Changes in social and human-animal interactions in people with epilepsy during dog-assisted interventions

Epilepsy is a neurological disorder with physical, psychological, and social consequences that can be alleviated by the integration of a service dog in their daily life. Reports showed that various populations benefit from animal-assisted interventions, particularly dog-assisted interventions (DAI). However, to our knowledge, no study has yet examined the effects of DAI on individuals with epilepsy. This study aimed to characterize the interactions of individuals with epilepsy during DAI sessions. Ten adults with epilepsy (five women and five men; mean age: 24.4 ± 3.0 years) participated in three separate groups, each receiving 10 one-hour DAI sessions. Participants' behaviours were assessed using ethological methods (i.e., scan and focal sampling) and data concerning their quality of life and anxiety were collected before and after the interventions, using standardized scales. Our results showed that vocalizations were primarily used in human-to-human exchanges, whereas physical contacts and visual behaviours were more prevalent in human-dog interactions. The therapy dog consistently attracted participants' attention and was a focal point for physical contact. Over the course of the sessions, interactions with other humans increased, while initial interactions with a therapy dog were strong and remained consistent throughout the interventions. This suggests that a dog may serve as a social catalyst, facilitating affiliative relationships among participants. These findings back DAI as a promising non-pharmacological approach to enhance social engagements of individuals with epilepsy. Further research is needed to explore its long-term benefits on social relationships and individuals' well-being, as well as its underlying mechanisms.