Many hospitals have therapy dogs who visit with patients, and
anecdotal evidence underscores the positive impact these programs have
on children with cancer and their families. Preliminary findings from a new, multi-center trial provides some of the first quantitative data to validate these claims.
The study, to be presented at the American Academy of Pediatrics
(AAP) National Conference & Exhibition in Washington, DC, collected
data on blood pressure, pulse rates and anxiety levels
of children before and after a weekly visit from a therapy dog. During
the visits, children pet or talk to the dog, brush its fur, view the
dog's photos, watch the dog practicing tricks or commands, and learn
about dog breeds.
Preliminary findings show that blood pressure readings in the group
receiving animal-assisted interventions remains more stable across all
sessions than in the control group, said lead researcher Amy McCullough,
Ph.D., National Director of Humane Research and Therapy for the
American Humane Association. Similarly, there was a higher degree of
variability in heart rate within the control group patients than with
the treatment group patients.
"These findings suggest that the dog may have a calming effect on the patient," Dr. McCullough said.
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