Pets offer companionship, physical activity and positive motivation. A recent survey of pet owners worldwide found that 87 percent reported a physical or mental benefit to pet ownership, wrote Ashwani Agarwal, MD, in an op-ed for the Corsicana (Texas) Daily Sun.
Other studies from the American Psychological Association found that pet ownership can lead to increased positive mood and self-esteem, Dr. Agarwal said. He said these physical and mental boosts are important for cancer patients.
According to Dr. Agarwal, benefits to cancer patients who own pets include:
- Decreased anxiety or depressed moods
- Boosted self-esteem and sense of purpose
- Companionship, comfort and decreased feelings of isolation or loneliness
- Distraction from pain, stress or boredom
He calls these benefits the "pet effect."
Although Dr. Agarwal finds there are many benefits to the pet effect, he also warned of things potential pet owners should consider. They include:
- Pet ownership is not convenient. Patients may want to consult with their medical team about treatment and their ability to care for a pet.
- Having a plan for pet care while patients are at appointments or unwell due to treatment should be established early.
- Pets are not an appropriate surprise gift.