How do dogs support cancer warriors? What the heck does that mean?
While I’ve never personally heard that diagnosis of “cancer”, I’ve witnessed it with friends and family. In my opinion, cancer patients are cancer warriors for battling the demon of cancer and all its side effects.
There’s no doubt that a diagnosis of cancer is a challenging journey both physically and emotionally. Every time I hear a friend or family member has cancer, my heart stops for a bit. I can’t even imagine when it’s directed at you.
But one thing I know for sure is that I always lean on my dog, Henry when I’m sick. He has healing powers! However, it can even be more even impactful when you’re seriously sick with cancer. So, today let’s dig in and discover how dogs support cancer warriors.
Background:
Currently, I have a friend dealing with breast cancer. For her, that meant nearly a year of chemotherapy, followed by radiation, immunotherapy, endless oncology visits, the fear of losing health benefits for missing work, and all the awful side effects. Yet, her dogs have supported her as a cancer warrior in ways her human family and friends never could.
Budget tip: Do you know that just petting your dog can reduce your stress and pain level? That’s extremely valuable, especially if you’re sick or dealing with cancer. Personally, I’d rather pet Henry than pop a pill. Honestly, since if petting Henry means I save on my bills and improve my health, I’m petting him even more. That’s a terrific win-win for you and your budget!
Want an easy way to play with your dog and get the benefits of watching your dog play and making you feel better? This is a fun automatic ball thrower. It could even make a great gift!
1. Dogs provide unconditional love
A great benefit of dogs is that they don’t judge. They won’t treat you as a person with cancer. They just love you as their human. For example, my friend who’s currently dealing with breast cancer always tells her mom, “You can still hug me. I won’t break.”
Meanwhile, her mom is so worried she’ll hurt her or unknowingly give her a “bug” of some sort, thus, she ends up treating her with kid gloves. That’s not what my friend wants from her mom. Thus, her dogs just treat her as their human and not as their human with cancer.
2. Dogs uplift and provide emotional support
Have you ever been sick or sad and your dog just nuzzles or snuggles with you? It’s almost as if they know what you need and have the magic to make you feel better. Well, that’s sort of true. Dogs can most certainly detect your emotions and react to them. Dogs have been shown to help calm the nervous system, reduce anxiety, and increase oxytocin (the feel-good hormone). All that is great for anyone, and even more so if you’re sick or a cancer patient.
3. Dogs help with reducing the feeling of loneliness and isolation
Anyone who’s gone through cancer treatments or witnessed anyone go through this journey knows it’s an isolating one.
Often what a cancer patient goes through is isolating. For example, like my friends have said they just don’t want to talk about it. However, my friends and family have shared their concerns and fears with their dogs.
Another great aspect of dogs is that they allow you to be you. For example, you can snuggle with your dog and tell them anything and they don’t look at you differently. More specifically, dogs won’t judge you differently because your hair falls out or you’re vomiting multiple times during the day. Your dog listens and loves you just for you. Thus, being able to have an outlet to share your emotions with a friend who won’t judge you differently helps.
4. Dogs help with overall physical well-being
When your energy gets zapped due to sickness, it can be difficult to think of moving more than necessary. Yet your dog encourages you to walk, at least a bit for their outings. This can help with stamina as well. Additionally, studies have shown that dogs help to with cardiovascular health and lowering blood pressure. Great asset, isn’t it?
5. Dogs help with combatting depression
There’s no doubt that cancer can increase depression. However, being near or petting your dog has been known to elevate or greatly reduce this symptom. Yet, another great asset your furry friend can provide.
Moreover, some studies have revealed that a positive attitude during cancer treatment dramatically increases the quality of life.
6. Dogs help to reduce stress and anxiety
Amazingly not only does petting your dog help to increase your feel-good hormones (oxycontin), but also it helps to reduce your stress hormone (cortisol). This is great for all dog parents as life in general can create stress and related anxiety.
However, according to Sanford Medical, reducing stress and anxiety improves the chances of a successful recovery.
7. Dogs can help reduce your sense of pain
Petting a dog can have a lot of benefits. Both for you and your. Chief among them especially when you’re sick or even battling cancer, is it helps to release endorphins. What does this mean? Basically, endorphins can help reduce the feeling of pain and make you feel better. That’s pretty amazing! Of course, it may not mean you can lift a car, but you might feel better and that’s worth an extra pet in my world.
Heck, I know I pet Henry more when I have pain like a migraine or back pain. If nothing else it puts my mind of something other than the pain for a moment.
Petting or playing with animals can reduce stress levels and increase happiness in patients. This is because these actions cause endorphins to release in patients’ brains, helping them relax. As a result, relaxation can contribute to physical health benefits, such as lower blood pressure, decreased pain and increased cardiovascular health.
~ Heather Schalk, APRN-CNP Certified Nurse Practitioner, Blanchard Valley Health System
8. Dogs give us a sense of being needed
Of course, any furry friend can give you a sense of purpose. You are their support system. However, when someone is sick or has cancer this can be even more important. For example, my friend has often felt unneeded.
Of course, this isn’t true, but life has changed during the cancer journey. Thus, having a purpose when most of your independence has been stripped is vital. Just the act of feeding, giving water, brushing, or even a short walk, lets the person know they are still important, needed and have a purpose (even if it has changed a bit).
