Dogs Can Help Reduce Stress in Children

Spending time with dogs can help reduce stress in children, a study showed.

The study examined stress levels in children in the United Kingdom before and after spending 20 minutes with a trained dog and professional handler. The sessions were twice a week for four weeks.

The results were compared with a control group of children who didn’t spend time with dogs and a group who practiced meditation instead.

Researchers said the children who spent time with dogs showed significantly lower cortisol (stress hormone) levels after their interactions than either the control or meditation group. This was the case in both mainstream and special educational needs schools.

The researchers said dog interventions can successfully reduce stress levels in schoolchildren, but they also point out that additional research is needed to determine the optimal amount of time spent with dogs to reduce stress.

Exposing children to healthy and well-tempered dogs can provide several other stress-busting benefits. They include the following:

• Positive, loyal, and unconditional love and connection (i.e., a sense of belonging).
• Important lessons about caregiving, which can build confidence and a secure sense of self.
• An avenue to focus outside of the self, providing a distraction from stress and anxiety.
• Increase in social skills and a decrease in behaviour struggles.
• A sense of security that can make children feel safe.
• Sensory and nervous system stimulation and regulation through petting or holding the dog.

Parents can help children make the most of having a dog with the following strategies:

• Allow children to identify how the pet may be a part of their emotional wellness.
• Educate the child on how caring for the pet could serve as a potential stress reliever.
• Make sure responsibility connected to the dog doesn’t add more stress to the child.

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