Canine Care
In this article, we delve into the significant role therapy dogs play in alleviating anxiety for children in high-stress environments, such as hospitals.
Key Features:
- Therapy Dog Programs: These programs pair trained dogs with individuals needing comfort, particularly in pediatric emergency departments.
- Research Insights: A study conducted by Dr. Jeffrey Kline at Riley Children’s Hospital shows that spending just 10 minutes with a therapy dog can reduce anxiety levels in children by nearly half, with effects lasting for two hours.
- Growing Demand: As awareness of the benefits of therapy dogs increases, there is an expected rise in their availability in healthcare settings across the country.
Use Cases:
- Emergency Rooms: Therapy dogs are utilized in emergency rooms to provide comfort to young patients.
- Stressful Situations: They help children cope with anxiety during medical procedures or stressful events, enhancing their overall experience and emotional well-being.