BUSINESS - IDEXX Supports Human Animal Bond Research

(pexels.com)

 

IDEXX, a world leader in veterinary diagnostic instrument development and manufacture; reference laboratory services; and dairy and water testing, has become an official supporter of the Human Animal Bond Research Initiative (HABRI).

HABRI is a not-for-profit organization that maintains the world’s largest online library of human-animal bond research and information; funds innovative research projects to scientifically document the health benefits of companion animals; and informs the public about human-animal bond research and the beneficial role of companion animals in society.

“IDEXX is proud to support HABRI and its mission to advance human-animal bond research,” said Jonathan Ayers, Chairman and CEO of IDEXX Laboratories.

“IDEXX is committed to enhancing the health and wellbeing of pets and people alike by bringing to market the most advanced diagnostics and software in veterinary medicine. When we provide high quality care for pets, human health also benefits.”

Scientific evidence increasingly shows that pets improve heart health; alleviate depression; increase well-being; support child health and development; and contribute to healthy aging.

In addition, companion animals can assist in the treatment of a broad range of conditions from post-traumatic stress to Alzheimer’s disease to autism spectrum disorder.

“IDEXX is an innovative leader in pet health,” said Steven Feldman, Executive Director of HABRI. “By supporting HABRI, IDEXX is demonstrating its dedication to the human-animal bond and to keeping pets and people healthy together.”

With over 6,000 employees in 175 countries, IDEXX is a major player and their support of the relationship and health connection between humans and animals lends more credence, not just to HABRI, but to initiatives like One Health that is working to unite human and animal medicine.

By expanding interdisciplinary collaborations and communications in all aspects of health care for humans, animals and the environment, One Health Initiative hopes to accelerate biomedical research discoveries, enhance public health efficacy, expeditiously expand the scientific knowledge base, and improve medical education and clinical care.

RESEARCH - A Family Dog Boosts Physical Activity of Disabled Kids

It’s well known that animal companions, service and therapy dogs can positively impact people’s health and well-being.

A recent case study has also shown that a family dog can help individuals with cerebral palsy by boosting their physical activity.

Researchers from Oregon State University studied a ten-year-old boy and his dog after initial assessments of the child’s daily physical activity, motor skills and quality of life.

A veterinarian examined the dog’s fitness for participation, and the interaction between the dog, a year-old pomeranian, and the child was also assessed.

Researchers designed an adapted physical activity, animal-assisted intervention where the family dog would serve as a partner with the child in physical activities.

The eight week program included a supervised physical activity program once a week for 60 minutes and participation in activities such as brushing the dog with each hand; playing fetch and alternating hands; balancing on a wobble board; and marching on a balancing disc.

The child wore a device to measure activity levels and had homework between the supervised weekly programs.

At the conclusion of the intervention, researchers re-assessed and found the child’s quality of life had increased significantly in several areas, including emotional, social and physical health, as assessed by the child as well as the parent.

In addition, the child’s sedentary behavior decreased and time spent on moderate to vigorous activity increased dramatically.

“These initial findings indicate that we can improve the quality of life for children with disabilities, and we can get them to be more active,” Megan MacDonald, an assistant professor in OSU’s College of Public Health and Human Sciences and corresponding author on the study, said in a release.

The researchers also found that the relationship between the dog and the child improved over the course of the therapy as they worked together on various tasks.

The dog’s prosocial, or positive, behaviour toward the child is a sign of wellbeing for both members of the team.

Based on the initial results, researchers hope to pursue additional studies involving children with disabilities and their family dogs, if funding can be secured.

Oregon families interested in learning more about future research projects related to this work can contact Megan MacDonald to be included on an interest list.

RESEARCH - Study to Analyze Effectiveness of Animal Assisted Therapy for Abused Children

Penn State researchers have been awarded a Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development grant to learn more about animal-assisted therapy in child abuse situations.

Brian Allen, a co-funded faculty member at Penn State’s Child Maltreatment Solutions Network, and his team will be analyzing the effectiveness of integrating animals into Trauma-Focused Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy —TF-CBT.

“TF-CBT is a structured, 12-session treatment for children who have experienced maltreatment such as physical or sexual abuse or exposure to inter-partner violence,” Allen told Penn State News.

