Wednesday, 26 August 2015
Friday, 21 August 2015
New research on older people and pets
Measuring the Benefits
Companion Animals and the Health of Older Persons - IFA’s new report
The health impact of pets on older people is explored
in a new report published by the International Federation on Ageing (IFA). The report Companion Animals and the Health of Older Persons provides
a literature review into the ways pets contribute to the physical and mental
health of individuals and the well-being of society.
“Many
studies have broadly discussed how pets, such as dogs and cats, contribute to
health by reducing anxiety, loneliness and depression, but until today have not
yet been published in a single resource. This new report advances our
understanding of the value of companion animals in the framework of human
health and the broader society,” she said.
"The interaction between humans and animals is powerful;
animals can educate, motivate, and enhance the quality of life for people
around the world", said Michael Devoy, chief medical officer, Bayer HealthCare,
which sponsored the report.
“Given
the scope of this report, we are excited that this research has the ability to
reach human healthcare practitioners, veterinarians, doctors, nurses,
gerontologists, and social workers,” Mr Devoy said.
Report Summary:
This
report is the most extensive literature review to date of
research undertaken in the field of companion animals and the health of
older people. Encompassing published research from 1980 to 2013,
it considers the impact on the physical, psychological, emotional
and social health of older people, both in the community as pet
owners and as residents of care facilities and other institutions to
whom animals are introduced for recreational and therapeutic purposes. The
economic impact of companion animals is also considered. Despite
limitations and gaps in the research caused by weak project design or
poorly-controlled studies, the positive indicators of improvements to the
health and well-being of older people are encouraging and affirm the value
of future research in this field.
Click here to access the full report: www.ifa-fiv.org/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/Companion-Animals-and-Older-Persons-Full-Report-Online.pdf
Thursday, 20 August 2015
This Dog's Nose Saves Bees
Klinker is a one-of-a-kind dog. She’s the only dog in
the U.S. certified to detect a damaging bacteria in beehives.
Along with her handler, Bill Troup, she inspects up to
a thousand honeybee colonies a day for the contagious and lethal bacteria
called American foulbrood.
Source: Swindon & District Beekeepers Association (14
Jan 2015) www.losangelescountybeekeepers.com/home/2015/1/18/watch-this-dogs-nose-saves-bees.html
Pets As Therapy (UK)
Pets As Therapy is a national UK charity founded in 1983. It provides therapeutic visits to hospitals, hospices, nursing and care homes, special needs schools and a variety of other venues by volunteers with their own friendly, temperament tested, vaccinated dogs & cats.
Since its establishment 28,000+ PAT dogs have
been registered into the Pets As Therapy scheme. Every year some of these
retire and new dogs, having first been examined and passed on health, temperament, suitability and
stability grounds, join Pets As Therapy.
Currently 4,500 active PAT visiting dogs and 108 PAT cats work in
the UK. Every week these calm friendly dogs & cats give more than 130,000 people,
both young and old, the pleasure and chance to cuddle and talk to them. The
bedsides that are visited each year number a staggering half million.
Why Pets as Therapy
Sick patients often feel isolated and even the most
withdrawn seem to open up and let the barriers down when their regular Pets As
Therapy visiting dog is around. These dogs bring everyday life closer and with
it all the happy associations for them of home comforts. The constant
companionship of an undemanding animal, that gives unconditional love, is often
one of the most missed aspects of their lives. Pets As Therapy was formed to
help make this loss more bearable and speed recovery.
Evidence-based research
Research continues to validate the very real value of
this daily work undertaken in the community by voluntary Pets As Therapy
visitors and their dogs that work amongst those of us most in need of a little
extra boost in addition to medical skills and nursing care. Pets as Therapy are in the process of setting in place
research to further validate the very real health benefits these animals bring
daily into the lives of those people who are ill or disabled.
Accreditation
All Pets As Therapy dogs and cats are required to pass
an assessment to check their temperament by Pets As Therapy accredited
assessors or qualified vets be fully vaccinated, wormed and protected against
fleas. Records are required by the charity and each volunteer is bound to send
copies when boosters have been given.
Download the Pets as Therapy Temperament Assessment Test: www.petsastherapy.org/images/stories/Factsheets/Factsheet3.pdf
Identification
Each Pets As Therapy dog has an identifying tag on its
collar and many of them wear a distinctive yellow coat. The owner has a photo
ID badge which is worn for security at all times when visiting. Pets As Therapy
have introduced a photo ID tag for its Pets As Therapy Dogs & Cats as well.
As the largest charity of its type in Europe, Pets As Therapy recognises that
security needs are paramount and that busy authorities and on duty staff alike,
need the reassurance of a therapeutic supportive service which is problem free.
