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Some have
hypothesized that pet ownership and pet-facilitated
 therapy can reduce
chronic pain conditions or headaches in certain individuals. Although
there is very little objective research to date on this particular topic,
positive
interaction between humans and dogs has been shown to produce physiological
changes in people, including decreased blood pressure and cortisol levels, and
increased levels of chemicals that impact the nervous system, and therefore,
pain pathways. Among these substances are phenylethylamine, dopamine,
endorphin, oxytocin and prolactin.
One study
investigated the role of pet ownership and prophylaxis of chronic pain and
headache. 62 patients with such conditions were queried about pet ownership and
other household information. A control group of 38 members was also surveyed.
Contrary to the authors’ expectations, pet ownership apparently conferred no
subjective analgesic benefits (Hirsch, 1994).
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