Researchers Examine the Effectiveness of Therapy Dogs in Easing Children’s Anxiety in Emergency Rooms

 

 

The therapeutic effects of animals on children are well documented, and researchers are digging a little deeper into the ways dogs can help children in stressful health situations. Indiana School of Medicine is examining the impact of therapy dog visits on the anxiety levels of children in emergency care. “The inclusion of therapy dog visits in addition to a child-life specialist could provide a low cost, low risk method to help reduce child and parental anxiety in the emergency department,” said Jeffrey Kline, MD, IU School of Medicine. Read more here.