During treatment the child is exposed to their memories and and thoughts related to the abuse.

Allen and his team will look at approximately 60 maltreated children ages six to 17,

half of whom will receive animal-assisted therapy during their TF-CBT sessions.

“We will compare the groups and measure outcomes such as the improvement of post-traumatic stress, along with reductions in depression, anxiety, and behavioral problems,” Allen said. “Our ultimate goal is to determine if animals enhance or weaken the effects of TF-CBT.”

Researchers will also look at therapy retention rates, child and caregiver satisfaction ratings, and how often treatments were missed or shortened due to the animal being unavailable or disruptive.

While the children’s responses are being measured, so are the animals.

Therapy animals will be assessed for stress as a result of being present during treatment.

Researchers will measure animal stress by assessing saliva cortisol levels in the therapy animals, as well as the animals’ behaviour.

“This study will be the first to address animal-assisted therapy for the treatment of maltreated children along with determining the impact of participation on the animals,” said Allen.

Many believe the presence of animals helps children cope with distress - allowing for greater discussion of traumatic memories, as well as improving the rapport between child and clinician.

This study will provide more data about the effectiveness of animal assisted therapy, specifically for children who have been abused.

Penn State’s Child Maltreatment Solutions Network's research efforts focus on the causes, prevention, detection, consequences, and treatment of child abuse and neglect.

HEALTH - The Pet Effect Shares the Science of Pets and People

A growing body of evidence shows just how good pets are for people.

Zoetis, a founder of the Human Animal Bond Research Institute (HABRI), has launched the Pet Effect Campaign to share scientific evidence and research about this unique relationship between people and animals.

Anyone trying to convince their family or significant other to get a pet can visit their website where it’s easy to find detailed information about how pets have a positive impact on heart attack survival, allergy prevention, depression, blood pressure, autism and more.

Of course, researchers and writers will also find this website very valuable with its quick links to a variety of studies.

The Pet Effect will also share the message and the science that shows how veterinary medicine is an essential component of health for pets and people.

While the site is lighthearted, the information is scientific and impacts community health.

“Zoetis partnered with HABRI to bring veterinarians, pet owners and the general public The Pet Effect, a multi-faceted, educational campaign to promote a growing body of scientific research that shows how important the human-animal bond is for human health,” Mike McFarland, Group Director Companion Animal Marketing at Zoetis, says on their site.

“The purpose of the Pet Effect is to raise awareness and encourage conversation about why pets make us healthier and happier, and how veterinarians — the professionals who help keep pets healthy – are also key contributors to human health and public health.”

Resources on the website include posters, videos, infographics, brochures and flyers.

HEALTH - The Pet Effect Shares the Science of Pets and People

A growing body of evidence shows just how good pets are for people.

Zoetis, a founder of the Human Animal Bond Research Institute (HABRI), has launched the Pet Effect Campaign to share scientific evidence and research about this unique relationship between people and animals.

Anyone trying to convince their family or significant other to get a pet can visit their website where it’s easy to find detailed information about how pets have a positive impact on heart attack survival, allergy prevention, depression, blood pressure, autism and more.

Of course, researchers and writers will also find this website very valuable with its quick links to a variety of studies.

The Pet Effect will also share the message and the science that shows how veterinary medicine is an essential component of health for pets and people.

While the site is lighthearted, the information is scientific and impacts community health.

“Zoetis partnered with HABRI to bring veterinarians, pet owners and the general public The Pet Effect, a multi-faceted, educational campaign to promote a growing body of scientific research that shows how important the human-animal bond is for human health,” Mike McFarland, Group Director Companion Animal Marketing at Zoetis, says on their site.

“The purpose of the Pet Effect is to raise awareness and encourage conversation about why pets make us healthier and happier, and how veterinarians — the professionals who help keep pets healthy – are also key contributors to human health and public health.”

Resources on the website include posters, videos, infographics, brochures and flyers.

BUSINESS - US Department of Interior Goes to the Dogs

(US Department of Interior)

For the first time, a US federal agency has joined the growing ranks of dog friendly workplaces.

Interior Secretary Ryan Zinke announced “Doggy Days at Interior,” a pilot program aimed at boosting workplace morale.

