Dog handlers' experiences of therapy dogs' impact on life near death for persons with dementia.

BACKGROUND:: Persons with dementia may have severe physical and psychological symptoms at the end of life. A therapy dog used in their care can provide comfort and relieve their anxiety. The dog handler guides the dog during the interaction with the patient.

AIM:: To describe the impact of therapy dogs on people with dementia in the final stages of life from the perspective of the dog handler.

METHODS:: Interviews were conducted and analysed using qualitative content analysis.

FINDINGS:: The dog provides comfort and relief through its presence and by responding to the physical and emotional expressions of the dying person.

CONCLUSIONS:: Interactions with dogs were found to have a positive impact on persons with dementia and eased the symptoms associated with end of life according to the dog handlers.