Dogs in the ICU at the Hospital del Mar
2
therapy dogs, Lu and Vida
125
patients have benefited
Why we created this programme
The purpose of the project is to improve the mood of patients through interaction with dogs, creating an environment in which the patient can benefit from the bond between animals and people. It also seeks to reduce the levels of anxiety and obvious stress during a stay in this unit. In addition, as a secondary objective, the aim is to normalise the presence of animals in public spaces, such as a hospital, and thus continue to demonstrate the benefits that living with dogs (and cats) has on society.
How the programme works
What are the programme’s objectives?
To reduce levels of stress and anxiety
To change the point of focus
To improve patients’ mood
To relieve loneliness
To improve the patient’s experience
How do animals help with this therapy programme?
The animals change the focus of the patients’ situation
The aim is to increase patients’ comfort and relaxation levels
They aid recovery by means of a different stimulation