The program will launch test days on May 5th and September 1st at the department’s Washington headquarters.

“Scientific studies show having a dog around the office improves morale and productivity, and having dogs around the office has health benefits like reducing stress levels,” Zinke wrote to his department’s employees.

“Research suggests it might make you trust your coworker more and improve collaboration too. I’m willing to give it a shot and hope you’ll work with me in this new endeavor.”

There will be some criteria the dogs need to meet such as having vaccinations, no history of aggression and being housetrained.

Employees who aren’t comfortable with dogs in the office will have some options including the ability to work outside the office on doggie days.

While the Department of the Interior is the first federal agency to allow dogs, the Washington Post reports members of Congress have been bringing their dogs to work since the 19th century but few other taxpayer-funded workplaces have gone to the dogs.

RESEARCH - Cats Prefer Humans Over Food

Dog owners like to say their pets are much friendlier and more dependant on them than cats, but new research says otherwise.

The study concludes the majority of cats will choose human contact over food.

The researchers, from Oregon State University, took 50 cats from people’s homes and shelters and deprived them of human contact, scent, food and toys for several hours.

Then they introduced them to stimuli from these four categories and observed what the cats chose.

Most cats picked human contact over the other choices, with food coming in second.

"While it has been suggested that cat sociality exists on a continuum, perhaps skewed toward independency, we have found that 50% of cats tested preferred interaction with the social stimulus even though they had a direct choice between social interaction with a human and their other most preferred stimuli from the three other stimulus categories," researchers Kristyn Vitale Shreve, Lindsay Mehrkam and Monique Udell wrote.

This is similar to recent research reported in InfoStream showing dogs prefer praise from their humans over food - maybe cats and dogs are more similar than one might think.

Internships Explore the Human-Animal Bond and Nature-Based Therapies

The Sam and Myra Ross Institute at Green Chimneys offers internships that explore nature-based therapies and the human-animal bond while working with children with special needs.

International applicants are welcome in the program.

The hands-on internships take place in Green Chimneys’ enriched and supportive environment on one of two campuses.

Participants commit to a four to eight month stint at the Brewster Campus in Brewster NY which serves over 200 children in residential care or day treatment, or the Clearpool Campus in Carmel, NY which has a beautiful forest setting where 32 children work with a smaller group of professionals.

A professional treatment team of medical staff, social workers, teachers and child care professionals are supported by experts in animal-assisted activities, horticulture education, outdoor education and nature based vocational life skills training.

The Institute offers a variety of program areas for interns to choose from.

• Farm Animal Education and Interaction - Teaching Barn
• Horticulture - Educational and Vocational Gardens
• Equine Education and Interaction - Horse Barn
• Wildlife Rehabilitation, Education and Interaction - Wildlife Center
• Dog Interaction (requires direct experience with dogs and animal care with Animals for Adoption or another reputable shelter/training program, including a reference)

The internship offers an introduction to the theoretical and practical principles of Green Care, incorporating animals, plants and the natural world in the re-education, socialization and treatment of children experiencing significant social, emotional and behavioral challenges in their lives.

According to their website, interns gain:

• An overview of the field of Animal Assisted Interventions, including Animal Assisted Activities, Education and Therapy, and Horticulture Activities, Education and Therapy, including ways to work in and apply Nature Based Programs, the Human-Animal Bond, Humane Education, and Green Care within a professional setting.
• An understanding of how a non-profit organization operates and provides its services.
• Knowledge of the therapeutic milieu of a working treatment center through observations, including participation in staff and team meetings.
• Experience in managing individuals and groups of students in a special education environment including working with students with learning disabilities, Asperger’s Syndrome and emotional disturbances.
• An ability to develop activity ideas based on student’s behavioral, emotional, physical, and educational needs through chores, animal and plant care, to enhance their learning goals.
• Knowledge in the application of Animal Assisted Activities and/or Horticultural Activities for children who have psycho-social disabilities, as a part of a total treatment plan.
• Gain knowledge of Nature Based Program Activities and/or Horticultural Activities.
• Insight, through observation, into the field of social services and the pursuit of a career utilizing animal and/or horticulture-assisted activities.
• Valuable practical skills that can be applied to other programs and environments as part of a future career plan.

