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Animals : an open access journal from MDPI2024; 14(20); 2935; doi: 10.3390/ani14202935

Unconventional Animal Species Participation in Animal-Assisted Interventions and Methods for Measuring Their Experienced Stress.

Abstract: The participation of animals during complementary therapy for humans is a developing area. Dogs and horses are the most frequent partner species in animal-assisted services, but several unconventional species have also been involved, although there is a lack of information about the stress they experience caused by AAS. We conducted a comprehensive literature search, analyzing 135 articles with the purpose of investigating the effects of AAS on unconventional species such as guinea pigs, rabbits, farm animals, alpacas, donkeys, reptiles, aquarium fishes, and dolphins. We found that the relevant articles emphasize investigating the impact of animal-assisted interventions on humans, and they generally report positive outcomes. Limited data is available concerning the potential consequences the interventions may have on the animals. Therefore, it is our conclusion that more extensive studies should be conducted to get adequate information on stress experienced by animals during AAS, such as the measurement of biochemical parameters such as cortisol. Hence, meeting animal welfare considerations in addition to human interests could serve as a basis for the recommended methodology for therapies.
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Publication Date: 2024-10-11 PubMed ID: 39457864PubMed Central: PMC11503701DOI: 10.3390/ani14202935Google Scholar: Lookup
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Summary

This research summary has been generated with artificial intelligence and may contain errors and omissions. Refer to the original study to confirm details provided. Submit correction.

Overview

  • This research article reviews how unconventional animal species participate in animal-assisted interventions (AAS) and examines the limited evidence about the stress these animals experience during such therapies.
  • The study highlights the need for more detailed research on animal welfare, particularly stress measurement, to ensure ethical practices in animal-assisted therapies.

Introduction to Animal-Assisted Interventions

  • Animal-assisted services involve animals as partners in complementary therapies aimed at improving human health and well-being.
  • Dogs and horses are the most commonly used species in these interventions due to their established roles and familiarity with humans.
  • Recently, other less conventional species have also been employed in these therapies, expanding the range of animals involved.

Focus on Unconventional Species

  • This study specifically looked at non-traditional species including guinea pigs, rabbits, farm animals, alpacas, donkeys, reptiles, aquarium fishes, and dolphins.
  • The selection emphasizes animals not typically recognized as standard therapy partners.
  • The research aims to understand the roles these animals play and how the interventions may affect them, especially regarding stress.

Methodology

  • A comprehensive literature search was conducted, resulting in analysis of 135 relevant scientific articles.
  • The review focused on studies that reported on both the involvement of unconventional species in AAS and evaluations of their welfare and stress responses.
  • Key parameters assessed included biochemical markers like cortisol, which is commonly associated with physiological stress.

Findings on Human and Animal Outcomes

  • Most articles primarily investigated benefits of AAS on human participants, reporting generally positive outcomes in mental, emotional, and physical health.
  • In contrast, very limited information exists about the animals’ experiences, particularly concerning potential stress or negative impacts during therapy sessions.
  • This asymmetry suggests a research gap where animal welfare is concerned, despite animals being active participants.

Stress Measurement and Welfare Considerations

  • Stress in animals can be measured by biochemical parameters, such as cortisol levels, which reflect physiological stress responses.
  • The article notes that such objective stress indicators are seldom used in studies involving unconventional animals in AAS.
  • Obtaining comprehensive stress data is vital to developing welfare-conscious protocols that benefit both animals and humans.

Conclusions and Recommendations

  • The research concludes that more extensive and focused studies are necessary to better understand the stress experienced by unconventional animal species during AAS.
  • Incorporating regular measurement of biochemical stress markers should be integral in future research designs.
  • Ensuring animal welfare considerations align with the therapeutic goals for humans will contribute to ethically sound practices in animal-assisted therapies.
  • This balanced approach can form the foundation for recommended methodologies that prioritize both human benefits and the well-being of participating animals.

Cite This Article

APA
Suba-Bokodi É, Nagy I, Molnár M. (2024). Unconventional Animal Species Participation in Animal-Assisted Interventions and Methods for Measuring Their Experienced Stress. Animals (Basel), 14(20), 2935. https://doi.org/10.3390/ani14202935

Publication

Animals : an open access journal from MDPI
ISSN: 2076-2615
NlmUniqueID: 101635614
Country: Switzerland
Language: English
Volume: 14
Issue: 20
PII: 2935

Researcher Affiliations

Suba-Bokodi, Éva
  • Institute of Animal Husbandry, Hungarian University of Agriculture and Life Sciences, Kaposvár Campus, 40. Guba S. u., 7400 Kaposvár, Hungary.
Nagy, István
  • Institute of Animal Husbandry, Hungarian University of Agriculture and Life Sciences, Kaposvár Campus, 40. Guba S. u., 7400 Kaposvár, Hungary.
Molnár, Marcell
  • Institute of Animal Husbandry, Hungarian University of Agriculture and Life Sciences, Kaposvár Campus, 40. Guba S. u., 7400 Kaposvár, Hungary.

Conflict of Interest Statement

The authors declare no conflicts of interest.

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