How can Animals help with pain relief

The lowdown:

Animals distract us from pain in a positive way. Having a dog, cat or pet in your life changes the focus from pain to something that brings joy and happiness.They need attention and are hard to ignore.

The Research:

Research shows that being in the presence of a dog and petting them can help to distract from pain, provide comfort and reduce any fears, anxieties or feelings of isolation. They've been shown to improve quality of life for many patients living with chronic pain.

The Pro’s:

Having an animal can make you feel less stressed, can make you more active which in turn may reduce pain intesity. Studies have also shown interacting with animals helps lower blood pressure, reduce anxiety and decrease depression.

The Con’s:

Not the easiest method to implement if you don't have any animals. Again, this is solely a pain management method, not a pain relief one. So it wont completely remove pain.

The How:

If you have your own pet, make sure to spend lots of time with them, taking them for walks, enjoying cuddles etc. If you don't have your own pet, consider arranging with a family member or friend who own a dog to have regular visits with their pets.