Cats, Dogs and ADHD

You probably have heard that cats, dogs, and pets, in general, can bring not only companionship but emotional and mental support to adults and children with ADHD.

Studies have shown that owning a pet can result in lower cholesterol, and decreased levels of anxiety, depression, and stress, resulting in an overall improvement in mental health. 

Let’s talk about how these amazing creatures can help.

Photo @alvannee

Exercise: Dogs love to walk; they can help you commit to a daily exercise routine. Exercise improves focus and calms the hyperactivity component of ADHD. For kids with ADHD, it is a tremendously positive opportunity for both the pup and child to release energy and exercise. 

Organization: People with ADHD struggle with staying organized, and boundaries, rules, and routines are needed to help us thrive. Caring for our furry kids requires maintaining a schedule: feeding them, potty training, and teaching them how to be social. Once we start to maintain a plan, we tend to carry it over to other things.

Emotional Support: When it comes to companionship, a pet is always loving and understanding. Who doesn’t love snuggles? People with ADHD many times have a difficult time adjusting to social situations and environments. Petting and cuddling with your animals can reduce feelings of anxiety and stress.

While a furry friend can help us improve our mental wellness and live happier lives, it’s essential to know that any pet must be cared for, fed, and treated with love and respect.

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Emotional support pets can help adults and children who struggle with ADHD, but be ready to love them and be responsible.

Photo @qrupt

Would you like to determine if you or your child has ADHD, and gain additional resources and help?

We make ADHD assessments easy. Our online platform allows adults and children to be evaluated from the comfort of home with instant 24/7 access, no referrals, and minimal cost.  Our assessment also includes screening for anxiety and depression. The results, provided by a doctorate-level psychologist, are accepted by doctors, schools, and employers across the country.

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We will perform scheduled maintenance on our Patient Portal on Thursday, September 28 from 5:00 – 6:30 AM ET. During this time, appointment scheduling will not be available.

Our team will be hard at work while many of you sleep to keep the disruption to a minimum. We apologize for any inconvenience.

The ADHD Online (early morning) Team

ADHD Online will be closed on
Monday, September 4 in observance of Labor Day.

Live support will be unavailable during this time, but you can always submit a request or leave a voice message at 888-493-ADHD (2343). We’ll get back to you when we return on Tuesday, September 5.

Each of our clinicians sets their own holiday hours. Check with your doctor for availability.

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Looking to take our Assessment? That’s available all day, every day, whenever and wherever is best for you!

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If you have a question for us, our office will be providing holiday patient support on July 3 & 4, and we are committed to responding to your needs as promptly as possible. In-person phone support may be available but limited due to holiday hours.  You can always submit a request or leave a voice message and we will prioritize addressing them upon our return. We genuinely appreciate your understanding. Full office operations will resume on Wednesday, July 5.

If you already are on our Treatment path, be aware that each of our clinicians sets their own holiday hours. Check with your doctor for availability.

ADHD Online will be closed on June 19th in observance of Juneteenth.

Live support will be unavailable while we’re closed but you can always submit a request or leave a voice message. We’ll get back to you when we return on Tuesday, June 20th.

Each of our clinicians sets their own holiday hours. Check with your doctor for availability.

Looking to take our Assessment? That’s available all day, every day, whenever and wherever is best for you!

ADHD Online will be closed on June 19th in observance of Juneteenth.

Live support will be unavailable while we’re closed but you can always submit a request or leave a voice message. We’ll get back to you when we return on Tuesday, June 20th.

Each of our clinicians sets their own holiday hours. Check with your doctor for availability.

Looking to take our Assessment? That’s available all day, every day, whenever and wherever is best for you!