How Therapy Dogs at Wayne State University are Reducing Child Anxiety and Medications in Emergency Rooms

A visit to the emergency room can be a scary experience for children and their parents. However, recent research from Wayne State University shows that therapy dogs can help ease that fear. This study, led by Dr. Jeffrey Kline, looked at how therapy dog interactions affect stress levels in young patients.

In the study published in JAMA Network Open, Kline and his team found that therapy dogs significantly reduce anxiety among pediatric patients. Many children enter emergency rooms feeling pain and fear. In fact, about 15% of them need extra help, like medication, just to get through treatment. This situation can make parents even more anxious.

The good news? Interaction with therapy dogs during these stressful moments can change everything. Dr. Kline mentioned, “We discovered that therapy dog visits seem to lower the fear and anxiety of both children and their parents. This simple approach can enhance their experience in the emergency department and improve outcomes without high costs or risks."

The study included 80 children aged 5 to 17, all of whom received typical therapeutic support. Half of them also spent about 10 minutes with a therapy dog and their handler. To measure anxiety, researchers used the FACES scale, which shows faces expressing different pain levels, and they looked at salivary cortisol levels—a stress hormone.

Results showed that 46% of children who interacted with therapy dogs had less anxiety, compared to just 23% in the group without therapy dogs. Additionally, fewer kids in the therapy dog group needed medication to manage anxiety—35% compared to 55% in the control group. This is a significant improvement.

C. Annie Peters, president of Pet Partners, spoke about the findings: “Therapy teams are now found in hospitals nationwide, helping patients of all ages. This research further proves how therapy animals positively affect medical outcomes.”

Experts highlight the importance of this research. Steven Feldman from the Human Animal Bond Research Institute emphasized its significance, stating that it offers valuable data for healthcare providers and showcases the importance of the human-animal bond in medical care.

In the past, therapy animals were viewed more as companions than as aids in medical settings. This study marks a shift, integrating the comforting presence of animals into serious healthcare contexts. The findings pave the way for broader acceptance of animal therapy in various medical environments.

Overall, the integration of therapy dogs into emergency care could transform how we approach pediatric medicine, making visits less traumatic and potentially improving healing outcomes.

For further details on the impact of therapy animals, you can refer to studies highlighted by the Human Animal Bond Research Institute here.

In summary, therapy dogs are proving to be more than just a comfort; they are shaping a new standard in caring for young patients during some of their most challenging moments.

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