Adolescents and Pet Therapy

Pet therapy is a great way to give comfort, support, and companionship. But did you know that pet therapy plays a vital role in supporting adolescents with mental health? This age group, from about 10-19 years of age, goes through so many changes and responsibilities, and can struggle with who they are becoming. This could bring on feelings of loneliness, criticism, identity and social pressures. These stressors and feelings could develop into anxiety and depression, and possibly other behavioral health concerns.

Pet therapy, which involves animals such as dogs, cats, or rabbits, may offer various benefits for adolescents. Therapy dogs provide a nonjudgmental source of support, free from fear and criticism. They can offer a sense of belonging and connection. The love hormone, oxytocin, can be released to improve the mood and well-being of teens. Dogs can cheer teens up by licking their hands and performing tricks, or when teens brush the dog or just sit side by side reading a book or looking through their phone. In adolescents with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), being around the pet therapy animals can be calming during periods of yelling and outbursts.

My dog, Gunnar, and I visit the teen room in our local library, where we usually receive a warm welcome. The room is typically quiet, with maybe some whispering. We usually answer a few questions about Gunnar, and then a teen or two will sit down and pet him while listening to music or reading. Gunnar can sense emotional cues, as most dogs are known to do. He will roll over onto his back to get a laugh and a belly rub or put his head on someone’s lap when he thinks they need it.

Adolescents can use the time during pet therapy to journal about their feelings or things going on in their lives. They can also practice mindfulness and being present in the moment by petting or brushing the dog. Adolescents can also develop a bond with the therapy dog over time, which helps them feel safe and understood. Many schools offer de-stress events with pet therapy during final exams, a way to practice mindfulness, build confidence, and even host events that require coping, like the death of someone at the school or in the community. Pet therapy is an excellent way to offer support when communication through words is difficult, and moments of reflection or coping are needed.

GUNNAR’S PERSPECTIVE ON PET THERAPY

Hi, my name is Gunnar Henderson, the Doodle. I want to tell you about the benefits of pet therapy for me and my therapy friends. From the K9 perspective, I get a lot of belly and back rubs. Sometimes I get kisses and am told what a good boy I am or how super cute I am. People often ask what kind of dog I am, and we discuss the pets in their lives or experiences with dogs or other pets.

I share many of the same medical benefits as my human friends. This includes lowering my heart rate, respiratory rate, and blood pressure, which allows me to take a little nap sometimes. Therapy can also enhance my mental stimulation, cognitive function, and mental sharpness. I also gain experience with the new scents of my new human friends, and sometimes the scents of their own pets. I even sleep better on nights that I work. Did I mention the belly rubs? The belly rubs are my favorite.

I love helping people relax, whether by reading with them or offering comfort and companionship during de-stress events. Sometimes, we sit quietly when that’s what someone needs. I may get brushed or petted during the quiet. Other times, I have kids running all around me, making me want to jump around and play. I get to listen to books being read to me and may even dream of green eggs and ham or that I am going on an adventure with Dog Man (if you know, you know).

Pet therapy allows me to strengthen my bond with my mom. Sometimes I am extra good during therapy sessions, so she’ll take me for ice cream (she doesn’t need to know that is my plan). Most of all, pet therapy gives me a sense of purpose and achievement. I know that when Mom puts on that therapy bandana or makes me wear a fun tie, it is time to work and share our common goal of helping others. Everyone should have a purpose that provides joy, support, and lots of belly rubs.

Gunnar Henderson is a 2-year-old Golden- doodle named after the Baltimore Orioles shortstop, Gunnar Henderson. He has undergone training and is a certified member of a pet therapy team with his mom, Michelle. He is a member of the Paws for People organization out of Newark, Delaware, where pet therapy sessions are coordinated. Gunnar visits libraries and community events a few times a month. This past spring, he was featured on several news broadcasts for his work and his namesake. He even got to meet the real Gunnar Henderson and spend a few minutes with him at a ball game.