Dog therapy
Visits from a therapy dog provide patients and their carers and loved ones in the specialist palliative care unit with moments of closeness, comfort and a zest for life. The empathetic interaction between people and animals can enhance emotional wellbeing and have a calming and supportive effect during a challenging phase of life.
What is dog-assisted therapy?
In collaboration with the Swiss Association for Therapy Dogs (VTHS), we enable patients in our specialist palliative care unit to receive visits from a therapy dog.
The focus is on the special bond between humans and animals. Therapy dogs approach people without judgement and offer them affection and companionship. Communication takes place in various ways: through touch, eye contact, gestures or simply through the dog’s presence. This often leads quite intuitively to precious moments of connection – even without words.
How can dog-assisted therapy help?
Interaction with a therapy dog can have a positive effect on physical and emotional wellbeing. These encounters can have both calming and energising effects, helping to reduce stress and inner tension.
Even gently stroking the dog’s coat can promote relaxation and may help to relieve muscle tension. At the same time, the dog’s presence can bring joy, offer comfort and provide a momentary distraction from everyday hospital life.
When is dog-assisted therapy offered?
A therapy dog, accompanied by its handler, visits the specialist palliative care unit at Zollikerberg Hospital once a week. The visits are part of the VTHS’s voluntary work programme and are free of charge for patients.