Dog-assisted therapy in pediatric oncology: an integrative review
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.14295/vittalle.v33i3.12544Keywords:
Terapia assistida, cães, pediatria oncológicaAbstract
OBJECTIVE: Analysis of benefits of dog assisted therapy as a supporting treatment in pediatric oncology, since children submitted to chemotherapy treatment can present psychological, motor and social damages.
METHODOLOGICAL DELINEATION: Integrative review on PubMed, BVS and CAPES bases in the period between 2015 and 2020 using Descritores em Ciência e Saúde (terapia assistida, cães, pediatria oncológica) and Medical Subject Headings (dog assisted therapy, oncology pediatric, dogs, pet therapy).
RESULTS: Six articles were included in the synthesis. Children submitted to dog assisted therapy became happier, more active, more communicative and also showed decrease of stress.
CONCLUSION: In short, despite having been little explored, such study is proved to have generated several benefits for the patient, and it still acts as a facilitator in medical work, seen as a great ally to conventional therapy while promoting greater adherence to treatment.