A Dog's Love, Is Good for Your Health, , New Study Suggests.<br />They say canines are <br />humankind's best friend.<br />but puppy affection could be <br />more beneficial to our quality of life <br />than previously considered.<br />The study, published on March 9 in <br />the journal 'PLOS One,' researched <br />pain levels among more than 200 emergency room patients.<br />While some participants <br />received no intervention for <br />their pain upon questioning.<br />While some participants <br />received no intervention for <br />their pain upon questioning.<br />others were allowed time with a <br />therapy dog after rating their pain <br />and then rated their pain again.<br />The study found that those who spent <br />time with the dog consistently said <br />they were experiencing less pain.<br />As a hospital visit is an often harrowing experience, experts say they see great potential in employing the help of service dogs to aid patients' comfort levels.<br />As a hospital visit is an often harrowing experience, experts say they see great potential in employing the help of service dogs to aid patients' comfort levels.<br />The presence of a therapy <br />dog not only has the benefits <br />of supporting the patient's experience, but I think it <br />also serves as a comfort to <br />the care providers. , Mike Macfadden, nurse practitioner, via CNN.<br />Experts say they aren't surprised <br />that unwavering love and support <br />from a canine would correlate to experiencing lower pain levels.<br />Experts say they aren't surprised <br />that unwavering love and support <br />from a canine would correlate to experiencing lower pain levels.<br />The things that you can <br />gain from pets and some <br />of the positive emotions that could be elicited ... I think <br />could have an impact on the <br />pain experience itself. , Michelle Gagnon, assistant professor of psychology and <br />health studies University of Saskatchewan, via CNN.<br />The things that you can <br />gain from pets and some <br />of the positive emotions that could be elicited ... I think <br />could have an impact on the <br />pain experience itself. , Michelle Gagnon, assistant professor of psychology and <br />health studies University of Saskatchewan, via CNN
