Therapy Dogs in Cancer Care

Dawn A. Marcus, MD University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA

• Cancer overview.- Introduction to therapy dogs.- Dogs as cancer detectors.- Dog therapy with cancer.- Adding therapy dogs to your cancer treatment team.- Incorporating companion dogs into cancer rehab: emotional support.- Incorporating companion dogs into cancer rehab: benefits from physical exercise for cancer patients.- Incorporating companion dogs into cancer rehab: dog-themed exercise program for cancer patients.- Incorporating companion dogs into cancer rehab: practical tips for adding a dog into the home  during cancer treatment and recovery.- Resources.

From the reviews: "Begins with an excellent overview of how complementary therapies can help relieve cancer-related symptoms ... and goes on to detail how physical activity can reduce the risk of developing and then relapsing from certain cancers. ... this is a highly accessible and informative book, which is recommended for both oncology specialists and cancer patients." (Heidi Sowter, Oncology News, Vol. 8 (3), July-August, 2013) "An excellent resource on the use of therapy dogs as complementary treatment for cancer patients of all ages. ... The book is intended for ... nurses, social workers, child life specialists, patients and their family members, physical therapists, and other caregivers. This book would be beneficial for those involved in the care of patients with any serious disease modality. ... should be part of the toolkit for physicians caring not only for cancer patients, but also for any patients with serious medical or psychological conditions." (Julia D. Grimes, Doody's Book Reviews, November, 2012)