(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

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

Tag List

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

Tag Cloud

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

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.