Peek into framed family portraits across southeast Michigan and you may see a four-legged, whiskered face — often smiling as brightly as the parents and kids. Pets, especially dogs, are cherished members of so many families, and for good reason.
Dogs can be wonderful at helping kids regulate their emotions and reduce stress, says Suzanne Brown, Ph.D., acting associate dean at the Wayne State University School of Social Work.
Kids who are emotionally reactive can become dysregulated as they respond to stress. “One of the ways we regulate is interpersonally, through our relationships with people, but through our relationships with animals, too,” says Brown. It’s often easy for children to respond to a dog as a four-legged human.
“Just as you call your best friend and say ‘you wouldn’t believe what happened to me,’ children, especially, talk directly to dogs,” she explains. “And in that process of being physically present with that animal — of petting, cuddling, them licking our faces — all of that regulates us.”
The many ways dogs can support a child’s mental health
Through a friendly child-dog interaction, a child’s nervous system releases oxytocin, a hormone that reduces cortisol (a stress hormone), calms and soothes. Oxytocin also increases the desire to be close to others.
“Being close to an animal can facilitate our connection to other humans, particularly for folks who may need help regulating, but, at the same time, are afraid of other human beings,” says Brown. It’s especially helpful for those who have experienced only hurt in human relationships because an animal can offer a bridge to other people in a way that feels safe.
In essence, we can all gather around a dog, give and receive affection, and share a common bond.
Dogs can help build social skills missing after the pandemic
As pandemic restrictions stretched on, some children emerged with delayed social skills, especially if they have an autism spectrum disorder or struggle to relate to peers.
In these cases, dogs can help create a bridge between the child and peers and learn important social skills, including empathy.
“We learn empathy in relation to others, and by observing other people’s reactions to what we do or what others do,” Brown explains. “But if I’m not having a lot of social interaction, I’m not learning about empathy. I’m not learning about how much I impact others or how others are impacted by me.”
To walk into a space and see a dog that has been waiting for you and has missed you can help a child recognize these emotions in others — and in themselves.
You don’t have to commit to the responsibility of a pet to benefit
All pets bring with them a level of commitment, which is a big responsibility to weigh, says Brown. A lower-care animal like a turtle, a fish or a frog can still provide emotional regulation and mental health benefits for children and families.
Or, spend time with a family member that has a dog or cat. Volunteering at a local animal shelter can be a low-commitment way to spend time with animals — and learn what it takes to care for a pet. Check with your local humane society to learn about children’s programs, and visit your local library to see if they host events with therapy dogs.
If your child is impacted by trauma and stress, try a few different types of interactions with animals to learn what can be most beneficial. One response to trauma is tremendous shame, Brown says, and this can impact a child who is afraid of being humiliated by speaking or reading out loud. Schools and libraries that support “read to a dog” programs can help children because dogs are never judgmental. They offer unconditional love that can be an antidote to shame.
How dogs make a difference to students under stress
Over the past couple of years, the School of Social Work at Wayne State University has coordinated with GoTeam Therapy Dogs to connect social work students and trained therapy dogs at hour-long events throughout the year.
At a community lounge in between classes, social work students can ease stress and practice self-care by hanging out with poodles, collies and peers. Students typically emerge refreshed, says Amber Barker, mentor coordinator for Social Work Peer Support. As many as 40 students, faculty and staff participate in therapy dog events.
“I don’t have specific data in terms of the overall effect on mental health for these students. What I can say is, anecdotally, these events are incredibly popular. Other schools within the university reach out to us to see about coordinating therapy dogs for their own students,” says Barker.
In a student lounge between classes, time with the dogs provides an emotional reset that is visible, says Judith Wineman, associate professor of teaching in Wayne State’s School of Social Work.
“The students come in from class, they see the dogs, and their entire demeanor changes within seconds of walking in the room,” Wineman says, adding that across all levels, social work degrees can be demanding and stressful, whether or not students have firsthand experience with the traumas and injustices they are learning about.
“They can let go for a couple of minutes, sit with the dogs, and it’s self-care,” Wineman says.
“Our society needs a lot of support, in terms of services for mental health issues and social justice,” says Barker. “There is a lot of need for social workers and sometimes the need is greater than the number of social workers in the profession. So to be able to instill opportunities for self-care while students are training to become social workers is good modeling for what they can do after they leave.”
Janet Dohr is a coordinator with GoTeam Therapy Dogs Metro Detroit/Michigan, a chapter of the national GoTeam Therapy Airport and Crisis Dogs. She receives initial requests for therapy dog visits from a variety of organizations, including schools and libraries. The most common reason, she says, is for mental health and wellness.
“As a former vet tech and physical therapy assistant, I have seen the value of a well-behaved therapy dog that walks in and lights up the room, every time,” she says, adding that all handlers at GoTeam are volunteers and dogs are fully trained and show a willingness to fill the role.
Content sponsored by the Ethel and James Flinn Foundation. Learn more at flinnfoundation.org.
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