Pies: It’s been demonstrated that dogs can reduce both physical and emotional anxiety

Evidence: 80 • authority: 92

Pet Nutrition and the Unmeasured Owner Outcome: A Bidirectional Framework for Relational Value in Human-Animal Relationships.. The emotional benefits of pet ownership depend critically on the pet's physical, behavioural, and cognitive health-all of which can be improved by targeted nutritional interventions that may reduce pain, anxiety, problem behaviours, and cognitive decline. However, almost no studies have tested whether nutrition-induced behavioural improvements translate into measurable gains in owner emotional well-being or relationship satisfaction. It is important to note that the evidence base for cats remains considerably more limited than that for dogs, and many conclusions dra…

Evidence: 59 • authority: 72

The human–canine bond is mainly rooted in the domestication of the dog from the wolf, which began occurring through their long-term association with hunter-gatherers more than 30,000 years ago. The earliest known genetic evidence of the relationship between dogs and humans is attested by the 1914 discovery of the Bonn–Oberkassel dog, who was buried alongside two humans in modern-day Oberkassel, Germany, approximately 15,000 years ago. Studies have demonstrated that both dogs and humans release oxytocin while spending quality time together. This release of oxytocin is correlated with the formation of a strong social bond. Canines are capable of distinguishing between positive and negative hu…

Evidence: 59 • authority: 72

Emotional contagion is a form of social contagion that involves the spontaneous spread of emotions and related behaviors. Such emotional convergence can happen from one person to another, or in a larger group. Emotions can be shared across individuals in many ways, both implicitly or explicitly. For instance, conscious reasoning, analysis, and imagination have all been found to contribute to the phenomenon. The behaviour has been found in humans, other primates, dogs, and chickens. Emotional contagion is important to personal relationships because it fosters emotional synchrony between individuals. A broader definition of the phenomenon suggested by Schoenewolf is "a process in which a pers…

Evidence: 59 • authority: 92

"She's loved me at all sizes": the role of the human-animal bond in eating disorder experiences and treatment.. Background The mental well-being benefits and challenges of pet ownership have been explored in many populations, including clinical populations such as individuals with depression, anxiety, and posttraumatic stress disorder. Critically, there are currently no published studies focusing specifically on pet ownership for individuals with eating disorders. The present work aimed to explore pet ownership experiences of adults experiencing eating disorders. Methods Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 17 cat- and dog-owning British adults (eight cat owners, six dog owners, t…

Evidence: 59 • authority: 92

Adolescent-Dog Relationship Quality and Coping With Peer Stress.. Introduction Adolescence is a developmental period involving social and peer transitions, and within this context peer stress can contribute to social anxiety. Fostering adaptive coping strategies for youth to effectively manage this peer stress is crucial for developing resilience. Relationships with pet dogs may be one way of supporting effective coping through social support and physiological regulation. However, the specific nuances of youth-dog relationship quality have not been explored in the context of social anxiety. Methods We analyzed survey data collected in the United States from 514 adolescents with high social…

Evidence: 59 • authority: 92

Does imepitoin reduce signs of fear and anxiety in dogs frightened by loud noises?. PICO Question In adult pet dogs with a sensitivity to sudden loud explosive noises, does treatment with imepitoin, compared to no medical treatment, reduce levels of fear and anxiety? Clinical bottom line Category of research Treatment. Number and type of study designs reviewed Two papers were critically reviewed. Both were double blind randomised placebo-controlled clinical trials. Strength of evidence Moderate. Outcomes reported Imepitoin given orally twice daily to adult dogs who were sensitive to loud noises such as fireworks or thunderstorms reduced owner rated levels of fear and anxiety responses when…

Evidence: 49 • authority: 80

Review for "Seeing Both Sides: Dogs' Eyes Reveal Valence-Sensitive Shifts Between Emotional States"

Evidence: 49 • authority: 80

Review for "Seeing Both Sides: Dogs' Eyes Reveal Valence-Sensitive Shifts Between Emotional States"

Evidence: 49 • authority: 80

Quick questions can show both physical and emotional consequences of osteoarthritis diagnosis

Evidence: 49 • authority: 92

An Idiographic, Mixed Methods Approach to Understanding Adolescent-Dog Relationships in the Context of Social Anxiety.. Background Social anxiety is prevalent among adolescents, however there is limited research examining how adolescents with social anxiety can be supported in coping adaptively with stressors. In particular, close relationships with dogs may provide regulation and support in this context. Objective The objective of this study is to use an idiographic, mixed methods approach to explore adolescent-dog relationships in real-life contexts. Methods We present four illustrative cases of adolescents with high levels of social anxiety who represent a range of levels of pet-dog rela…

Evidence: 49 • authority: 80

P-48 Using the HEARTs process to reduce anxiety, aid relaxation and enhance emotional connection

Evidence: 49 • authority: 88

The Impact of Therapy Dogs on Anxiety and Emotional Management in the Pediatric Emergency Department. Abstract Objectives determine change in emotional management in children 4–12 years after a visit from a therapy dog and certified child life specialist (CCLS) handler, via observed modified CEMS scores (Children’s Emotional Management Scale), and to determine change in perceived anxiety reported by caregivers, via Subjective Unit of Distress (SUD) score. Methods Prospective observational study at a large/urban ED within a freestanding children’s hospital from May-July 2021. Children 4–12 years with at least mild anxiety (SUD ≥ 30) eligible. Children ineligible: current infection, transferr…