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Being treated for cancer can be a difficult, grueling experience. Support from family and friends can make this time easier, but if you’re fighting alone or need extra love and care, consider an emotional support animal. These dogs, and sometimes other animals, have been deemed capable of helping with physical, psychiatric, or intellectual symptoms you might face during chemotherapy and recovery. Here are a few benefits to consider.

How Does an Emotional Support Animal Benefit Cancer Patients?

Emotional Support

Chemotherapy and other cancer treatments can take a lot out of you. As their name indicates, these dogs, cats, and other acceptable animals help keep your spirits up during this draining time. They are a devoted friend who can provide unconditional love and a non-judging ear. This will help you avoid feeling lonely and stave off depression, which are very common symptoms cancer patients develop.

In a chemotherapystudy performed by Beth Israel Medical Center in New York City, patients that were visited by dogs during their treatment showed increased social and emotional well-being — even when their symptoms and health worsened. 

Life Control

Having a pet to care for also gives patients something to focus on besides their current chemotherapy treatments and health. The distraction from their reality is often welcome and gives them a reason to keep fighting through their treatment, even when they feel exhausted.

Stress Reduction

Stress is harmful to your health even under ideal circumstances, so when you're battling cancer, it's more important than ever to look for ways to minimize it. Spending time with animals and petting them releases oxytocin into the body, which will help boost your mood, decrease anxiety and fear, and help with pain management. 


Emotional support animals can help you cope with a cancer diagnosis, treatment, and beyond. For the most advanced hematology and oncology options available, turn to Tennessee Plateau Oncology - Dirk Davidson M.D. For more than 20 years, Dr. Davidson and his staff have provided patients throughout Crossville, TN, with full cancer care, starting with diagnostics and ending with long-term follow-ups. Their treatments span traditional chemotherapy, immunotherapy, targeted agents, and support medications. For more information about this cancer treatment center, call them today at (931) 484-7596 or visit their website.

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