International Journal of Science, Engineering and TechnologyAuthors: Anushka Rajgonda Patil
Abstract: Stress is a significant immune function modulator in companion animals receiving medical care or being admitted to a hospital. In dogs and cats, elevated stress levels can prolong recovery, impede wound healing, and inhibit immunological responses. In order to promote animal welfare, owner-mediated environmental enrichment (EE) and low-stress handling (LSH) techniques have become more popular in veterinary practice; yet, there is still a lack of evidence on their direct impact on immunological recovery. This study looks at the theoretical and empirical data that connects better immune function in canine and feline patients with stress reduction via enrichment and gentle handling. The current study shows that low-stress handling and owner-mediated environmental enrichment greatly improve immunological recovery in canine and feline patients receiving therapeutic treatment. In addition to more stable immunological responses and quicker clinical recovery, animals exposed to enrichment-based surroundings and gentle handling showed decreased behavioral and physiological stress, as demonstrated by lower cortisol levels and improved stress ratings.
