SouthEast ASIA News

ASIA News Today

  • Home
  • News
    • US
    • Africa
    • Australia
    • Europe
  • Asia
    • Thailand
    • Philippines
    • Hong Kong
    • Singapore
  • Discover
    • Science
    • World
    • Photos
  • Nation
    • Opinion
    • Top Stories
    • Politics
    • Spotlight
  • Business
    • Market
    • Finance
    • Network Monitoring
    • Annuity
  • Sports
    • Football
    • Boxing
    • Basketball
    • Baseball
  • Entertainment
    • Celebrities
    • Movie
    • Music
    • TV
  • Lifestyle
    • Living
    • Travel
    • Fashion
    • Festival
  • Technology
    • Smartphones
    • Computing
  • Weather
You are here: Home / Discover / Pet dogs might protect against childhood anxiety

Pet dogs might protect against childhood anxiety

December 3, 2015 By Ize Zech

Childhood Anxiety
TwitterFacebookGoogle+BufferFollow @Freedistrict

Children who are exposed to pet dogs are associated with decreased likelihood of developing childhood anxiety, according to a study.

Previously studies have shown dogs can reduce the risk of allergies and asthma in children, boosting children’s immune system by exposing them to allergens early in life.

Researchers from Bassett Medical Center in New York investigated the hypothesis that pet dogs are positively associated with healthy weight and mental health among children. During the 18-month study period, the scientists looked at data on 643 children aged 4-10 years, with an average age of 6.7 years. Of these, around 58% had pet dogs in the home.

Participating parents answered a series of questions about their children’s body mass index (BMI), mental health, physical activity, screen time and pet ownership. The experts analyzed the collected data to discover a link between childhood anxiety and pets at home.

The study revealed no difference between children with and without a pet dog regarding BMI, screen time or physical activity. However, among the 58 percent of children with a dog in the home, 12 percent tested positive on a screening test for anxiety as compared to 21 percent of children who did not have a pet dog.

“Interacting with a friendly dog also reduces cortisol levels, most likely through oxytocin release, which lessens physiologic responses to stress. These hormonal effects may underline the observed emotional and behavioral benefits of animal-assisted therapy and pet dogs,” said Dr. Anna Gadomski, one of the study authors.

Pets can serve as an icebreaker and stimulate conversation, which helps relieve social anxiety. A dog pet also provides comfort and companionship, which can be especially beneficial for children. Animal-assisted therapy with dogs reduces anxiety and arousal, alleviates separation anxiety and enhances attachment in children, thus promoting mental health.

Dogs also tend to follow human communicative cues, which could help in emotional development. Children aged 7-8 years have previously ranked pets higher than humans as providers of comfort and self-esteem. IMAGE/Getty Images

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

  • Entertainment
  • Lifestyle
Lamar Odom

Lamar Odom in critical condition after found taking cocaine

TwitterFacebookGoogle+BufferFollow @FreedistrictFormer NBA star Lamar Odom in critical condition after found taking cocaine and sexual performance enhancers. The 35 year-old reality TV star and former NBA Lamar Odom was hospitalized after being discovered unconscious at the Dennis Hof’s Love Ranch brothel in Crystal, Nevada, 13 October 2015, Tuesday. He is reportedly taking cocaine and sexual […]

Pattaya Gay Scene Thailand

Pattaya Gay Scene Thailand

TwitterFacebookGoogle+BufferFollow @FreedistrictPattaya Gay Scene Thailand - Pattaya is a touristy beach resort less than two hours from Bangkok with a large gay scene. Definitely worth a visit, especially if you’re interested in go-go bars or freelancers. These days, the scene also includes some non-commercial venues. Pattaya is like taking the commercial gay scene of Bangkok […]

Most Popular

  • Watch full movies online for free, no download, no sign up and surveys: Legal complaints Watch full movies online for free, no download, no sign up and surveys: Legal complaints
  • Mt Etna volcano eruption history timeline 2013: FACTS (PHOTOS) Mt Etna volcano eruption history timeline 2013: FACTS (PHOTOS)
  • Best Psychic Predictions Of World events Best Psychic Predictions Of World events
  • Thailand and Philippines similarities Thailand and Philippines similarities
  • World War 3 Is Inevitable World War 3 Is Inevitable

Opinion

Know Thyself

Know Thyself - There has been much discussion throughout history as to the exact meaning of the … Read More...

Consciousness is the Primary Reality

Consciousness is the Primary Reality

Discover

Watching TV linked to poor cognitive function

Watching TV linked to poor cognitive function

People watching TV for prolonged periods of time and low physical activity are at risk of suffering from worse cognitive function later in life, according to a study. The current study led by Tina D. Hoang suggested that engaging in physical activity is important for brain health as compared to sitting and watching TV. Researchers […]

  • Yoga may improve quality of life in prostate cancer patients
  • Bilingual brain better protected against a stroke

More Posts from this Category

  • About US
  • Contact
  • Submit News
  • Terms
  • Privacy
  • Advertising
  • News
  • Asia
  • US
  • Africa
  • Europe
  • Australia
  • Sports
  • Basketball
  • Football
  • Baseball
  • Soccer
  • Badminton
  • Entertainment
  • Movie
  • TV
  • Celebrities
  • Music
  • Miss World
  • Featured
  • Business
  • Opinion
  • Technology
  • Discover
  • Weather
© Copyright 2010–2015 • All Rights Reserved · Log in