Applications are accepted throughout the year, but need to be submitted three months prior to the desired session - four months for applicants outside the US.

There is no academic prerequisite but the Institute Internship can be used as a supplementary practicum when training for a career in social work, psychology, education, veterinary science, animal care and program administration.

Applicants must be at least 3 years post-high school and able to commit to the full length of the internship.

All applicants will be subject to a criminal background check, fingerprinting and a medical screening that includes a test for tuberculosis.

Green Chimneys is recognized as a worldwide leader in animal-assisted therapy and educational activities for children with special needs, learn more and apply on their website.

WELFARE - Nominate a Hero Dog

(Emerging Hero Hooch)

American Humane is looking for Humane Hero Dogs.

For the seventh year, their National Humane Hero Dog Awards will honour courageous canines and their handlers.

Dog owners across the US are invited to nominate their heroic hound in one of eight categories:

• Law Enforcement
• Military
• Therapy
• Service
• Emerging Hero, a category that pays tribute to ordinary dogs who do extraordinary things
• Arson
• Search and Rescue
• Guide/Hearing.

The Hero Dog Awards celebrate the powerful bond between dogs and people, and give recognition to courageous acts of heroism performed by four-legged best friends.

Following the nomination period, which ends on March 8th, two dozen semifinalists (the top three in each category) will be chosen in a first round of voting by celebrity judges and the public.

The second round will narrow the field to eight category finalists who will then vie for the title of 2017 American Hero Dog.

The eight finalists will be flown to Los Angeles and celebrated at the September 16th awards gala at the Beverly Hilton.

Past finalists include Hooch, the 2016 Emerging Hero who stands for overcoming adversity and bravery.

When Hooch was rescued he wouldn’t eat, just thrashed his food and water dishes around like a maniac.

Medical examination showed his tongue had been removed - likely to prime him to be a bait dog.

After rehabilitation, Hooch now works with autistic, abused and special needs children.

(Guide/Hearing Hero Hook)

Hook, the 2016 Guide/Hearing Hero, packs a lot of punch in his small frame.

Not only did he prevent his hearing impaired owner from stepping in front of a train, he also scared off an intruder - despite weighing just 12 pounds.

In his spare time, Hook works with his owner who is a family therapist - offering her clients supportive licks and comfort when they are upset.

You can nominate Humane Hero Dogs online.

HEALTH - Talking Mental Health on #BellLetsTalk Day

In 2010, Bell Let’s Talk began a new conversation about Canada’s mental health.

At that time, most people were just not talking about it.

But since its inception millions of Canadians, including popular personalities, have engaged in an open discussion about mental illness.

Bell Let’s Talk focuses on four areas: fighting the stigma, improving access to care, supporting world-class research, and leading by example in workplace mental health.

Not only is mental health a societal concern on its own, there is a link between mental health and physical health.

According to the Canadian Mental Health Association Ontario’s website:

“Nowhere is the relationship between mental and physical health more evident than in the area of chronic conditions. The associations between mental and physical health are:

1. Poor mental health is a risk factor for chronic physical conditions.
2. People with serious mental health conditions are at high risk of experiencing chronic physical conditions.
3. People with chronic physical conditions are at risk of developing poor mental health.”

To expand the connection even further, the One Health Initiative recognizes the link between human physical and mental health with animal and ecosystem health.

Everything and everyone is connected - human health can impact animals and the ecosystem, animals can impact human health.

It is estimated that one in three Canadians experience problems with their mental health each year.

There are coping strategies for people who are struggling and organizations to provide help and support - many funded by Bell Let’s Talk Community Fund.

Bell's total donation to mental health programs now stands at $79,919,178.55 and it is anticipated they will donate at least $100 million through 2020.

For every text, call, tweet, Instagram post, Facebook video view and Snapchat geofilter used on Bell Let’s Talk Day on January 25th, Bell will donate 5¢ more to mental health initiatives across Canada.

So commit to the health of all Canadians and start texting, tweeting, calling and viewing!

RESEARCH - How do Classroom Pets Impact Kids?

Human Animal Bond Research Initiative (HABRI) and The Pet Care Trust (PCT) have awarded a combined grant of $130,000 to American Humane to study the impact on children of animals in the classroom.

