Long story short: kick the meds, pet the dog.

Researchers at Loyola University Health System in Chicago said adults recovering from total joint-replacement surgery given pet therapy required 50 percent less pain drugs that those not receiving pet therapy.

The study was presented by Julia Havey at the annual conference of the International Society of Anthrozoology and First Human Animal Interaction Conference in Kansas City, Mo.

“Evidence suggests that animal-assisted therapy can have a positive effect on a patient’s psychosocial, emotional and physical well being,” Havey said in a statement. “The data further support these benefits and build the case for expanding the use of pet therapy in recovery.”

Source: KHEY.com