A 7-year-old I’ll call Rachel begrudgingly came to my office for a visit, and she was so miffed at being there, she wouldn’t shake my hand or tell me her name. She stomped into my room, sat down, crossed her arms and stuck out her chin as if to say, “Just try to make me talk!” That all changed the minute Buddy walked into the room.
Buddy is my new comfort dog, and his effect on kids is magical. He walked over to Rachel, put his head on her lap, and then slowly eased himself up until he was sitting right next to her. Rachel melted and started smiling; her anxiety and anger disappeared. She spent the rest of the hour sharing openly, all the while petting her new friend.
Studies have demonstrated that when a dog is present at routine physicals at the doctor’s office, young children have lower blood pressure and less behavioral stress. Research also has shown that playing with your pet for 15 to 30 minutes makes you feel more relaxed and calm because it raises your brain’s dopamine and serotonin levels. Therapists use dogs in treatment because they have a calming effect on both adults and children.
Campers ranging in age from 8 to 18 tell me that they often talk to their pets when they are upset because animals listen and don’t interrupt like parents. They can share their deepest, darkest secrets because they won’t get passed on, and the kids feel unconditionally loved by their dogs. This even holds true for stuffed animals; many girls even go off to college with their favorite fluffy friends. Pets help kids feel less lonely by providing companionship they can count on.
Kids who grow up with dogs have fewer allergies, are less likely to have eczema, get a boost to their immune systems and have fewer sick days from school. They also spend more time doing moderate to vigorous physical activity than their peers without dogs. So what’s not to like?
Buddy has become a staple at my weekend retreats, and I’m excited for him to go to all of my camps this coming summer. Most girls love animals, and a mellow, lovable dog like mine puts them at ease quickly, even in new environments that could arouse anxiety. A dog just might be everyone’s best friend.
Tim Jordan, M.D., is a behavioral pediatrician who specializes in counseling girls ages 6 through college. He recently launched an online video parents course, Taking Flight: Everyday Parenting Wisdom to Help Girls Soar. For more information, visit drtimjordan.com.