CARING FOR RETIRED RACE HORSES

PETS, NOT PILLS

Written By Dr. Lana Husbands (MD)

Animals have been used in therapy since the 17th century to help alleviate pain and anxiety in children and adults. For instance, persons who have experienced different forms of abuse, suffered illness, or grieved a loved one passing, have found animals to be a great source of comfort.

Many pet owners relate that when they returned home from a stressful work day, their dog gives them a nuzzle or reassuring lick, and they feel comforted.

It seemed that their dog “knew” how they felt and wanted to “make it right.”

The Healing Power of Animals in our Lives

Animals are generally perceived as non-threatening and nonjudgmental and are thus seen as the “ideal therapist”.

Let us Explore Two Forms of Animal Therapy:

1) Animal-Assisted Therapy (AAT):

• Is a structured, goal-directed intervention in which an animal is incorporated as an integral part of the treatment process. • Delivered and/or directed by a professional health or human service provider. AAT is documented and evaluated within an individualized treatment plan. • Sessions generally have a fixed length.

An example of AAT is the use of animals to rehabilitate war veterans suffering from PTSD.

2) Animal-Assisted Activities (AAA):

• A basic ‘meet-and-greet’ sessions of pets visiting people in a hospital, long-term care centre, etc. • They provide opportunities for mo-

tivational, educational, therapeutic

and/or recreational activities. • May be delivered by a specially trained professional, paraprofessional or volunteer. • No defined treatment goals are planned for each visit; detailed notes and documentation are not required. • Visits are spontaneous and can be as short or long as necessary.

Does it Really Work?

Understandably, with any new medical intervention, there will be questions such as: Are results measurable and reproducible? Is this just another fad in alternative medicine which serves no practical purpose, but is little more than a “feel good” remedy?

Happily, there is increasing and compelling evidence that trained animals (most commonly dogs who are easily and predictably trained), have been successfully used as standard, vital emotional support for sufferers.

The first formal therapeutic work and research was done by Dr. Boris Levinson, a respected child psychologist. In 1961, while working with a withdrawn and mentally impaired young boy, Dr. Levinson made an “accidental discovery” involving his dog, Jingles. Levinson briefly left Jingles alone with the boy and, when he returned, found the young boy interacting with the dog. This inspired Levinson to do further research with Jingles and his young patients. He found that the presence of a dog during therapy sessions had a positive effect on impaired young patients. Levinson is often credited with coining the term “pet therapy” and suggested its use as part of standard care. As they carefully listen, the therapist may then be able to effectively proceed with individualised treatment modalities (including medication if indicated ) for a positive long-term recovery.

Are only Dogs Useful?

Not at all; there are several, albeit mainly anecdotal reports that cats, guinea pigs, rabbits, hens, fish and even reptiles may be used, but these are often owned by the patient. Horses are increasingly used to rehabilitate persons with physical challenges, autism and those with drug and other addictions on a group level.

Dogs, however, are more widely accepted, and (as mentioned), predictably trained and can remain on a leash if needed, especially if any in the group may not be comfortable with an animal roaming amongst them. The patient may then stroke, brush or even be encouraged to walk with the dog to increase their mobility. (Anyone who dislikes or fears animals or is allergic to them, is not a likely candidate for AAA intervention.)

The Elderly

In their book: “Between Pets and People”, medical professors note a 1992 study by an Australian cardiologist. The study found that people with pets had lower blood pressure and lower blood fat levels than those without pets.

The authors also point to the trend by

nursing homes to incorporate animals into the routine and environment for

patients.

COVID-19 has brought sudden and sometimes fatal consequences, but one group especially devastated have been our dear elderly ones, who are most susceptible to contracting and dying from this virus. The loss of many of them in the hardest hit countries has been painful to see and read about. We wish those families all best wishes in coping with this ongoing crisis.

One concern which has been repeatedly highlighted is the depression and the sense of loneliness and abandonment which many report as they are in an unprecedented situation which is distressing and fraught with uncertainty, but also adds to the fear and apathy in life.

Therapy animals have been given permission in some states in the United States of America during the pandemic, for the volunteers with their handlers to make arrangements for outdoor visits so that those isolated in their rooms may see and talk to their favourite animal. Evidence suggests and overall increase in subjected heart rate, blood pressure, mood and the will to live as there is something to look forward to.

Those with dementia are reported to become more verbal and sociable after contact with animals and this is presently being more widely studied.

We all know that to feel happy, prosperous and fulfilled, we need our mental, physical and emotional needs met; we highly value our families and friendships and when we experience emotional or other pain or any kind of suffering, we all need a helping hand or a paw.

Lana Husbands, MBBS (UWI), is Creative Director of Homes, Hearts and Paws of Love (new AAA not for profit organization) and Affiliate Friend of Action For Animals Barbados.

References: http://www.pawsitiveinteraction.com/pdf/a_scientific_look.pdf https://www.pdresources.org/blog_data/animal-assisted-therapy-a-brief-history/ http://opensiuc.lib.siu.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1701&context=gs_rp Between Pets and People: The Importance of Animal Companionship by Professors Alan M. Beck (Veterinarian) and Aaron H. Katcher, (psychiatrist) http://www.wideopenpets.com/6-types-of-animals-used-for-therapy/ http://www.who.int/about/mission/en/ http://animaltherapy.net/what-is-aataaa/

wagging tails

Dogs need

Daily Stimulation

Written By Gail J Hunte

RESEARCH INDICATES THAT A LACK OF SOCIAL INTERACTION, ESPECIALLY WITH DOGS THAT

ARE LOCKED IN PENS/KENNELS ALL DAY, CAUSES LONG-TERM MENTAL ILLNESS IN DOGS.

One study suggests that “some kenneled dogs show signs of distress, characteristic of mental illness in humans and chronic stress due to over-stimulated adrenal glands and certain dogs may use repetitive behaviors as a coping mechanism.” University of Edinburgh, Anthrozoology Institute.

SIGNS THAT YOUR DOG IS IN DISTRESS:

• Crying/howling • Pacing • Excessive panting due to high levels of anxiety and over heating • Chewing/gnawing kennel • Constant barking • Lethargy which can be a sign of depression

Dr. Becker from Mercola Healthy Pets states: “Confining a puppy or dog that hasn’t been housetrained to her own cozy crate for a few hours is fine. However, a crate-trained dog, once housebroken, should be allowed to go in and out of her crate at will.” In other words, your dog should have the option to go in and out of their kennel/crate, rather than being locked in the kennel day and night. Further, a dog that has plenty of stimulation such as playtime, toys and human interaction, will be less inclined to be destructive or bark all the time.

SIMPLE TIPS FOR WALKING YOUR DOG:

• Make sure your dog has on a collar or harness with name tag or license disk for identification • Keep dogs on their leash around people at all times • Walk your dog early morning or in the evening when cool • If a long walk, provide water • Walk with your dog on the inside so that he/she is not against the traffic • At night, wear reflecting clothing for both your safety • Walk with poop bags • With puppies, start off with short journeys so they get used to walks • Your dog may pull for the first few times, so walk with treats and use a command word such as “heel” if they pull and gently guide the dog back to your side.

Reward with a dog treat to positively reinforce

DOGS NEED:

• Shade to keep cool • Enrichment toys • Flea and tick treatments and regular worming • Daily meals • Health-checks at the vets for their shots etc • Exercise

Having a dog is a wonderful experience, and one that will bring years of enjoyment and love if you enter into the relationship with the understanding that you are responsible for their physical and mental well-being.

lemon grass 1/4 page ad