How to join Pets As Therapy www.petsastherapy.org/join-us/registered-volunteer
Becoming a volunteer team with Pets As Therapy
Any dog or cat can become a PAT dog or a PAT cat, as
long as it has been with its owner for at least 6 months, is over 9 months of age and
can pass the assessment. All PAT dogs and cats wear a special ID disc on
their collars. Their owners also wear a special ID badge whilst on visits. Pets As Therapy volunteers generously give their time. The amount of time
varies, but regular visits are appreciated.
Making an Application and FAQs for Potential Volunteers
Find out here about the application process and what is
expected of you as a volunteer by downloading the fact sheets before making a
full application.
- How do I apply? (Request an application pack for a Dog or a Cat)
Stroke Rehab Dogs
Stroke Rehab Dogs Program
The Stroke and PAT scheme is a collaborative partnership between Ruth Winston Centre and the national charity Pets As Therapy.
It offers stroke survivors the opportunity to incorporate a companion animal into their stroke rehabilitation treatment programme. Pets As Therapy works in partnership with the lead professional Sallie Bollans of Stroke Rehab Dogs, to provide suitable volunteer PAT dog teams.
The Value of
Animal Assisted Therapy in Stroke Rehabilitation
Key points:
to
facilitate improvements in the five functional domains; physical health,
emotional health, psychosocial health, cognitive function and communication
skills.
AAT can therefore be successfully implemented by all
members of the multi-disciplinary team, (Occupational Therapists, Speech and
Language Therapists, Physiotherapists and Psychologists), to work towards
achieving client-centred goals with appropriate people.
AAT can provide a unique opportunity to relearn
everyday skills without realising the full extent of the effort being
exercised.
Research has suggested that "a dog may act as a
unique catalyst to motivate the client to talk and provide an atmosphere of
unconditional acceptance for the disordered speech that is
produced" (Macauley B. L. 2006).
For patients
with communication difficulties (fluent and non-fluent aphasia), interaction
with the dog offers opportunities for the production of spontaneous vocal
output, together with an opportunity to repeat practised "drill type"
activities with an outcome. Due to the non-confrontational nature of the
interaction, anxiety levels decrease and the patient can feel encouraged to be
creative and spontaneous.
AAT can provide an opportunity for the stroke survivor
to express assertiveness and to take control of a situation as opposed to
playing a passive role. It allows the patient to be the “carer” - looking after
and caring for the needs of the dog.
Source: www.strokerehabdogs.co.uk/Pages/The-value-of-Animal-Assisted-Therapy-in-stroke-rehabilitation.aspx
WALTHAM® Human-Animal Interaction (HAI) Research Program
WALTHAM science and
publications in the area of human-animal interaction have been instrumental in
helping to understand the special relationship between pets and people.
The WALTHAM® Human-AnimalInteraction (HAI) Research Program is pleased to announce the availability of
£340,000 (approx $US524,000) in 2015 to fund high quality research into "the impact of companion animals on human cognition or academic outcomes".
Although animals are often included
in educational settings for a variety of purposes, there is little empirical
research documenting the efficacy of such practices. In the absence of an
assessment system for these activities there are significant gaps in our
understanding of the potential impact of animals on measures of academic
success. Fundamental research is required to provide an evidence base to inform
practice and guide educators and administrators on when, and under what
circumstances, animal presence or animal ownership may be pedagogically
valuable.
Specific areas of research eligible
for funding under this call include but are not limited to the following
categories:
- Reading/literacy
- Academic learning outcomes
- Aspects of cognition (executive function, memory, learning, categorization, language etc.)
- Stress/anxiety reduction
- Classroom behaviours impacting academic success
- Physical activity and cognition/learning
- Typical and/or special populations (e.g. ADHD, autism spectrum, etc.)
- Letter of Intent: Prior to submitting a formal application, investigators are required to submit a Letter of Intent to Dr. Nancy Gee (nancy.gee@effem.com) by June 1, 2015.
- Application: The application deadline is June 31, 2015.
- Further details & application can be downloaded from WALTHAM website: www.waltham.com/waltham-research/other-funding-opportunities/
Deadlines:
Wednesday, 19 August 2015
Dogs & Older People
The role of pets in the lives
of the aged is particularly significant for those who live in a nursing home or
in some situation of assisted care. Numerous studies show pets provide one of
the few interventions capable of permanently lifting the atmosphere of hospices
and nursing homes.
Despite all this evidence, many nursing homes still do not allow pets, and fear of giving up their animal companion is a serious concern for many in the community.
For older people still living in their own home, pet ownership has many benefits including social facilitation and companionship as well as increased activity levels.
