Can a dog help a high anxiety child?
Tuesday, July 20th, 2010 at
5:44 pm
Cortney N asked:
I have a 7 year old son who has GA (general anxiety) and ocd. He has always wanted a dog. I never had a dog, or any pet for that matter but I do remember hearing something about how dogs can help with anxiety. Is this true? I know dogs are alot of work and my husband and daughters would also be thrilled to have a dog.
I have a 7 year old son who has GA (general anxiety) and ocd. He has always wanted a dog. I never had a dog, or any pet for that matter but I do remember hearing something about how dogs can help with anxiety. Is this true? I know dogs are alot of work and my husband and daughters would also be thrilled to have a dog.
Has anyone heard of anything about this?
wow, all these responses are wonderful. We were thinking about getting a Golden retriever, that is what my husband always wanted…..is that good choice?
Tagged with: Dog Anxiety • Dogs • Golden Retriever
Filed under: Anxiety
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I think its best if you get a yorkie or small dog and not to help just to have fun with it would be great . Vote me as best answer
of course get a dr. perscription for this and the dog will be a tax write off all its food and toy too..
Dogs are generally great for anyone. They are get companions, and can provide comfort for your son.
It’s definitely worth a try.
Dogs DO tend to help with a lot of things. So, I wouldn’t be surprized if a dog helps your son. It should infact avert all his attention to the new dog. Which would be a good thing. And getting a dog from the shelter and explaining that he/she needs lots of love and attention would be perfect. So, shelter dog here you come!
I’m sure it does. Dog’s provide a compainion for them when they are lonely or afraid. There is a true story called ‘After Thomas’ that I saw recently on film. It is about an autisic boy that was quite shy and was difficult to handle. The parents bought him a dog. This made him happy and he had someone to go to.
I reccommend getting a dog. Good Luck!
I can tell you that when I brought my Golden down to the nursing home they older people who were real pain in the neck were always the kindest to the dogs. I had one lady who was so bad that evryone was fed up with her. I always made sure I gave her extra time with the dogs and she would calm right down and then take her meds and be a doll for a few days. so yes If you get the right dog then do have a real calming effect on all people.
I have heard of them greatly benefitting autistic children, but not GA or OCD. I would not recommend a small dog, but rather a medium sized dog. Regardless of the breed you choose, a dog can pick up on anxiety, and act differently. You might want to consult a dog behavioralist and see what they might recommend.
I would think that a dog could calm a child.. But I would NOT get a puppy and raise it with a highly anxious child. I would find an older dog that was very well socialized to people and situations and was a very calm and sweet dog.
As long as there is no chance the the dog is going to be hurt and the boy has complete respect for animals,and no chance of abuse, I think it would work out well…
Yes i think it is possible for the dog to help the childs anxiety. Make sure the child is not overwelemed with giving the dog baths feeding the dog taking the dog outside trainging the and a lot of other responsibilities that comes with getting a dog. If getting the dog makes your child happy you should get the dog.
I would recomend getting a medium or smaller sized dog that is trained already because it will be easier to take care of at first.
Hope this helps
Dogs and cats CAN actually help people with anxiety or depression. That’s why therapy dogs and cats are taken to hospitals and retirement homes. They have a relaxed attitude and petting soft animals does relieve stress and anxiety. My own doctor prescribed cats when I was diagnosed with severe PTSD and lived in an apartment.
Because of the anxiety, you will want to get a breed that is generally calmer than others. A bouncy, yippy animal that is always running and making noise won’t help. Puppies are almost always excitable, so you may also want to go to the shelters and adopt a dog that is already adult. This lets you see the temperament of the dog, which you can’t when it’s a puppy. Puppies are a mixed bag. Some calm eventually, some don’t. Rescuing the adult dog will also save the life of an otherwise doomed animal.
I have worked in the medical field for years. Dogs have been used very successfully with many types of therapy. Some even make visits to hospitals and nursing homes. I, personally, have seen where this can be very theraputic. I would definately consider getting a dog, especially since the rest of the family will take part in its care.
Perhaps a calmer dog would be best, which I am sure many on here can give recommendations of different breeds or even mixes to consider. I would consider a lab because they are so gentle and loving; however, they are very active puppies. If you think a dog might be too much to start out with for your son, have you considered a fish or a small fish tank? Fish can also be very soothing. Before getting a dog, see what your son’s pediatrician recommends. But, sounds like a wonderful idea to me. Good luck with it
Here is a list of Categories of dogs:
I would not get a small dog as they tend to be nippy with children (I know, I have a pekingnese and he was raised with children). I would try going for a medium – large dog. They tend to be FANTASTIC with children and are just little love bugs.
Since you have never owned a dog before here is another part of dogbreedinfo that helps with what you need to start out with; “Care and Training”:
Do you know what BREED of dog you are looking for? If you do, make sure you do alot of research to make sure it is the right breed for your lifestyle. Or do you not know? There are MANY dogs in shelters that need loving homes. You can take your 7 year old son with you and I promise you there will be a dog that PICKS your son. Here is a link for “Breeder vs. Rescue”:
“Are you Ready for a Dog?” :
Do you know if you want a puppy or an adult dog?:
Here is a site that trains dogs for homes with children who have health problems or for kids who just need that extra something:
Here are some other websites I think will be helpful:
*So overall, look at some bigger breeds as they are generally more better with kids than say a chihuahua or yorkie. Try a lab, golden, greatdane .. mastiff .. etc. Or try looking in a shelter :] Most likely you will want an adult dog that knows its manners and will get attached to your son and help him feel better if/when he has an anxiety attack.
Hope this helps! and good luck in searching for your perfect dog :]
EDIT: yes a golden retriever would be good! Try going to a golden retriever rescue and they can help match your lifestyle to a certain golden. Just google “Golden Retriever rescue in (your state)”.
If you could find a grown–quiet–loving–laid back dog for your son , I think you would see a wonderful difference!! There are so many in the shelter’s that need a kind-loving family! I have a JRT-that I take to the nursing home and she loves the people there and they love her–she is really quiet and laid back for a JRT !