According to The American Psychiatric Association, around 5% of American children have ADHD. People with ADHD often turn to medications or other remedies to help manage their symptoms. However, an alternative option that is gaining attention is the idea that dogs can help reduce ADHD symptoms. Pet therapy has been proven effective in improving socialization, reducing blood pressure, and combating loneliness. Given that dogs are often utilized as service dogs and therapy dogs, it is not far-fetched to consider that they could also assist with ADHD.
Signs Your Dog Can Help You with Your ADHD
ADHD is typically diagnosed based on observable symptoms in individuals, rather than signs that dogs can perceive. However, dogs are intuitive creatures and can sense changes in their human companions. While dogs cannot completely solve medical issues on their own, they can be paired with therapy, medication, and other ADHD management strategies to help individuals cope and live a more normal life.
Body Language
Here are some signs that your dog may exhibit when sensing high energy or stress:
– Being alert
– Barking
– Whining
– Wagging their tail
– Pacing
Other Signs
These are some additional signs that your dog may display when sensing high energy:
– Wanting to play
– Exhibiting high energy themselves
– Engaging in zoomies (sudden bursts of energy)
– Giving slobbery kisses
History Behind Dogs Helping with ADHD
For centuries, animals, including dogs, have relied on instinct to protect themselves in the wild. Domesticated dogs have retained this intuition and use it to protect their owners as well. While animals have long been recognized for assisting those with physical disabilities, it is more recent that their ability to provide support for mental and emotional disabilities has been acknowledged. While there is no clear historical evidence of dogs specifically helping with ADHD, research has shown that children with ADHD are calmer when dogs are present. Therapy sessions have been more successful when therapy dogs are involved. The presence of a dog can offer unconditional love, warmth, and cuddling, which can have a calming and mood-boosting effect. Additionally, taking care of a dog provides purpose and structure.
Science Behind Dogs Helping with ADHD
The main symptoms of ADHD include difficulty staying focused, hyperactivity, and impulsive behavior. These behaviors can lead to self-esteem issues, relationship difficulties, and problems at work or school. Research has shown that owning a dog can help alleviate these symptoms. Dogs provide an outlet for excess energy, serve as non-judgmental companions, establish routine, and reduce stress.
1. Create Consistency
For individuals with ADHD, maintaining a routine is crucial. Having a dog can help establish a daily schedule, as they need to be fed, walked, and given attention regularly. This routine can alleviate stress and provide a supportive companion to face the day with.
2. Provide an Outlet
ADHD often comes with excess energy. Engaging in physical activities with a dog can be a healthy way to burn off this energy. Playing with a dog can serve as a therapeutic outlet.
3. Socialization
Dogs offer their owners something positive to focus on, particularly in social situations. Individuals with ADHD may feel socially isolated, and approaching new people can be stressful. Interacting with others is an essential life skill, and having a dog can facilitate conversations and connections.
Training Your Dog to Help With ADHD
If you choose not to register your dog as an emotional support dog, there are still ways to train your dog to assist with ADHD symptoms. The breed of the dog is not as important as their energy level, patience, and friendliness. Labradors and Retrievers are popular choices for these reasons. However, when selecting a dog specifically to help with ADHD symptoms, it is more important to consider their personality and temperament rather than their breed. It is crucial to choose a dog that is tolerant, gentle, and trainable. While smaller dogs may be cute, children with ADHD may accidentally be too rough or miss signs that the dog is feeling scared or territorial. Basic obedience training is also helpful, as chaotic situations can arise. Starting training early and teaching the dog to take treats gently can be beneficial. Socialization is also important, so introducing your dog to people frequently and engaging in fun activities together can build trust and teamwork.
“A furry friend to face the day with!”
Tips & Things to Know
1️⃣ Dogs can help reduce symptoms of ADHD: Studies have shown that pet therapy, including owning a dog, can be effective in improving socialization, lowering blood pressure, and combating loneliness in individuals with ADHD. Dogs can provide emotional support and companionship, which can help alleviate symptoms.
2️⃣ Pay attention to your dog’s body language: Dogs are sympathetic creatures and can sense changes in humans and their personalities. Signs such as alertness, barking, whining, wagging tail, pacing, wanting to play, showing high energy, zoomies, and slobbery kisses can indicate that your dog is sensing high energy or stress. Being aware of your dog’s behavior can help you recognize and manage your own symptoms.
3️⃣ Dogs can provide routine, an outlet for extra energy, and socialization: Routine is important for individuals with ADHD, and having a dog can help create consistency in daily activities such as feeding, walking, and giving attention. Dogs also provide an outlet for extra energy through play and exercise, which can help alleviate restlessness and stress. Additionally, dogs can serve as social companions, making it easier to approach and interact with new people, reducing social isolation.
Frequently Asked Questions, Answered ✅
1. How common is ADHD in American children?
– According to The American Psychiatric Association, 5% of American children have ADHD.
2. Can dogs help reduce the symptoms of ADHD?
– Studies show that pet therapy, including interaction with dogs, has been effective in helping improve socialization, lower blood pressure, and combat loneliness.
3. How can you tell if your dog senses high energy or stress?
– Some signs that your dog may be sensing high energy or stress include alertness, barking, whining, wagging tail, and pacing.
4. What is the history behind dogs helping with ADHD?
– While there is no clear history on dogs specifically helping with ADHD, dogs have been used as emotional support animals to help with symptoms of anxiety and depression. Research has shown that children with ADHD are calmer with dogs around.
5. What is the science behind dogs helping with ADHD?
– Research has shown that owning a dog can help alleviate symptoms of ADHD by providing routine, an outlet for energy, socialization, and decreased stress. Dogs can offer companionship, routine, and a non-judgmental presence for individuals with ADHD.
