Viviana Orsola Giuliano

Self-presentation:

Viviana is a Veterinary Behaviourist and Animal Assisted Intervention (AAI) Expert. She specialises in animal ethology and animal welfare and is currently working as a PhD student at the Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Production in Naples, focusing on canine and feline behavioural pathologies and the impact of AAI on the welfare of the patients and animals involved

Project:

POTENTIAL IMPACT OF THE ANIMAL-ASSISTED INTERVENTION UPON BEHAVIOURAL TRAITS AND MOLECULAR PROFILING IN BOTH TRAINED DOGS AND PATIENTS

The aim of this study is to evaluate the potential effects of AAI on Alzheimer's patients during weekly 30-minute sessions over a three-month period. First, we conduct behavioural tests on patients and dogs before and after the therapeutic intervention period. We analyse the interactions by videotaping each session using Noldus OBSERVER XT software. In addition, we collect saliva samples to study stress and well-being levels (cortisol and oxytocin) in both patients and animals. Analysis of the results will help us to understand whether the dogs can benefit from interacting with patients or become stressed, and vice versa.

Supervisior:

Prof. Danila d’Angelo, Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Production of Naples “Federico II”