(559) 460-0715

Family Therapist
  • Home
  • About Me
  • Services
    • Anxiety
    • Depression
    • Relationship Problems
    • Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder
    • Postpartum Depression
  • Blog
    • 2016
    • 2017
    • 2018
    • 2019
    • 2020
    • 2021
  • Contact

How Pets Help Children with Anxiety

Sep 06, 2018

Research presented by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) tracked around 650 children for 18 months. The children aged four to ten, via their parents, were quizzed about factors like body mass index (BMI), physical activity level, "screen-time," the existence and types of pets, and their mental health history. The study found that children who belonged to families with dogs as their pets exhibited a noticeable variation in stress levels and anxiety. The study findings showed:
  • 58 percent of kids had a dog at home
  • 12 percent of those children tested positive for stress and anxiety
  • 21 percent of the children without dogs in their life, were positive for anxiety
Dogs are Especially Helpful with Social Anxiety and Separation Anxiety
It is probable that dogs could help remedy childhood anxiety. Certain types of anxiety such as social and separation seem to be particularly helped. It is possible that interaction with pet dogs often act as an icebreaker and stimulate conversation and interaction. This effect alleviates social anxiety through what is called the social catalyst effect. The companionship that dogs offer often alleviate separation anxiety and help strengthen attachment.
Study Backs-up Previous Findings
The idea that pets, especially dogs, help with anxiety and stress is not a new one. It has been observed and considered anecdotal for years. It has even been studied before in similar but smaller study groups. The new research, carried out in a real-world setting, used a much broader representation of children than previous studies. Researchers say that more needs to be done to solidify the link between dogs, children, and anxiety reduction.
What Causes the Stress Reduction?
The cause for the occurrence isn't well understood. However, Oxytocin, a hormone that aids in social bonding could be at play. It is known that the simple act of petting an animal can release the hormone in most. Social interaction of children and dogs may lead to an increase in oxytocin levels the child and the dog, increasing bonding. Interacting with a pet dog may also reduce cortisol levels which ultimately could help with childhood obesity through stress reduction.
If you want to foster a calm and happy environment for your kids, introducing a dog to the family may be something to consider. Be sure to research the dog breeds and choose one that matches your lifestyle. Or, better yet, visit the local shelter and give a rescued dog a forever home. Here are three of the most common breeds known to be excellent with children, and their traits.
  • Labrador Retriever: Labs are sweet dogs who are docile, loyal, and energetic. They love interacting with small children and large families. They can grow large, up to 85 pounds. However, they make good companions and are easily trained. Labs are happiest living in a nice fenced yard.
  • Golden Retriever: Similar in nature, disposition, and size as a Lab. Golden Retrievers have long hair which makes frequent brushing and grooming necessary. Golden Retrievers are happy indoors and outdoors.
  • Welsh Corgi: A favorite of Britain's Royal Family, they may be perfect for yours as well. These smart, loving dogs are small with short legs. They do very well as inside pets and are easily trained.
To learn more about effective ways to treat or cope with anxiety, connect with us today.




Tags: Child Therapy, Pets Help Children with Anxiety, Child Anxiety Therapy, Pets for Anxiety
Category: Anxiety Therapy

Loading Conversation

Next »
« Previous

Category List

Depression Counseling (43)
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (27)
PTSD (31)
Family Therapy (20)
Anxiety Therapy (63)
Couples Counseling (34)

