements for their success

Animal-Assisted Intervention in Rehabilitation Nursing

“…Tedavide hayvanların kullanımını gösteren ilk çalışmalar 1792'de İngiltere'de ruhsal bozukluğu olan hastaların davranışlarını iyileştirmek için çiftlik hayvanlarının kullanıldığı York Retreat'te yapılmıştır 25 . 1800'lü yıllarda ise; hemşirelik mesleğinin temel yapıtaşlarından olan Florence Nightingale refakatçi hayvanların bakım ve tedavideki önemini "özellikle kronik hastalıkların tedavi sürecinde küçük bir ev hayvanı, hastalar için mükemmel bir arkadaştır" şeklinde belirtmiştir 26 .…”

Animal Assisted Therapy and Activities in Alzheimer's Disease

“…[31] A dog showing the way to a blind man is drawn on armor in Pompeii historical ruins. [32] The first studies, which have shown animal assistance in therapy, were performed to recover behaviors of mentally ill people in 1792 in York Retreat in United Kingdom by using farm animals. [3] Florence Nightingale defined the significance of assisting animals for therapy as: "Especially during treatment of a patient with a chronic illness, a small pet is a perfect friend for the patient".…”

“…[3] Florence Nightingale defined the significance of assisting animals for therapy as: "Especially during treatment of a patient with a chronic illness, a small pet is a perfect friend for the patient". [32] Dogs were used in rehabilitation after the World War I, in the first half of the 20th century. To improve moods of American army officers, who experienced depression related to the war, dogs were given to them to keep in company.…”

“…Especially veterinarians should choose the appropriate animal for therapy of each patient group according to temperament and behaviors of animals, perform the care for each animal, work for prevention of zoonotic diseases, and suggest an appropriate interaction model for the therapy. [32] Infection controlling policies and regulations should be obeyed in treatment and prevention of zoonotic diseases, so that animal assisted therapies will be more widespread. If measures for risk prevention are taken, then AAT applications can be performed safely.…”

Dog-Assisted Therapies and Activities in Rehabilitation of Children with Cerebral Palsy and Physical and Mental Disabilities

“…It provides positive effects, such as adapting to stressful situations and hospital environments; decreasing anxiety, stress, pain and blood pressure; and increasing mobility and muscle activity. Guiding animals increase physical activity, help prevent mental states such as loneliness and depression, improve daily life activities and provide social support by increasing quality of life [ 19 , 20 , 21 , 22 , 23 , 24 ].…”