newlifeoutlook
Coping

The Benefits of Pet Therapy for Migraine Sufferers

Jan 20, 2015
  • Medical Information
  • Therapy
Senior man playing with his dog

The Benefits of Dog Ownership

One participant noted that her dog became frantic leading up to her attack, displaying uncharacteristic behaviors of restlessness every 15 minutes before her migraine started. Another participant shared that her dog would wake her up in the middle of the night by persistently licking her face on days she would have a migraine episode. She now takes this cue from her dog as an alerting signal and takes medication before migraine symptoms begin.

Reducing Stress

In addition to possibly helping to detect an imminent migraine, dogs can also help with long-term prevention.

Stress is one of the most well known causes of migraines. Shock, anxiety, panic attacks, worry, and fear are all forms of stress that can trigger a migraine episode. According to experts, high levels of stress can cause your brain to release chemicals that cause a migraine attack to occur.

Studies have shown that animals can reduce tension and improve mood, thereby increasing levels of the stress-reducing hormone, oxytocin, and decreasing production of the stress hormone, cortisol.

Petting your dog for just 10 minutes at a time, multiple times throughout the day, is all you need to reap the rewards. Plus, Fido will be a pretty happy guy, too!

You May Also Like:What to Do When Migraine Impacts Your Job
Related Search Topics (Ads):
  • Migraine Symptoms & Treatment
  • Migraines Pain Medicines
  • Drugs For Migraine Relief
  • Chronic Migraine Help

Getting Exercise

Another benefit of dog ownership comes in the form of your pup’s daily walk. Migraines have a fairly love-hate relationship with exercise. While regular but gentle exercise can significantly reduce migraine attacks, intense or sporadic exercise can actually trigger migraines. Taking your dog on his daily walk is a great way to get consistent exercise without overdoing it and triggering a migraine attack, all while reducing stress and promoting relaxation. It’s a win-win for the both of you!

If you do decide to participate in something a bit more physical, such as running at the dog park or going for a jog, be sure to warm up beforehand and start slowly if you’re new to physical activity.

Consistency is key when dealing with migraines and exercise, so be sure to take advantage of your dog’s insatiable enthusiasm and go on one walk in the morning and one in the evening. Your migraine symptoms will become less frequent and your pup will thank you.

Previous
  • 1
  • 2
  • 3
Next

Next page: how dogs help to ease depression.

Alyssa Winegarden
Alyssa was previously the Community Manager at NLO and is a life-long migraine sufferer. In her free time, Alyssa enjoys hoarding beauty products, horseback riding, painting, marathoning episodes on Netflix, and blogging. See all of Alyssa's articles
More Articles by Alyssa
Resources
  • Psychology Today (Can Dogs Warn their Owners of Impending Migraines?)
  • WebMD (Pets for Depression and Health)
Print This

We all have a voice,what's your story?

We learn from each other. Share your story to let others with know they’re not alone.

Share Your Story

MigraineNewsletter Sign-up

Stay up-to-date with all the latest news, articles, and updates from your community!

Subscribe Now

Join our private Facebook Group

to ask questions, get answers, and find support from fellow Warriors!

Join the Discussion
Print This
ConnectWithUs
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Pinterest
  • About Us
  • Contact Us
  • Privacy Policy
  • Terms of Use
  • Disclaimer
© 2023 NewLifeOutlook™ All rights reserved.
  • Contact Us
  • Privacy Policy
© 2023 NewLifeOutlook | Migraine