Tag List

Anxiety Attack (1)
Anxiety Counseling (20)
Fresno Depression Counselor (3)
Counseling for Depression (3)
Anxiety Symptoms (2)
Family Counseling (1)
Couples Therapy (9)
Counseling Help (1)
Parent Relationship (1)
Fresno CBT Therapy (1)
Anxiety and Depression Therapy (1)
What is Ecotherapy (1)
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy Exercises (1)
Change Thoughts (1)
Red Flags (1)
Stress (3)
Anxiety Treatment (1)
PTSD Symptoms (1)
Child Anxiety Therapy (1)
Fresno Couples Therapy (1)
Anxiety Tips (12)
Relationship Therapist (2)
therapy for anxiety (1)
Reduce Anxiety (2)
CBT (27)
Self-care (1)
Family Communication (2)
Anxiety in Kids (1)
How to Deal with Anxiety (1)
Major Depressive Disorder (1)
Risk of Suicide (1)
Fresno Anxiety Counselor (2)
Trauma Therapist (1)
Business Anxiety (1)
Alleviate Anxiety and Depression (1)
Anxiety (27)
Substance Abuse (1)
Narrative Exposure Therapy (1)
Depression Help (2)
Relationship Counselor (2)
PTSD Fresno Therapist (1)
improve your relationship (1)
Fresno Couples Counseling (5)
Help Anxiety (1)
Trauma Therapy (1)
PTSD Counseling (2)
Marriage Counseling (3)
Therapy and Depression (1)
Fresno Counselor (17)
Fresno Depression Counseling (1)
EMDR (1)
Dealing with Anxiety (1)
Couples Counseling (28)
Coping Mechanism (1)
Relationship Therapy (2)
Anxiety Therapist (14)
Families with PTSD (1)
Therapy Treatments (1)
Successful Relationships (1)
Thinking Positively (1)
Fight Anxiety (1)
Anxiety Disorders (2)
Depressed (4)
Alleviating Anxiety (1)
Relationship Help (2)
CBT in Fresno (1)
Anxiety Help (7)
family stress (1)
Couples Therapist (5)
Depression Counselor (6)
Relieving Your Anxiety (1)
Fresno CBT Therapist (5)
A Partner with Anxiety (1)
Depression Questions (1)
Fresno Counseling (15)
Cognitive behavioral therapy (28)
Anxiety Attacks (1)
Fresno PTSD Therapy (4)
Narrative Therapy (1)
Spouse Who Suffers from Anxiety (1)
Family Therapy Options (1)
Seeking Guidance (1)
Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (3)
Loss (2)
Starting a New Job (1)
Benefits of Couples Counseling (1)
Depression Tips (1)
Adolescent Therapy (1)
Communication Classes (1)
Family Therapy (24)
Mental Health (2)
Combatting Anxiety (1)
Handling Anxiety (1)
Depression Therapist (7)
Therapeutic Journaling (1)
Move Forward (1)
Fresno Depression Therapist (2)
Anxiety and PTSD (1)
Fresno Family Therapist (6)
Benefits of EMDR (1)
Life Changes (1)
PTSD Help (2)
Have PTSD (1)
Game Playing (1)
Anxiety and Dating (1)
Depression Cure (1)
Anxiety Relief (2)
relationships (2)
Grounding Techniques (1)
Grounding Skills (1)
Psychoanalysis (1)
Healthy Lifestyle (1)
Overcoming Anxiety (1)
Alleviate Anxiety (1)
Defeating Anxiety (2)
Mindfulness-based Cognitive Therapy (1)
Cannabis (1)
Depression Counseling (23)
Postpartum Depression (2)
Adopted Children (1)
EMDR Therapy (1)
Health and Counseling (1)
PTSD Therapist (13)
Your Mind (1)
Teen Depression (1)
Cognitive Behavioral Therapist (5)
Pandemic Anxiety (1)
Body Image Induced Anxiety (1)
Fresno Therapy (14)
Depression Counseling Tips (1)
Adjustment Disorders (1)
Jodi Mitchell Therapist (1)
Pets for Anxiety (1)
Loving Your Spouse (1)
Covid-19 (1)
Relief from Anxiety (1)
Lifestyle Changes (1)
Fresno Therapist (77)
Bankruptcy (1)
Trauma and PTSD (1)
Stress Relief (1)
