In July, I adopted a sweet four year old golden retriever and sheltie mix! Her name is Lady 🙂 Although the first few weeks have been a transitional shift to my usual routine, it has brought joy and comfort in areas of my life I did not anticipate! I myself suffer from anxiety and utilize tools to self-regulate occasionally, just like some of the children I treat daily. Since having her in my life, I have not had to utilize my “go-to” tools to de-stress as often. She has been providing me with a lot of the comfort I need when it’s time to calm down. This has gotten me thinking about how beneficial dogs can be to individuals with any disability. As important as dogs are for mental health, they can also be highly beneficial for children with special needs in various ways. Some ways include: providing emotional support, improving social skills, increasing physical activity, establishing routine and responsibility, and providing sensory integration. Pups can provide companionship and unconditional love, which can help to reduce anxiety and stress. By interacting with dogs, individuals can improve their social skills and encourage communication and empathy. Dogs encourage physical activity through walking and play, which can aid in motor development and overall health. Caring for a dog can help establish routines and teach responsibility and caregiving skills. The tactile experience of petting a dog can be soothing and help with sensory integration. These benefits can contribute positively to a child’s well-being and development.
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