Dunc Posted November 24, 2009 Report Share Posted November 24, 2009 Stroking a dog can help patients halve the amount of painkillers they take, claim researchers. The effect of pet power is well understood by their owners, but now a new study says dogs should be available for patting in every hospital. It found patients who spent time with a four-legged friend while recovering from joint replacement operations needed 50 per cent less medication. Having a dog to pet was thought to be good for their 'emotional and physical well being'. Julia Havey, who led the research at Loyola University of Chicago, said pet therapy could play an important part in healing. She said: 'Evidence suggests animal-assisted therapy can have a positive effect on a patient's emotional and physical well being. 'These data further support these benefits and build the case for expanding the use of pet therapy in recovery.' She said training 'four-legged friends' to help patients was a labour of love. Miss Havey, a senior systems analyst at the university, and fellow nurse Dr Frances Vlasses raise puppies to become assistance dogs through a local non-profit organisation. They can perform more than 40 commands designed to motivate, rehabilitate or soothe patients in various stages of treatment. More... Half of Britain's horses are obese as owners threaten to 'kill them with kindness' Dr Vlasses said 'As nurses, we are committed to improving the quality of life for others. 'This service experience has provided us with a unique way to combine our love for animals with care for people with special needs.' The study findings were presented at last month's International Society of Anthrozoology conference in Kansas City. A study from Warwick University found that having a pet dog or cat helped women beat the pain and fear of breast cancer. Psychologists who compared the mental well-being of women who had a pet with those who did not, concluded it was more support even than a loving husband and made women who had a breast removed feel less disfigured. Previous US research has also shown having a pet is a buffer to stress. Pet owners had significantly lower heart rate and blood pressure than those who did not have pets at the start of stress tests. They had lower 'reactivity' to the stress tests and returned to baseline levels more quickly. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
valkyries Posted November 24, 2009 Report Share Posted November 24, 2009 i work in an old folks home and we have 2 dogs that visit, they look forward to seing the dogs, their spirits lift most of them have dog treats in their rooms ready for the dogs visit they love em xxxx Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sarah Posted November 24, 2009 Report Share Posted November 24, 2009 I think having dogs that can offer their services like this is fantastic. I've seen it with disabled kids - it makes such a difference - they interact with them and really come out of their shell it's so nice to see Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Damrod Posted November 26, 2009 Report Share Posted November 26, 2009 Sometimes having them can make your blood pressure go up!!!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sarah Posted November 26, 2009 Report Share Posted November 26, 2009 Sometimes having them can make your blood pressure go up!!!! LOL That's very true Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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