Canine-Assisted Physical Therapy

Caitlin Buening, PT, DPT, ATP

Devin Buehler, PT, DPT

Mercy-Springfield

Topics • Services provided by dogs

• Training of assistance dogs

• Process for facility dog placement

• Use of assistance dogs in rehabilitation

• Evidence-based recommendations

Service Dogs A variety of services are provided by

specially trained canines including:

Skilled companion/assistance dogs

Hearing dogs

Guide dogs

Medical alert dogs

Rescue dogs

Drug detection dogs

Facility dogs

Therapy dogs

Assistance Dog Programs Canine Companions for Independence

C.H.A.M.P. Assistance Dogs, Inc.

Paws for a Cause

AND MANY MORE…

Assistance Dogs of America

Support Dogs

Breeding & Training

COSTS

TIME

FRAMES

CANINE

BREEDS

VOLUNTEER PUPPY RAISERS

PRISON BASED PROGRAMS

Application & Matching Application process

Canine and human companion matching

Placement Options Individual

placements

vs.

Facility placements

Assistance Dog Skills

Canine-Assisted Therapy Definition: a goal-directed

intervention in which an animal,

meeting specific criteria, is an integral

part of the treatment process (American

Veterinary Medical Association)

How can this apply to PT?

Pain Management

Mobility Training

Balance

Activity Tolerance

Motivation/Behavioral Modification

Improved Patient Satisfaction

Improved Outcomes

Is this evidence-based practice? Total Joint Arthroplasty (Harper, et al)

Pain Ratings – difference of 2.4 units on VAS

Higher HCAHPS scores – pain management, overall hospital rating,

Cardiac Rehabilitation

Improved willingness to walk

Greater distance walked

Physiological changes

Increased beta-endorphins, oxytocin, prolactin, dopamine in both dogs and humans

Decreased cortisol in humans

Decreased blood pressure in both dogs and humans

Chronic pain

Reduction in pain and emotional distress

Improve feelings of well-being

Not Just for PT… Occupational Therapy

Functional activities based on patient goals

• ADL training

• IADL training

• Speech Therapy • Word Finding

• Speech Confidence

Group activities

Social interaction

FUN!

Example Activities Hair brushing to work on grip strength/activity tolerance

Opening and closing fasteners to address fine motor

Gait training emphasizing distance/activity tolerance, maintaining gait pattern with distraction

Playing ball to work on UE ROM and grasp

Playing retrieve/tug to work on UE strength or balance

Simulating daily canine care by following schedule for tasks related to the dogs

Simply petting the dog for lower level patients working on initiation, reaching, and basic stimulation

Gait training with dog on hemiparetic/neglected side

AND MORE!

Logistics

Documentation

Billing

Infection Prevention

Employer policies

Handlers

…but are the dogs happy? 😃

Questions?

References Angela Phung - Colleen Joyce - Shirley Ambutas - Melissa Browning - Louis Fogg -

Beth-Anne Christopher - Suzanne Flood - Nursing – 2017

Carl M.Harper - Yan Dong - Thomas S.Thornhill - John Wright - John Ready - Gregory W.Brick - George Dyer - Clinical Orthopaedics and Related Research® - 2014

Dawn A.Marcus - Cheryl D.Bernstein - Janet M.Constantin - Frank A.Kunkel - Paula Breuer - Raymond B.Hanlon - Pain Medicine - 2012

J.s.j Odendaal - R.a Meintjes - The Veterinary Journal - 2003

Nancy L.Novotny - Jackie Deibner - Cheryl Herrmann - Journal of Nursing Education and Practice - 2015

Rondeau L; Corriveau H; Bier N; Camden C; Champagne N; Dion C; NeuroRehabilitation, 2010

Stephanie Burres - Nancy E.Edwards - Alan M.Beck - Elizabeth Richards - Rehabilitation Nursing - 2016