Desenvolvimento de atividades assistidas com cães em idosos e o papel do médico veterinário

Abstract

Animal assisted activities (AAA) are exercises in which the animal has the role of promoting emotional, physical and/or social improvement in human patients. It assumes that humans and dogs relationship can generate various benefits. The veterinarian has an important role in monitoring these animals promoting the health of dogs and people involved, through awareness of zoonotic diseases, and ensuring dogs welfare during activities. The project has five dogs of different breeds and ages who participated in the development of activities related to the elderly for the purpose of socialization among elderly, motivation for physical activity and improved self-esteem. These dogs received socialization training and basic commands for three months. The Veterinarian provided guidance to tutors about dogs health through a primer and periodic evaluations were carried out in order to monitor and ensure life quality of these animals. It was expected with this work to develop dogs activities leaving them able to interact and socialize with elderly patients, in addition confirming the importance of Veterinarian integration in activities aimed at multidisciplinary health, as in the human-animal relationship.