Four-legged therapy: the role of dogs in treating patients
Animal-assisted intervention is a therapeutic practice that uses the interaction between humans and animals to promote physical, emotional and psychological benefits, helping in the rehabilitation and treatment of various conditions. To discuss this topic, psychiatrist Dr. Luiz Dieckmann and neurologist Dr. Paula Dieckmann invited Emi Parente, a specialist in dog-assisted educational intervention and founder of the Alice program - PATAE (Alice Assisted Educational Therapy Program), to the episode "Dogs that heal: the impact of assisted intervention" of the Biolab Cast Conectados. In this episode, the experts explore the benefits of interacting with therapy dogs in different contexts. Conectados is an initiative of Biolab Farmacêutica and its animal health division, Avert® Biolab Saúde Animal.
The Alice project, in partnership with the National Cancer Institute (INCA), carries out animal-assisted interventions with cancer patients, promoting physical, mental and social well-being. In addition, the project offers support and social inclusion through pairs of volunteers, made up of dogs and trained tutors, who assist students with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), Down's Syndrome and depression.
The project's founder explains that any pet can be trained, as long as they receive proper care and are in good health. During the sessions, the animals act as facilitators, promoting communication, socialization, relaxation and stimulation for the patients. They are trained to meet the specific needs of each person, ensuring a safe and welcoming environment.
For Dr. Paula Dieckmann, the presence of animals in delicate moments has a significant impact on social inclusion and reintroduction, generating beneficial results both in cancer patients and in the educational field with atypical children, including those within the autistic and non-verbal spectrum, how effective this approach is.
"One of the areas in which we work with cancer patients is palliative care, a very sensitive space, and animals come to give patients another purpose. Many of them are in a state of denial, and it's with the intervention of animals that they can ease this feeling. In some cases, this positive stimulus makes treatment easier," says Emi Parente.
Dr. Luiz Dieckmann stresses the importance of balance between physical and psychological well-being. "It is essential that there is harmony between physical and mental health. If physical health is in order, but there is an emotional disorder present, good physical condition alone will not be enough for the individual to function fully. And we can see how deeply animals affect our hearts," concludes the specialist.
To find out more, check out the full podcast here: https://youtu.be/cAdUvKP0lLs
About Biolab
Promoting a future with a better quality of life requires a tireless search for safe and innovative treatments. With this mission in mind, Biolab, a Brazilian pharmaceutical company founded in 1997 and with an international presence, invests in research and partnerships to overcome the growing challenges of health.
With more than 3,800 employees and the 4th largest sales force in Brazil, Biolab is among the largest pharmaceutical companies in the country, operating in various specialties, such as dermatology, gynecology, orthopedics, gastroenterology, pediatrics, clinical medicine and the central nervous system, as well as being a leader in cardiology. The Biolab Genéricos, Avert Humana and Avert Biolab Saúde Animal business units contribute to a portfolio of more than 500 products.
Biolab is constantly growing. It has three production units, as well as a modern manufacturing complex under construction. And it doesn't stop there: in Canada it is the first Brazilian pharmaceutical company with a Research Center and it acquired the company Exzell Pharma to expand its borders.
Long live evolution!
Find out more at www.biolabfarma.com.br and on social media: Instagram, Facebook and Linkedin.
About Avert Biolab Animal Health
Biolab Farmacêutica shares the same excellence and standard of quality in products for the health of people and pets. Like their owners, we are also passionate about pets. This commitment is expressed in Avert, Biolab's veterinary division, which has been on the Brazilian market for a decade and is expanding internationally to the Americas.
For this demanding market, which is constantly growing, we provide health and well-being so that dogs and cats can live longer and better lives.
We are people taking care of people and their pets, meeting the needs of each stage - from puppies to elderly animals, contributing to the advancement of veterinary medicine, understanding the needs of pets and providing products and services that contribute to their health and nutrition.
The Avert Saúde Animal range is produced at our industrial unit in Bragança Paulista (SP), using high-quality raw materials and exclusive formulations. In total, there are more than 185 presentations of nutraceuticals, dermocosmetics and innovative medicines for dogs and cats.