Pets & ADHD

Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a problem of attentiveness, over activity and impulsiveness. This can cause problems in school for children and in the workplace for adults. The National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) estimates that 3 to 5 percent of children have ADHD. NIMH also states that 60 percent of children carry these symptoms into adulthood. That equals 8 million adults in the United States.



Introducing pets to those with ADHD helps maintain a much-needed stability that ADHD people need to help maintain an active, healthy lifestyle.

  1. Responsibilities

    • Feeding and cared for a pet on a routine basis is necessary. Cats have litter boxes that need cleaning. Dogs need to be walked. Fish need to be fed. People with ADHD learn to create daily schedules in order to care for the pet. This also helps the person plan ahead, controlling impulsive behaviors when they realize there is a schedule to follow to care for their pet, and it teaches responsibility.

    Unconditional Love

    • Pets offer a love unmatched by anyone.

      Children with ADHD are scolded for not being able to focus on homework or stay in their classroom chair. Adults with ADHD are scolded in other ways, such as by a boss or a spouse. Pets do not scold. They provide unconditional love, regardless of their owner’s behavior. This makes the ADHD person feel wanted and loved, even on a bad day, which also improves self-esteem. Animals also are great listeners, never judging, and create a calming effect on their owners.

    Exercising

    • Release pent-up energy often stored up in ADHD people.

      Dogs need to be walked, and ADHD people have a lot of energy that they are not allowed to use. Children must adhere to classroom guidelines, and similarly, adults have to work within the confines of their daily job. Being able to release that pent-up energy is vital. Taking a walk with the family pet after school or work will help the ADHD person stay focused and release energy.

    Relieving Stress

    • Stress is overwhelming to an ADHD person. With already high levels of agitation because of the constant need to keep moving, ADHD people have to learn how to slow down and be patient. Animals help with this because even a short walk with a dog reduces stress levels, making the person feel less anxious.

    Social Interaction

    • Walking a dog will help with social skills.

      Having a pet means interacting with people that you normally wouldn’t encounter, such as pet store owners, veterinarians and even strangers on the street. For example, dog walkers often greet each other with a hello, even if they don’t know each other. Social interaction can be difficult for ADHD people, and having pets will push them to be more social, which will help them gain confidence and a positive mental attitude.