Research indicates that people over the age of 65 are the least likely age group in the community to own a pet. Yet, in many ways they are the age group that has the most to gain from pet ownership. Better solutions are needed to ensure older people can enjoy the many benefits pets provide.
"Pets
and the Elderly - How do companion dogs improve the lives of the elderly?" -
a research summary prepared by Petcare Information & Advisory Service
Never fear - help is out there!
If you (or someone you know) are thinking of moving to
a retirement village, independent living unit, hostel or nursing home and
are worried about being parted from your pet, don't despair:
Ask if you can take
your pet with you
Aged care operators are recognizing the benefits of
pets, with some allowing owners to take their pets with them. There will be
rules and some pets are not appropriate in some circumstances.
If you have more than one pet, you could ask if you can
bring more than one. You may also want to ask whether you may get another pet
if your current pet passes away. Useful information about aged care
accommodation that allows pets can be found in DPS guides or see contacts
below.
Tell them how
important your pet is to you
When making enquiries, be ready to explain the benefits
owning your pet has for you. Give accurate information about your pet(s)
including type, size, age, behaviour, whether desexed (vet certification is
probably required) and any vaccinations.
Consider options for
care
If you have to move and are unable to take your pet
with you, you do not have to euthanize your pet.
There are other options. Contact an animal shelter
(RSPCA: 02 6287 8100) or a local rescue
group (such as ARF: 0421 216 485).
They may be able to assist with rehoming advice. Alternatively, check online to
find out if your breed of dog has a special rescue group.
You are not alone
If you are likely to experience the loss of a pet, or
have to part with one, your vet can discuss the issues with you before this
happens. If required, Lifeline provides 24/7 crisis support on 13 11 14.
These are useful contacts for aged care organisations (in Australia) that offer some pet-friendly options:
- Anglicare: 1800 457 255
- BUPA Aged Care: 1300 302 350
- Calvary Retirement Community: 02 6464 7400
- EdeninOZNZ: 03 8819 4732
- Freedom Aged Care: 1800 994 763
- Lend Lease Aged Care: 02 6257 8798
- Stockland Retirement Living: 1800 72 71 70
Alex & Barney find suitable retirement home through daughter's doggedness!
The problem of finding
Alex a home was complicated by his initial reluctance to leave his unit and the
fear that he might have to give up his pet dog, Barney, a six-year-old Jack
Russell-cross.
Finding a suitable aged-care home for Alex & his dog, Barney required luck, determination and doggedness by his family but they got there in the end...
10 Fruits & Vegetables That Dogs Absolutely Love!
You
have to feed your dog healthy food, specially fruits and vegetables. Taking
care of your dog’s health will make him strong and full of power. Here
are some kinds of fruits and vegetables that your dog will love to eat...
1.
Apple - an
apple a day keeps the vet away? This may be true, apples contain
antioxidants that help boost immunity. Plus they’re sweet…dogs love the sweet.
Just be sure to throw out the core since apple seeds can be harmful to dogs
2.
Spinach - not
only is spinach high in iron, but it is also contains calcium for bone health.
Spinach also contains anti-inflammatory/anti-cancer properties by way of
flavonoids and carotenoids.
3.
Pumpkin -
baked fresh or canned, dogs lick their chops when this tasty treat comes in
their direction. Pumpkin is also the go to aid for problematic digestion. It
works for constipation AND diarrhea.
4.
Green Beans -
added fiber and crunchiness, green beans also offer a plethora of vitamin
nutrition. They are a low calorie filler for dogs who like to eat between
meals, but are watching their figure.
5.
Watermelon -
chock full of the antioxidant lycopene, watermelons are mild enough for most
dogs to eat. In addition to the nutrient packed goodness, the juiciness is
enough to add a little extra hydration on a hot day.
6.
Cantaloupe -
these yummy treats are mild, easy to digest for most dogs and pack a vitamin
punch. Full of beta carotene, studies have shown that beta carotene may reduce
and prevent the growth of cataracts.
7.
Carrots -
not only are carrots a filling treat for overweight dogs on a “diet” but they
also are good for oral hygiene. Carrots naturally clean and polish teeth. Have
a chewer at home? Toss them a carrot to keep them from eating a favorite pair
of shoes.
8.
Blueberries -
given as an occasional rare treat, these little blue balls of antioxidants have
been popping up in commercial dog foods in the past few years. Blueberries
provide the same health benefits for both dogs and owners.
9.
Pears -
this heart healthy treat is high in dietary fiber. Pears are sweet, juicy and
most dogs enjoy the taste and texture.
10.
Sweet Potato -
these holiday favorites should been treats all year round. Sweet potatoes
contain high amounts of amino acids, which are good for strong lean muscles and
enhances antioxidant properties.
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