It is believed that students with a classroom pet will experience increased social skills, improved academic competence and decreased competing problem behaviours compared to students who do not have a classroom pet.

The second phase study, titled Pets in the Classroom (PIC): What are the Social, Behavioral, and Academic Effects of Classroom Pets for Children, 8-10 years?, will examine approximately 650 students and parents, as well as 46 teachers from 23 US third and fourth grade classrooms over the course of a nine-month school year.

Students, teachers and parents will complete questionnaires three times throughout the study period to measure the social, behavioural, and academic effects of classroom pets and human-animal relationships on children.

“Animals are common in today’s elementary school classrooms, and we are learning more and more about their positive impact on child well-being and development,” principal investigator Dr. Amy McCullough, American Humane National Director of Research and Therapy said in a release.

“This study will provide meaningful insight on the broad impact of child and animal relationships and help prepare schools and teachers with the responsibilities necessary to support the humane and effective incorporation of pets in classrooms and curricula.”

The first phase of the PIC Study concluded in May 2015 and was supported by The Pet Care Trust, which operates the popular Pets in the Classroom grant program.

The first phase surveyed and interviewed teachers on their perspectives regarding the main benefits, challenges and uses of their classroom pets, which ranged from fish to guinea pigs, hamsters, bearded dragons, and others.

“The Pet Care Trust established the Pets in the Classroom educational grant program to provide children with an opportunity to interact with pets,” said Steve King, Executive Director of the Pet Care Trust and President of the Pet Industry Distributors Association.

“Anecdotally, we know that incorporating pets in the classroom teaches life lessons of empathy and responsibility and helps shape students’ lives for years to come. This study will further advance the scientific data behind the benefits of the program to help it expand its reach so that more and more children can experience the benefits of the human-animal bond.”

HABRI has also announced funding to three other research projects:

• The Effect of Animal-Assisted Intervention on Preoperative Anxiety and Dose of Sedation in Children (University of Tennessee, Knoxville)
• Impact of Animal Assisted Therapy on Quality, Completeness, and Patient and Parental Satisfaction in Children Undergoing Clinical Echocardiography (Duke University)
• Measuring the Impact of a Mutually Reinforcing Relationship Between Pet Owners and Their Pets (Lincoln Memorial University).

RESEARCH - Pets Help People With Serious Mental Illness

Pets are good for people’s stress and physical health, can provide therapy at airports, in courtrooms and hospitals, and a new study suggests they can also have a significant impact on people with serious mental illness.

Helen Brooks, a mental health researcher at University of Manchester in the United Kingdom, and her team interviewed 54 people with long-term, serious mental illnesses such as schizophrenia and bipolar disorder.

The scientists asked who they went to when they needed help or advice, where they gained emotional support and encouragement and how they spent their days. Twenty-five of them identified having a pet in their social network.

Participants were given a diagram with three consecutive circles radiating out from a square representing the participant.

They were asked ‘Who or what do you think is most important to you in managing your mental health?’ and wrote the places, people and things that gave them support in the circles, with the circles closest to the center being the most important.

Sixty percent of the people who considered pets to be a part of their social networks placed them in the central, most important circle. 20 percent placed pets in the second circle.

"Many felt deep emotional connections with their pet that weren't available from friends and family," Brooks told NPR.

(Example network diagram, Brooks)

The interviews revealed more about why the pets are so important.

"[Pets] don't look at the scars on your arms," one participant said. "They don't question where you've been."

"They force me, the cats force me to sort of still be involved," said another.

These research results echo a study done in 2009 which also found pets provide empathy and therapy, connections to the outside world, family, and an increase is self-efficacy/self-worth.

However that study also pointed out “the responsibility of caring for pets, while often empowering, can sometimes exacerbate symptoms for already stressed and vulnerable individuals.”

Both studies agree pets should be part of the intake and treatment plan for individuals with mental health issues.

Pets can be included in risk assessments because patients with animals often say they help keep them from following through on suicidal thinking.

Aftercare planning can involve walking and grooming pets as part of a routine.

Brooks hopes her study results will encourage more health workers to consider incorporating pets into care plans for people with serious mental illness.