The research of standardized protocols for dog involvement in animal-assisted therapy: a systematic review

Santaniello, A. and Garzillo, S. and Cristiano, S. and Fioretti, A. and Menna, L. F.

Animals (2021) 11:

DOI: 10.3390/ani11092576

Abstract

Dogs are considered the most important species involved in animal-assisted therapy (AAT), and the scientific literature focuses on the benefits linked to the involvement of dogs in various therapeutic areas. In this study, we carried out a systematic review according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines, exploring the scientific literature from the last 5 years (2016-2021) on three databases (PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science) to highlight the characteristics of the dogs involved in AATs. Based on the scientific literature relevant to such dogs, we considered different parameters (i.e., number, age, sex, breed, temperament, methods of choice and training, health status, research goals, and activities with dogs) to include studies in our paper. After screening 4331 papers identified on the searched databases, we selected 38 articles that met the inclusion criteria. Analysis of the included articles showed that the characteristics of the dogs were neglected. Our findings indicated a lack of information about the dogs, as well as the absence of standardized and univocal criteria for dog selection, training programs, and health protocols.

Citation

Santaniello, A., Garzillo, S., Cristiano, S., Fioretti, A., & Menna, L. F. (2021). The research of standardized protocols for dog involvement in animal-assisted therapy: a systematic review. Animals, 11(9). https://doi.org/10.3390/ani11092576 Animals, Dogs, dogs, meta-analysis, systematic reviews, therapeutics, therapy, Animal Behaviour [LL300], Pets and Companion Animals [LL070], temperament, literature reviews, animal health, Animal Health and Hygiene (General) [LL800], training of animals, breeds, dog breeds, animal breed, animal breeds, bitches, Non-communicable Human Diseases and Injuries [VV600], animal assisted therapy, Non-drug Therapy and Prophylaxis of Humans [VV710], age differences, sex differences, Animal Shells

Keywords

• Animals
• Dogs
• dogs
• meta-analysis
• systematic reviews
• therapeutics
• therapy
• Animal Behaviour [LL300]
• Pets and Companion Animals [LL070]
• temperament
• literature reviews
• animal health
• Animal Health and Hygiene (General) [LL800]
• training of animals
• breeds
• dog breeds
• animal breed
• animal breeds
• bitches
• Non-communicable Human Diseases and Injuries [VV600]
• animal assisted therapy
• Non-drug Therapy and Prophylaxis of Humans [VV710]
• age differences
• sex differences
• Animal Shells