animal-assisted therapy

Definition / meaning of animal-assisted therapy

A type of therapy that uses dogs or other pets to improve the physical and mental health of patients with certain acute or chronic diseases. It is being studied as a way to relieve distress in cancer patients undergoing treatment for pain. Also called pet-facilitated therapy.

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Find More About 'animal-assisted therapy'

Source(s):

The Web site of the National Cancer Institute (http://www.cancer.gov/)

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