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According to the national cancer Institute, two in every five people will be diagnosed with cancer at some point during their lives. From diagnosis, through treatment, and into recovery, there are often many people who share this cancer journey–the person diagnosed with cancer, their family and friends, doctors, nurses, therapists, and more. and for those with pets, their pets can also become an important source of comfort, support, and motivation.
Psychological distress, fatigue, and pain are among the most common symptoms experienced by people with cancer and reducing these symptoms is an important part of cancer treatment. Each of these symptoms has been shown to improve when spending time with a pet dog or cat. In a research study published in the journal Social Casework, Irene Muschel described how people with cancer found pet dogs and cats could help reduce fear, loneliness, helplessness, and anxiety. In some cases, people with cancer reported finding it easier to connect with and unburden themselves with their pets than with friends or family.
Doctors have even begun to investigate the benefits of including therapy dogs during cancer treatment. For example, one study tested the impact of adding a therapy dog to the room where people received chemotherapy. stress and heart rates dropped significantly more among those people receiving their chemotherapy with the therapy dog in the room compared with people having chemotherapy without the dog. depression scores dropped by 33 percent in people receiving chemotherapy in the room with the therapy dog. Physical symptoms were unchanged when the therapy dog was present compared with a 31 percent worsening when chemotherapy was given without the dog.
Later this month, doctors will learn how adding a therapy dog to cancer treatment programs can improve outcome for their patients in my new book, therapy Dogs in cancer Care. I’m currently working on a new book for people with cancer about how to tap into their dog’s healing power.
This new book is titled Your cancer and Your Dog. A guide to Tapping into Your Pet’s Healing Power during Your cancer Treatment, Recovery, and Survival. This book will include medical research showing how your pet can help along your cancer journey, practical tips on using your dog’s healing power to help reduce cancer-related symptoms, and personal stories from people who have been led along their cancer journeys holding the end of a leash. I’m currently gathering stories and photos to include in this new book. If you have a story you’d like to share about how your dog helped you or someone else with cancer, please let me know.
health benefits of Pets