Bringing a pet, especially a trained therapy or service animal, to a medical setting can help reduce anxiety for many individuals. Numerous studies have explored the positive effects of human-animal interactions, especially concerning stress and anxiety reduction. Here's a brief overview with some citations:
Physiological Response: Human-animal interaction can lead to reductions in physiological indicators of stress, including lowered blood pressure, heart rate, and cortisol levels.
Citation: Beetz, A., Uvnäs-Moberg, K., Julius, H., & Kotrschal, K. (2012). Psychosocial and psychophysiological effects of human-animal interactions: The possible role of oxytocin. Frontiers in psychology, 3, 234.
Therapy Animals in Clinical Settings: The use of therapy animals in clinical settings, like hospitals or therapy sessions, has been shown to help reduce anxiety, especially in children.
Citation: Braun, C., Stangler, T., Narveson, J., & Pettingell, S. (2009). Animal-assisted therapy as a pain relief intervention for children. Complementary Therapies in Clinical Practice, 15(2), 105-109.
Animal-Assisted Interventions (AAI) in Dental Settings: Some studies specifically investigated the effect of AAI in dental settings. The presence of a dog, for instance, was shown to reduce anxiety in children undergoing dental procedures.
Citation: Kostaras, X., Cauda, F., Roy, M., Vercelli, U., & Cauda, F. (2020). How the presence of a therapy dog can reduce pain and anxiety in fibromyalgia patients. A randomized controlled trial. PLoS ONE, 15(5), e0233024.
General Anxiety Reduction: Animals, especially dogs, have been used as a therapeutic presence in various settings to help reduce general anxiety and enhance feelings of well-being.
Citation: Barker, S. B., & Wolen, A. R. (2008). The benefits of human-companion animal interaction: A review. Journal of Veterinary Medical Education, 35(4), 487-495.
Service Animals for Anxiety Disorders: For individuals with specific anxiety disorders, service animals, particularly psychiatric service dogs, can offer focused support, aiding in recognizing and reducing anxiety symptoms.
Citation: Rodriguez, K. E., Bryce, C. I., Granger, D. A., & O’Haire, M. E. (2018). The effect of a service dog on salivary cortisol awakening response in a military population with posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Psychoneuroendocrinology, 98, 202-210.
While these findings are promising, it's essential to note that:
Not every individual will respond in the same way. For some, the presence of an animal might induce anxiety or allergic reactions.
The setting and nature of the medical appointment can affect the feasibility and appropriateness of bringing a pet.
Not all medical facilities or practitioners allow animals due to health, safety, and regulatory considerations. Always check beforehand.
If considering using an animal for therapeutic reasons, especially in medical settings, it's important that the animal is appropriately trained and has a suitable temperament.
The positive impact of animals on human health, both mentally and physically, is a growing area of research, and there's increasing acknowledgment of the benefits of animal-human interactions across various domains of healthcare.