Paws for thought

Your pet could change your child’s outlook on life. Professor Jo Williams from the University of Edinburgh tells us how pets can help kids with mental health or anxiety issues. Almost three-quarters of homes have a pet, and they can be really helpful, particularly for kids with mental health or anxiety issues.

Head Talks have released a new video stating that 10% of youngsters in the UK have had an official diagnosis of a mental health condition. Professor Jo Williams from the University of Edinburgh says that pets can be used to help children with a wide range of these conditions. The act of stroking a pet lowers your cortisol levels and reduces stress. “Children who have pets and are highly attached to them scored higher on quality of life and a whole range of other indicators of mental health,” said Jo. “Pets are a kind of social glue.” Featuring in the video is Boomer, who gives one-on-one therapy to dementia patients in Scotland.

Full Video for information:

Joanne (and Boomer) (Full Length) from Head Talks on Vimeo.

Photo by Annie Spratt on Unsplash