Iako je korištenje pasa u terapijske svrhe u mnogim ustanovama već prihvaćena praksa, sustavna istraživanja ove teme su relativno noviji fenomen. U zadnjih petnaestak godina došlo je do povećanog interesa za validacijom ove prakse pa tako i do porasta broja istraživanja koja se bave tom temom. U ovom radu pokušali smo dati pregled istraživanja koja se bave prednostima korištenja terapijskih pasa u terapiji i dijagnostici, pogotovo u terapijskom radu s djecom, te smo predstavili neke teorijske okvire kao i biološku podlogu, u prvom redu utjecaj oksitocina, koji bi mogli objasniti te učinke. / Even though the use of dogs in therapy is already an accepted practice in many institutions, systematic research on this topic is a relatively recent phenomenon. Over the last fifteen years there has been an increased interest in validating this practice, as well as an increase in the number of studies about this topic. In this paper we have attempted to give an overview of the research into the benefits of using therapy dogs in therapy and diagnostics, especially in therapeutic work with children, and we have presented some theoretical frameworks and biological background, mainly the effect of oxytocin, that could explain these effects.

examinations, and 176,832 were counselling sessions. Out of total number of preventive examinations, there were 281,029 check-up examinations (85.8%), of which 166,240 in infants (4.4 per infant) and 114,789 in preschool children (0.5 examinations per child). During preventive visits, a total of 107,483 referrals were issued (17.6% of all issued referrals), of which 57.3% for infants. Most referrals from preventive visits of infants were for diagnostic purposes (40.1%), and from preventive visits of preschool children for the examination by consultant physician (52.2%). Conclusion According to CEZIH data, preventive activities account for a fifth of the total activities in children´s health care on a primary level. The plan and program of health care measures sets four check-up examinations in infants, which, according to CEZIH data, has been achieved. However, in the period after the first year of life, three systematic examinations per preschool child were not performed or data on this were not recorded in the CEZIH. On average, every fifth preventive visit results in the discovery of a pathological condition due to which the infant or young child is referred for further treatment. Monitoring the growth and development of children by conducting regular check-up examinations is an important measure in the prevention and early detection of developmental disorders and the preservation of children´s health.