Therapy animals comfort chemotherapy patients
Therapy animals offer significant comfort to chemotherapy patients, easing anxiety and isolation by releasing feel-good hormones and reducing stress during cancer treatment.
Interacting with therapy animals, like trained dogs, significantly comforts chemotherapy patients. This animal-assisted therapy lowers stress and feelings of isolation during treatment by releasing oxytocin, a bonding hormone, and reducing cortisol, the stress hormone. A 2001 study showed breast cancer patients with therapy dog visits reported less anxiety and better moods. Hospitals worldwide have adopted these programs since the late 20th century, recognizing their ability to improve overall well-being and potentially boost treatment adherence. Even brief, 10-minute sessions offer measurable benefits, making this a highly accessible and efficient complement to medical care.