Help on Four Paws - The Therapy Dog in the Hospital
20.02.2026 | from Bülach Hospital AG
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20.02.2026, Sometimes words alone are not enough. In stressful moments, the proximity of an animal can offer comfort, convey calmness, and provide emotional strength. This is precisely where the offer of the therapy dog at the hospital comes into play: A specially trained therapy dog team regularly visits patients in the intensive care unit as well as in the palliative care department. This makes Bülach Hospital one of the first hospitals in Switzerland to use a specially trained therapy dog in the intensive care unit.
Through its calm and friendly presence, the therapy dog creates a special atmosphere. Where medical devices and therapies reach their limits, contact with an animal can alleviate fears, reduce stress, and convey a sense of security. The certified nurse and dog handler, Christina Bucher, regularly visits Bülach Hospital with therapy dog 'Oriana' as part of the therapy dog team.
Positive Impact on Body and Mind Contact with a therapy dog can have various positive effects on both body and mind. Studies and experiences at Bülach Hospital show that interactions with dogs can help reduce stress and anxiety, as well as positively influence heart rate and blood pressure. At the same time, the dog can boost mood, provide hope, and encourage motivation to move or participate actively in therapeutic exercises. For many patients, the therapy dog represents a sense of normality in the challenging hospital routine.
An Offer Not Only for Patients The offer is not only aimed at patients but also at their relatives and the staff of the intensive care unit. Especially in emotionally stressful situations, the meeting with the therapy dog can provide calmness, comfort, and a moment of relaxation.
Safety and Hygiene are Paramount The safety of all parties involved is of utmost priority. The therapy dog team is specially trained and works according to clearly defined hygiene guidelines. The hospital hygiene department monitors the dog's use. It is regularly examined by a veterinarian and cleaned before and after visits to the intensive care unit.
Comprehensive Training The dogs are trained by the 'Swiss School for Guide Dogs for the Blind Allschwil'. After basic training, the dog handler completed an eight-month course to become a therapy dog team. The focus of this training is on the ability to 'read' the dog. The dog should feel comfortable, work voluntarily, and not be forced into anything.
Meet in Person As part of the Bülach Hospital lecture series, therapy dog 'Oriana' and handler Christina Bucher can be met in person. On March 18, 2026, a lecture on 'Intensive Care Unit – The Helper on Four Paws' will take place in Bülach Hospital from 19:00 to 20:30.
Media Contact:
Thomas Langholz
Head of Communications and Marketing
Bülach Hospital AG
Tel.: +41 44 863 27 70
www.spitalbuelach.ch
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Bülach Hospital AG
Bülach Hospital ensures first-class medical care in the Zürcher Unterland. Every day, various professions work hand in hand with joy and commitment for the well-being of the patients. The clinics for Surgery, Orthopaedics, Internal Medicine, Gynaecology & Obstetrics, Neonatology, as well as the Radiology and Anaesthesiology institutes, offer a wide range of inpatient and outpatient services in a modern infrastructure with contemporary comfort.
Various professions work hand in hand every day with joy and commitment for the well-being of the patients. Bülach Hospital is not only a healthcare provider for the region but also one of the largest employers in the Zürcher Unterland. Moreover, we offer over 138 training positions in various professions for young people from the region. The approximately 1,200 employees ensure professional care in a friendly and familial environment. Bülach Hospital also offers high comfort with its hotel and catering service to make the stay as pleasant as possible for our patients.
Note: The "About Us" text is taken from public sources or from the company profile on HELP.ch.
Source: Bülach Hospital AG, Press release
Original article published on: Hilfe auf vier Pfoten - Der Sozialhund im Spital