How do I access these benefits from my dog?
All you need to do is pet, snuggle, walk or even play with your dog. And what dog parent doesn’t love doing all those with their furry best friend?
If you don't have the energy or strength to play with your dog, you can use something to make it easier. This fun automatic ball launcher might be the trick if your pup loves to chase balls.
While Henry doesn’t enjoy dog toys he does LOVE to be chased. If this is your dog and you’re not up to chasing your pup, then perhaps you could watch your dog play a game of chase with a friend or family member.
Do I need to be seriously ill or have cancer to get these benefits from my dog?
No, of course not! In fact, I increase Henry’s pettings whenever I’m sick, have a migraine, or have more pain. He loves it and I get to focus more on him rather than being sick.
Is it really safe to be around my dog during chemotherapy?
According to the American Cancer Society, you should keep your dogs and pets away from trash and bodily waste for 48-72 hours after receiving chemo. This means making sure trash is out of reach and toilet lids are down.
What if I’m too sick to walk or care for my dog while I battle cancer?
I always encourage people to turn to their family, friends, or dog community. You can even coordinate your dog’s care online through this free site, My Cancer Circle. However, if you are feeling like you don’t want to do that, there are other options. Such as the Pet Assistance & Wellness Program (PAW). They can provide some financial assistance with caring for your furry friend. Additionally, they can provide education and resources for caring for your pets during cancer treatments.
Can my dog become a support animal?
Yes, it is possible. However, an emotional support animal (ESA) or dog is not the same as a service dog. As such, you may still be limited on where your dog can accompany you. Meanwhile, a service dog (which is trained to help a person with a disability) is allowed everywhere you go.
Most importantly, to get your dog or pet categorized as an ESA, you will need a letter from your mental healthcare professional stating that you need an ESA. Additionally, your dog should be well-behaved in public and around others to truly be considered an ESA dog.
Lastly, don’t be fooled into “registering” your dog or pet as an ESA. Many sites say they will register your pet in an ESA database, but it’s all fluff. In fact, most are just scamming you for money. There is no national ESA database.
Moreover, it’s not required to “register” your dog to call your pup an ESA furry friend. All you truly need is the letter.
However, if you do get a letter to have your dog or pet become your ESA, then make a copy of that letter or keep it digital on your phone. You may be asked for it when you enter different locations.
NOTE: According to my blogging buddy of Layla's Woof, you can also take your ESA letter from your medical provider to your local animal control. By registering with your local animal control, you should also receive a tag designating your dog as ESA. This should help you in verifying your dog's ESA status if questioned.
What other animals can be a support animal?
The animals that can be an ESA or even a service animal are fairly wide-ranging including dogs, cats, horses, pigs, and ferrets to name a few.
What if I need a service dog to help me get around?
If your vision, hearing, or mobility has been compromised to the point you need assistance, you may qualify for a service dog. These dogs are trained to help you with the tasks you can’t do for yourself easily.
Additionally, you may qualify to receive a service dog if you suffer from medical episodes such as seizures or cardiac events.
Moreover, a service dog can be provided free of charge if you are considered low-income. This is a site with a very comprehensive list of resources for obtaining a service dog when you are considered low-income.
How can I support my loved one with cancer?
Simply ask what they need or want for support. Sometimes it’ll be walking their dog when energy is low. Or even picking up some food when they can’t deal with a grocery run. You may even want to surprise your loved one with food and a dog walk.
Of course, you’ll know you’re cancer warrior best and what they will be open to receiving. For example, my friend currently battling breast cancer, has a difficult time accepting help, unless she’s completely out of energy.
How does my dog impact my finances when I’m sick or battling cancer?
I really do love this part, it always brings everything together. Since dogs can help reduce stress, anxiety, depression, pain, and feelings of loneliness, consider the following for a moment. Of course, keep in mind that these figures are estimates and assume there is no insurance over a 30-day period. But it is a little eye-opening either way.
| Antidepressants | $7 – $730 |
| Pain medication | $640-2000 |
| Sleep aids | $36-400 |
| Therapy sessions | $120-350 (1 hour session) |
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- Secondhand Smoke for Dogs: Facts You Need!
- Ways to Destress Quickly With Your Dog
- Tips To Bring Your Dog To Work Daily
- How A Dog Who Doesn’t Like Toys Plays!
- Secret World Of A Dog Parent Community
Amazing Paws: Dogs Support Cancer Warriors
There’s no doubt that a diagnosis of cancer can be overwhelming and depressing. Heck, even if you’re sick with a cold, allergies, a migraine, or even back pain it can be overwhelming. But you can look for simple ways to help your friend, family member or yourself. One thing I’ve learned is a great support is your dog.
I’ve had many friends and family who’ve turned to their dogs for support. They’ve found strength by allowing their dogs to reduce stress, depression, pain, and giving them a purpose when their world has been turned upside down.
I know I’ve turned to Henry many times to help me feel better, if even for a moment, during a migraine or flu.
Specifically for my friends and family, I’ve been relieved to know that they were getting support from their dogs during their cancer journey or illness.
So, paws up to all my cancer warriors! You all rock and here’s to a hopeful end of cancer and all serious illnesses in the near future.
Oh yes, Henry is sending you paws up as well!
