Benefits, challenges, and needs of people living with cancer and their companion dogs: An exploratory study.

PURPOSE/OBJECTIVES: The study examined whether the bond with a companion dog is associated with well-being among people with cancer, and described the perceived benefits, challenges, and needs accompanying the relationship with the dog.

DESIGN: The design was cross-sectional.

SAMPLE: Participants were 140 people recently diagnosed with cancer with at least one dog in their household.

METHODS: The online survey included measures of the human-pet bond, depressive symptoms, positive affect, and health-related quality of life, as well as open-ended questions about the experience of having a dog since being diagnosed with cancer.

FINDINGS: Although the bond with a companion dog was not directly linked with well-being, the association between the human-pet bond and depressive symptoms depended in part on treatment status.

CONCLUSIONS: Companion dogs may play an important role in the lives of people recently diagnosed with cancer. Implications for psychosocial providers: Health care providers can help to support the bond with a companion dog.