Animal-assisted therapy - magic or medicine?

A sound theoretical basis supported by scientifically measured physiological parameters is needed to gain medical support for animal-assisted therapy. Six neurochemicals associated with a decrease in blood pressure were measured in humans (n = 18) and dogs (n = 18) before and after positive interaction. Results (P < .05) indicated that in both species the neurochemicals involved with attention-seeking or attentionis egens behavior have increased. This information can be used as a rationale for animal-assisted therapy. (C) 2000 Elsevier Science Inc. All rights reserved.