Canine-assisted Adjunct Therapy in the Military: An Intriguing Alternative Modality

• Canine-assisted therapy (CAT) is 1 of the complementary and alternative medicine adjunct treatments used with service members suffering from posttraumatic stress disorder and traumatic brain injury.
• Evidence supporting the benefits of CAT can be found in the biopsychosocial empirical literature.
• Service Dog Therapy Treatment programs are successful in reducing service member psychological distress and improving their function.

The Departments of Defense and Veterans Affairs are exploring the use of canine-assisted therapy as an adjunct intervention for assisting wounded warriors in adapting to the signature war injuries of posttraumatic stress disorder and traumatic brain injury. The civilian health care system is increasingly following their lead. Quantitative research shows positive physiological and psychological benefits. Qualitative studies report positive quality of life benefits. Nurse practitioners should be aware of possible patient participation in canine-assisted therapy. The challenge is showing empirical evidence for its cost-effectiveness in providing comprehensive, holistic health care.