DOG ASSISTED THERAPY: WHEN CAN WE INDICATE TO OUR PATIENTS?

Abstract

Dog-assisted therapy (DAT) consists of an intervention, applied and supervised by duly qualified health professionals, in which the dog is an integral part of the treatment, causing behavioral changes and the health of people with different types of needs. This article aims to identify, through a literature review, the health areas capable of receiving intervention with dogs and their benefits in treatment. The results showed the possibility of implementing DAT in different configurations such as hospitals, nursing homes, clinics or schools and demonstrated the beneficial potential of this intervention for physical, mental and emotional rehabilitation.

Keywords: Assisted therapy; Dog; Animal.