Icon Cancer Centre

Having a therapy animal to care for and love may help cancer patients cope better. These animals serve as a positive relationship and offer an emotional bond that doesn't involve some of the complexity associated with navigating human relationships during a cancer diagnosis.

After a cancer diagnosis, pets can offer many benefits. Some hospitals and treatment centres even use animal therapy to help improve patients’ well-being. Don’t be surprised if you get a visit from a specially trained therapy dog during a chemo infusion.

For cancer patients and others suffering from chronic illnesses, the healing qualities of dogs are evident.

• Relaxation. Spending time with an animal is relaxing and can be a source of joy on difficult days.

• Expression. Dogs are great companions, and cancer patients can talk to them about their fears and concerns openly without worrying about anyone else's feelings. Or enjoy their companionship without talking at all.

• Stress Relief. Based on research, petting animals' releases endorphins and also reduces the stress hormone cortisol, which helps reduce stress and anxiety to improve mood.

• Pleasant Distraction. Focusing attention on a therapy animal can help patients stop thinking so much about their own pain and frustration for a time, which invites healing and improved health.

• Socialization. Therapy animals can provide much-needed socialization. Many cancer patients find it difficult to resume normal activities and enjoyment outside of the home when undergoing difficult treatments. Loneliness can be a huge factor and can contribute negative effects on overall health and well-being. The time spent with a therapy dog can help ease the feelings of isolation.

Little Georgie, bringing the Christmas Cheer to Icon Cancer Centre.

What are the benefits?

Cancer diagnoses and treatments are stressful. Studies show that spending time with a therapy dog lowers blood pressure and levels of the stress hormone cortisol. At the same time, it boosts levels of feel-good hormones.

Therapy dogs may help lessen pain, too. They might trigger the release of endorphins, which ease discomfort.

Gorgeous Delilah and Owner Sarah, provide Therapy Dog Visits to Windor Gardens Icon Cancer Centre.