Le chien d'assistance aux personnes souffrant d'état de stress post-traumatique : étude des intérêts pour l'humain et des conséquences sur le bien-être de l'animal
Year: 2019
Type: dissertation
Abstract: In the United States, organizations train service dogs for people with Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). Based on a bibliographic study and on observations conducted in one of these organizations (Operation Freedom Paws), this thesis explores the different roles of the PTSD Service Dog and addresses issues related to his well-being. The service dog can alert the patient when a crisis occurs, but he can also guide his owner or bring him back to reality. He also plays the role of a social lubricant and emotional support. Within the organization that serves as example for this thesis, the PTSD service dog is also a zootherapy partner and is involved in an integrative cognitive behavioral therapy. However, there are difficulties related to the intervention of this service dog, such as the financial stakes or the partitioning between the different actors who gravitate around the patient. The importance of the welfare of the service dog for someone suffering from post-traumatic stress is clarified: the differences between the United States legislation and France legislation regarding the status of dogs are major and the possible prospects in this area on our country are vast. The awareness of the dog's well-being by the owner and the general public also plays a big role in the health balance of the service dog. The role of the veterinarian of this dog is multiple: he must be at the same time an educator, a caregiver, an ethologist and a communicator. A follow-up tool is proposed to improve the welfare of PTSD Service Dogs.
Source: HAL
Author: Asensio, Natacha
Language: French
Subfield: Animal Science and Zoology
Domain: Life Sciences
Open Access status: green
OpenAlex ID: W7112703628