Anxiety Therapy (41)
Loss of a Child (1)
Art Therapy for Depression (1)
Depression (21)
Dating Anxiety (2)
MBCT (1)
Acute Anxiety (1)
Nice Guy vs. Bad Boy (1)
Postpartum Depression Relief (1)
Minimize Anxiety (1)
Treating Anxiety Disorders (1)
Family Therapist (7)
Pets Help Children with Anxiety (1)
suffering from depression (1)
Addiction (2)
Couples Counselor (9)
Trauma (5)
Growth and Healing (1)
Self-Talk (1)
Self-Quarantining (1)
Coping with Anxiety (4)
Depression Symptoms (1)
Blended Families (1)
Reasons to Seek Counseling (1)
Anxiety in Women (1)
Holiday Season Help (1)
Anxiety Counselor (5)
PTSD (25)
Depression and Anxiety (1)
PTSD and Trauma (2)
Anxiety Therapis (1)
Group Therapy (1)
Ecotherapy (1)
Couple Counselor. Fresno Couples Counseling (1)
Relationship Counseling (7)
Battling Anxiety (1)
Serotonin (2)
Banishing Anxiety (1)
Weight Loss (1)
Racing Mind (1)
Depression Healing Solutions (1)
COVID19 (1)
Manage Depression (1)
new job stress (1)
Pandemic Struggles (1)
CBT Teaching Techniques (1)
Anxiety in Children (1)
Therapy Help (1)
Feel Better (1)
Counseling (4)
Fresno Depression Therapy (4)
Anxiety Control (1)
Teen Anxiety (1)
Holistic (1)
Family Counselor (1)
Severe Anxiety (1)
Holiday Stress (3)
Bilateral Stimulation (1)
Get Help (2)
Corona Virus Anxiety (1)
Anxious (1)
Hygge (1)
Depression Healing (1)
Young Adults and Anxiety (1)
Panic Attacks (3)
Fresno Couples Counselor (4)
CBT Therapist (9)
psychotherapy (2)
Fresno Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (1)
Fresno Family Counseling (1)
Marriage Counselor (1)
Death Of A Child (1)
post-traumatic stress disorder (3)
New Moms (1)
Couples Communication (2)
Fresno PTSD Therapist (5)
Fresno Anxiety Therapyy (1)
Fresno Anxiety Therapist (6)
Find a Depression Therapist (1)
Cognitive Behavior Therapy (1)
Panic Coping Tactics (1)
Workplace Anxiety (1)
Child Therapy (2)
Therapy for Depression (1)
Anxiety Help Methods (1)
Working Together (1)
Prioritizing Mental Health (1)
PPD (1)
Holiday Depression (1)
Beat Depression (1)
Psychology (1)
Toxic Relationships (1)
Supporting Your Partner (1)
Reconcile Relationships (1)
Addiction Recovery (1)
Antidepressants (1)
Fresno CBT (2)
Dealing with Loss (3)
Stress and Anxiety (1)
Anxiety Struggles (1)
Sadness (1)
Relieve Your Anxiety (1)
Cognitive Therapy (1)
PTSD Therapy (20)
Fresno Anxiety Therapy (3)
What is PTSD (2)
Therapy (1)
Frantic Thoughts (1)
anxiety therapy in Fresno (1)
Relationship Advice (1)
CBT Benefits (1)
Struggling with Anxiety (1)
Fresno Family Therapy (7)
About Anxiety (1)
First Responders (1)
Depression Myths (1)
CBT Therapy (2)
Fresno Therapists (1)
Living with PTSD (1)
Grounding (1)
Social Anxiety (1)
Coronavirus Stress (1)
Re-building Relationships (1)
Couples Counselin (1)
Individual Therapy (2)
Depressive Disorders (1)
CBT Help (1)
Change (1)
Therapy Tips (1)
Counseling Fresno (1)
CBT Counselor (1)
Work Together (1)
Fresno Anxiety Counseling (3)
Poetry (1)
Panic (3)
Family Help (1)
Talk Therapy (1)
Fresno Couples Therapist (6)
Relationship Anxiety (1)
Addiction Therapy (2)
Benefits of Therapy (1)
Depression Therapy (19)
Family Drama (1)
PTSD Family Therapy (1)
Suicidal Teen (1)
Self-Care Tips for Teens (1)
Distressing Thoughts and Emotions (1)
CBT Treatment (1)
communication (2)

