Dr. Jordan Sudberg on How Pets Can Help People Cope With Chronic Pain: More Than Just Companionship

Living with chronic pain is a daily challenge that affects the body, the mind, and the spirit. For millions of people, managing this invisible burden involves more than medical treatments—it requires lifestyle adjustments, emotional support, and meaningful routines. According to Dr. Jordan Sudberg, a leading expert in pain management, one of the most overlooked yet powerful tools in this journey is something many people already have at home: a pet.

“The healing influence of animals isn’t just anecdotal,” says Dr. Sudberg. “There’s real science showing that pets can positively impact a person’s experience with chronic pain, both physically and emotionally.”

In this article, we’ll dive into the many ways pets can help individuals cope with chronic pain and highlight insights from Dr. Sudberg’s clinical perspective on integrating animal companionship into holistic pain management strategies.

The Emotional Side of Chronic Pain

Before diving into the role pets play, it’s important to understand the toll that chronic pain takes on emotional and mental health. Individuals living with conditions like fibromyalgia, arthritis, sciatica, or post-surgical pain often experience:

• Depression and anxiety
  
• Sleep disturbances
  
• Loneliness and social withdrawal
  
• Decreased motivation and purpose
  

Pain doesn’t just hurt—it isolates. And isolation worsens the body’s perception of pain.

“Social support is a critical part of pain relief,” Dr. Sudberg explains. “The body releases pain-dampening chemicals like endorphins and oxytocin in response to connection. Pets can be a powerful source of that connection.”

Pets and Pain Perception: What the Research Says

Numerous studies support the idea that interaction with animals can significantly reduce perceived pain and improve emotional well-being.

• A 2012 study in Pain Management Nursing found that patients who interacted with therapy dogs reported less pain and used fewer pain medications.
  
• The American Heart Association has reported that pet owners tend to have lower blood pressure, healthier heart rates, and reduced levels of stress—all of which contribute to lower pain levels.
  
• Other studies show that pet owners report feeling more positive, less anxious, and more likely to adhere to treatment plans.
  

“Pain is as much a neurological and psychological experience as it is a physical one,” says Dr. Sudberg. “If we can reduce anxiety and stress, we reduce the body’s sensitivity to pain.”

Ways Pets Can Help People Manage Chronic Pain

Here’s how pets—especially dogs and cats—can support chronic pain patients on a daily basis:

1. Companionship and Emotional Comfort

The simple act of petting an animal has been shown to release feel-good hormones like oxytocin and serotonin while decreasing cortisol, the stress hormone. These changes contribute to:

• Lower anxiety
  
• Improved mood
  
• Reduced perception of pain
  

“For someone who is homebound or dealing with limited mobility, that companionship can mean everything,” says Dr. Sudberg. “It can turn isolation into connection.”

2. Encouragement to Stay Active

Dogs, in particular, encourage physical movement—even if it’s just a short walk around the block. Gentle activity is essential for chronic pain patients, helping to:

• Improve circulation
  
• Reduce joint stiffness
  
• Maintain a healthy weight
  
• Support cardiovascular health
  

“Walking a dog offers both structure and motivation,” Dr. Sudberg notes. “Patients often tell me they wouldn’t go outside at all if not for their pets.”

For those unable to walk dogs, even basic pet care like feeding, grooming, or cleaning a litter box can keep the body engaged and improve motor coordination.

3. Routine and Purpose

Chronic pain can make daily life feel unpredictable and overwhelming. Pets provide a steady routine—mealtimes, walks, grooming—which can anchor a person’s day and give it structure.

“A sense of purpose is incredibly healing,” says Dr. Sudberg. “When someone feels needed and responsible, it pulls their focus away from their own discomfort.”

This kind of distraction, when positive and manageable, can reduce pain intensity and break negative feedback loops in the brain.

Pet Therapy and Clinical Pain Management

Beyond personal pet ownership, many pain clinics and hospitals now incorporate animal-assisted therapy into treatment plans. These professionally trained therapy animals provide relief and distraction during:

• Injections
  
• Physical therapy sessions
  
• Long hospital stays
  
• Emotional crises
  

Dr. Sudberg’s clinic occasionally partners with therapy dog organizations for patients who benefit from such interactions but cannot care for a pet at home.

“We’ve seen remarkable results,” he says. “Even a 15-minute session with a therapy dog can ease tension, lower blood pressure, and make patients more receptive to treatments.”

Considerations Before Getting a Pet

While the benefits are clear, Dr. Jordan Sudberg emphasizes that not every chronic pain patient should rush out to adopt an animal. There are important factors to consider:

• Physical ability: Can you lift, walk, feed, and groom the pet consistently?
  
• Financial commitment: Vet bills, food, and care supplies can add up.
  
• Allergies or immune issues: These may limit pet ownership or the types of animals you can safely care for.
  
• Backup support: Do you have someone who can help care for the pet if your pain flares?
  

For those unable to care for a pet full-time, volunteering at animal shelters, fostering short-term, or arranging regular visits with friends’ pets can still offer therapeutic value.

“It’s about creating access to that connection in a way that suits your life and condition,” Dr. Sudberg advises.

Best Pets for Pain Relief

While dogs and cats are the most common choices, other animals can also offer companionship with lower maintenance needs. These include:

• Birds – Their songs and personalities can be uplifting.
  
• Fish – Watching fish swim is calming and meditative.
  
• Rabbits or guinea pigs – Great for small spaces and gentle handling.
  

The right pet depends on lifestyle, mobility, allergies, and preferences.

Final Thoughts from Dr. Jordan Sudberg

“Healing from chronic pain is never just about pills or procedures—it’s about creating a life that supports your physical and emotional well-being. Pets can be a deeply meaningful part of that life.”

Whether it’s the loyal tail-wag of a dog, the purr of a contented cat, or the gentle splash of a fish tank, pets offer a unique kind of relief: the kind that touches both heart and body.

If you or someone you love is living with chronic pain, consider how animal companionship—either through ownership or therapy—could be part of a broader, more holistic recovery plan.