Everyone knows that interacting with dogs is a great way to boost your mood.
And it’s not just placebo — research has linked interactions with dogs to
improved mental health.
But did you know that our furry friends can improve physical health, too?
Indeed, animal interactions are a powerful tool used to help people suffering
from all kinds of chronic illness, including cancer. In this guide, we’ll explore
some of the benefits of dogs for cancer patients.
3 Ways Dogs Can Help Cancer Patients
Science has proven that interactions with dogs can positively impact our
health. This has led to the training of emotional support dogs and animal
therapy visits in hospitals. Let’s explore exactly how dogs provide for cancer
patients.
1. Dogs Can Improve Your Mental Health
In addition to the physical toll cancer takes on a person, many cancer patients
also suffer from anxiety and depression. One strategy that has been shown to
help overcome feelings of depression is interacting with dogs.
One study even showed that cancer patients who received animal therapy
visits during their radiation treatments had a significantly improved mood
compared to those who did not, despite failing physical health.
2. Dogs Can Lower Blood Pressure
Many cancer patients are at a high risk of developing hypertension.
Fortunately, dog interactions are known to help lower cancer patients’ blood
pressure. By spending time with a dog, cancer patients can maintain a
healthy blood pressure.
3. Dogs Can Help Relieve Pain
The side effects of chemo and radiation therapy can be quite painful. Luckily,
research has shown that the presence of dogs can work wonders for pain
relief. After being around dogs, levels of pain-relieving endorphins naturally
increase, relieving patients’ pain levels.
Whether it is through adopting a dog, getting an emotional support dog, or
introducing regular animal therapy visits, spending time with a four-legged
friend can bring great joy and relief to those suffering from chronic illnesses
like cancer.
Click here to read more:
https://www.asbestos.com/support/dogs-cancer-patients/