Tag Cloud

  • Relationship Therapist (2)
  • Depression Counseling Tips (1)
  • Starting a New Job (1)
  • post-traumatic stress disorder (3)
  • Fresno PTSD Therapy (4)
  • Fresno Therapy (14)
  • Addiction (2)
  • Cognitive behavioral therapy (28)
  • Depression Therapy (19)
  • Change Thoughts (1)
  • Anxiety Struggles (1)
  • Mindfulness-based Cognitive Therapy (1)
  • Growth and Healing (1)
  • Alleviate Anxiety and Depression (1)
  • Hygge (1)
  • CBT Benefits (1)
  • improve your relationship (1)
  • Fresno Anxiety Counselor (2)
  • Fight Anxiety (1)
  • What is Ecotherapy (1)
  • Fresno Anxiety Counseling (3)
  • Communication Classes (1)
  • Your Mind (1)
  • Overcoming Anxiety (1)
  • Get Help (2)
  • Family Therapist (7)
  • What is PTSD (2)
  • Individual Therapy (2)
  • Jodi Mitchell Therapist (1)
  • Game Playing (1)
  • Battling Anxiety (1)
  • Feel Better (1)
  • communication (2)
  • psychotherapy (2)
  • Anxiety and PTSD (1)
  • Fresno Counselor (17)
  • Couples Therapy (9)
  • Dealing with Loss (3)
  • Toxic Relationships (1)
  • Risk of Suicide (1)
  • Anxiety Therapis (1)
  • Suicidal Teen (1)
  • Severe Anxiety (1)
  • Adopted Children (1)
  • Fresno Anxiety Therapy (3)
  • Beat Depression (1)
  • PTSD and Trauma (2)
  • PTSD Therapy (20)
  • Therapy for Depression (1)
  • Loss (2)
  • Narrative Therapy (1)
  • Death Of A Child (1)
  • Anxiety Counselor (5)
  • anxiety therapy in Fresno (1)
  • Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (3)
  • Fresno Therapist (77)
  • Fresno Family Counseling (1)
  • Self-Care Tips for Teens (1)
  • Combatting Anxiety (1)
  • Find a Depression Therapist (1)
  • Antidepressants (1)
  • Adolescent Therapy (1)
  • Relationship Help (2)
  • Psychoanalysis (1)
  • Cognitive Behavioral Therapy Exercises (1)
  • Holiday Stress (3)
  • Family Therapy Options (1)
  • Therapy (1)
  • PTSD (25)
  • CBT Counselor (1)
  • Depression Counselor (6)
  • Adjustment Disorders (1)
  • Grounding (1)
  • Narrative Exposure Therapy (1)
  • Young Adults and Anxiety (1)
  • Corona Virus Anxiety (1)
  • Prioritizing Mental Health (1)
  • Stress (3)
  • therapy for anxiety (1)
  • Sadness (1)
  • Trauma and PTSD (1)
  • Blended Families (1)
  • Working Together (1)
  • Relief from Anxiety (1)
  • PTSD Counseling (2)
  • Anxiety Therapist (14)
  • Fresno Counseling (15)
  • Alleviate Anxiety (1)
  • Depression Healing Solutions (1)
  • Cognitive Behavior Therapy (1)
  • Serotonin (2)
  • Mental Health (2)
  • EMDR Therapy (1)
  • Depression Cure (1)
  • Fresno Depression Therapy (4)
  • Treating Anxiety Disorders (1)
  • Relationship Therapy (2)
  • Couples Counselin (1)
  • Lifestyle Changes (1)
  • New Moms (1)
  • Fresno Family Therapist (6)
  • Pandemic Anxiety (1)
  • Benefits of Therapy (1)
  • PPD (1)
  • CBT in Fresno (1)
  • Fresno Depression Counseling (1)
  • Reasons to Seek Counseling (1)
  • Distressing Thoughts and Emotions (1)
  • Grounding Skills (1)
  • Thinking Positively (1)
  • Anxiety Attacks (1)
  • Panic Attacks (3)
  • Grounding Techniques (1)
  • Cognitive Behavioral Therapist (5)
  • Ecotherapy (1)
  • CBT (27)
  • Depression Help (2)
  • PTSD Fresno Therapist (1)
  • Stress and Anxiety (1)
  • Manage Depression (1)
  • Depression and Anxiety (1)
  • Substance Abuse (1)
  • Fresno Therapists (1)
  • Fresno Couples Counseling (5)
  • Health and Counseling (1)
  • Relationship Advice (1)
  • Nice Guy vs. Bad Boy (1)
  • About Anxiety (1)
  • family stress (1)
  • Counseling (4)
  • Anxiety and Dating (1)
  • Fresno CBT Therapist (5)
  • Relationship Counselor (2)
  • Family Counselor (1)
  • Social Anxiety (1)
  • Anxiety Counseling (20)
  • Family Help (1)
  • Counseling Fresno (1)
  • Anxiety in Kids (1)
  • CBT Therapist (9)
  • Pets Help Children with Anxiety (1)
  • Seeking Guidance (1)
  • Frantic Thoughts (1)
  • First Responders (1)
  • Bankruptcy (1)
  • Panic (3)
  • Family Counseling (1)
  • Have PTSD (1)
  • Family Communication (2)
  • Banishing Anxiety (1)
  • Handling Anxiety (1)
  • Anxiety Treatment (1)
