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Research & Innovation
It starts with a Q:
For the latest cutting-edge research, innovative collaborations and remarkable discoveries in child health, read stories from across all our areas of study in Q: Advances and Answers in Pediatric Health.
From Podcast to Paw-Cast: How Medical Dogs Can Greatly Impact a Child's Health
The relationship between a child and their furry friend is very special, especially when it benefits their physical and mental health. A growing body of evidence demonstrates that animal-assisted therapy helps children cope with and heal from health problems. In addition, we know that interacting with a gentle, friendly pet can decrease pain, reduce anxiety and encourage communication. A new randomized, controlled study is shining a light on the powerful child-canine connection, indicating that twice weekly sessions with a dog and its handler significantly lower children’s cortisol levels. Here at Children’s Hospital Colorado, we’ve seen that progress happen in real-time with our Medical Dog Program, and the success of this work is just getting started.
Listen to our pediatric experts discuss the impact of medical dogs
In this episode of Charting Pediatrics, medical dog handlers and child life specialists Devin Devlin and Brianne Newman join us to discuss medical dogs' impact on our pediatric patients and their families. They also bring two special guests, golden retriever medical dogs Halo, MD, and Galaxy, MD.
In this episode, our experts discuss:
- A day in the life of a medical dog handler and their service animal
- Positive health outcomes for patients
- Preparing medical dogs and patients for daily work
- The training that goes into the work of being a medical dog
- How our medical dogs get their creative names
Listen here or on your podcast platform of choice, including Spotify, Apple Podcasts and Google Podcasts.
Child Life at Children's Colorado
At Children's Colorado, we understand how overwhelming healthcare and hospitalization can be, especially for kids. We're dedicated to improving that experience by engaging and empowering pediatric patients in their own medical care. Here, nearly 50 child life specialists partner with physicians, nurses and other medical professionals to support our patients throughout their visit.