Hospital dogs provide calm and comfort for health care providers and patients in need

Dr. Susan Ryan, ER physician at HCA HealthONE Rose, said one study found petting a dog quickly reduced levels of stress hormones, and linked the presence of a dog with decreased heart rate and blood pressure. “The world is stressful. So you have the calming presence, nonjudgmental, you can lean into them, you feel confident and comfortable when they're there,” Ryan said.

Read the Colorado Public Radio article.

Learn more about the PAWS program at HCA HealthONE Rocky Mountain Children's.