  • Help Anxiety (1)
  • Anxiety (27)
  • Teen Anxiety (1)
  • suffering from depression (1)
  • Life Changes (1)
  • EMDR (1)
  • Business Anxiety (1)
  • PTSD Symptoms (1)
  • Minimize Anxiety (1)
  • Move Forward (1)
  • Anxiety Tips (12)
  • Anxiety Help Methods (1)
  • Successful Relationships (1)
  • Psychology (1)
  • Supporting Your Partner (1)
  • Cognitive Therapy (1)
  • Anxiety Disorders (2)
  • Fresno Couples Therapy (1)
  • Depressed (4)
  • Depression Therapist (7)
  • Loving Your Spouse (1)
  • Panic Coping Tactics (1)
  • Defeating Anxiety (2)
  • Coping with Anxiety (4)
  • CBT Treatment (1)
  • Self-care (1)
  • Healthy Lifestyle (1)
  • Benefits of EMDR (1)
  • Holistic (1)
  • Anxious (1)
  • Talk Therapy (1)
  • Living with PTSD (1)
  • Group Therapy (1)
  • Anxiety Help (7)
  • Reduce Anxiety (2)
  • Racing Mind (1)
  • Holiday Season Help (1)
  • Alleviating Anxiety (1)
  • Holiday Depression (1)
  • Pets for Anxiety (1)
  • Stress Relief (1)
  • Loss of a Child (1)
  • Postpartum Depression (2)
  • Anxiety Attack (1)
  • Work Together (1)
  • Dealing with Anxiety (1)
  • CBT Teaching Techniques (1)
  • Child Therapy (2)
  • Fresno Couples Counselor (4)
  • Anxiety Control (1)
  • MBCT (1)
  • Trauma Therapy (1)
  • Therapy Tips (1)
  • Workplace Anxiety (1)
  • Fresno CBT (2)
  • Couples Counseling (28)
  • Body Image Induced Anxiety (1)
  • Therapeutic Journaling (1)
  • Family Therapy (24)
  • Self-Talk (1)
  • Depression Questions (1)
  • Depression Healing (1)
  • Relieve Your Anxiety (1)
  • Coping Mechanism (1)
  • Therapy Treatments (1)
  • How to Deal with Anxiety (1)
  • Fresno Depression Counselor (3)
  • Teen Depression (1)
  • PTSD Family Therapy (1)
  • Parent Relationship (1)
  • Fresno Family Therapy (7)
  • Fresno Depression Therapist (2)
  • Counseling for Depression (3)
  • Change (1)
  • Fresno Anxiety Therapyy (1)
  • Depression Symptoms (1)
  • Couples Communication (2)
  • Self-Quarantining (1)
  • Cannabis (1)
  • Dating Anxiety (2)
  • Fresno Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (1)
  • Couples Therapist (5)
  • Struggling with Anxiety (1)
  • Major Depressive Disorder (1)
  • relationships (2)
  • PTSD Therapist (13)
  • COVID19 (1)
  • Families with PTSD (1)
  • Anxiety Relief (2)
  • CBT Therapy (2)
  • Pandemic Struggles (1)
  • Couples Counselor (9)
  • Fresno PTSD Therapist (5)
  • Red Flags (1)
  • Depressive Disorders (1)
  • Postpartum Depression Relief (1)
  • Marriage Counseling (3)
  • Bilateral Stimulation (1)
  • CBT Help (1)
  • Fresno Couples Therapist (6)
  • PTSD Help (2)
  • Addiction Therapy (2)
  • Relationship Counseling (7)
  • Relationship Anxiety (1)
  • Counseling Help (1)
  • Relieving Your Anxiety (1)
  • A Partner with Anxiety (1)
  • Depression Counseling (23)
  • Family Drama (1)
  • Couple Counselor. Fresno Couples Counseling (1)
  • Depression Tips (1)
  • Child Anxiety Therapy (1)
  • Re-building Relationships (1)
  • Anxiety and Depression Therapy (1)
  • Spouse Who Suffers from Anxiety (1)
  • Addiction Recovery (1)
  • Art Therapy for Depression (1)
  • Fresno CBT Therapy (1)
  • Therapy Help (1)
  • Anxiety Symptoms (2)
  • Trauma (5)
  • Trauma Therapist (1)
  • Benefits of Couples Counseling (1)
  • Reconcile Relationships (1)
  • Weight Loss (1)
  • Coronavirus Stress (1)
  • Therapy and Depression (1)
  • Fresno Anxiety Therapist (6)
  • Marriage Counselor (1)
  • Poetry (1)
  • Anxiety Therapy (41)
  • Acute Anxiety (1)
  • Anxiety in Children (1)
  • Depression Myths (1)
  • Depression (21)
  • Anxiety in Women (1)
  • new job stress (1)
  • Covid-19 (1)
 

Archive

2019

  • Oct
  • Nov
  • Dec

2020

  • Jan
  • Feb
  • Mar
  • Apr
  • May
  • Jun
  • Jul
  • Aug
  • Sep
  • Oct
  • Nov
  • Dec

2021

  • Jan
  • Feb
  • Mar
  • Apr

Family counseling therapy for marriage, families, behavioral, depression & anxiety by a certified therapist serving:

  • Frenso
  • Kingsburg
  • Oakhurst
  • Vialia

Contact

  • (559) 460-0715
  • jodimitchellmft@gmail.com

©2025 Jodi Mitchell. All rights reserved.