Lotte the Therapy Dog Joins Neurological Rehab Patients in Germany

A newly certified therapy dog named Lotte has begun working at the Asklepios Schildautal Clinic in Seesen. After two years of rigorous training, she will now assist patients in the Neurological Early Rehabilitation (NFR) programme. Her role highlights the growing presence of therapy dogs in clinical settings, where their benefits for mental and emotional well-being are increasingly recognised.

Lotte, a Doodle, completed between 100 and 120 training sessions over two years. These included learning to navigate clinic environments and respond to patient needs. Her certification now allows her to work directly with individuals recovering from neurological conditions.

Therapy dogs like Lotte are still relatively uncommon in hospitals, but their positive effects are well documented. Research shows they can significantly improve mood, particularly in patients battling depression. Dogs possess a natural ability to sense human distress, often seeking to comfort those in emotional or physical pain. While exact figures on therapy dogs in German neurological rehabilitation remain unclear, some facilities already incorporate them. The RHÖN-KLINIKUM Campus Bad Neustadt, for example, includes therapy dogs in its neurological programmes. Patient feedback at other clinics, such as Schön Klinik Bad Bramstedt, also mentions their presence, though primarily in psychosomatic care rather than neurological rehabilitation.

Lotte's arrival at Asklepios Schildautal Clinic marks another step in integrating therapy dogs into patient care. Her training and natural instincts will provide emotional support to those in neurological rehabilitation. As more clinics explore this approach, the role of therapy dogs in healthcare is likely to expand further.