Latest news with #UniversityofArizonaCollegeofVeterinaryMedicine
Yahoo
09-04-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Kids with autism supported by service dogs, as research and families note 'incredible changes'
Having a furry friend can add fun and companionship for anyone — but for children with autism, it can be life-changing. A recent study from the University of Arizona College of Veterinary Medicine evaluated the impact of service dogs on autistic children and their caregivers in 75 families. Working with nonprofit service dog provider Canine Companions, the researchers found that having a service dog was associated with "significantly better child sleep behaviors," including less sleep anxiety and better sleep initiation and duration. Veterans With Ptsd Get 'Significant' Benefits From Service Dogs, First Nih-funded Study Finds In an interview with Fox News Digital, lead researcher Dr. Maggie O'Haire, associate dean of research at the university, said the research was sparked by the growing number of programs that pair service dogs with autistic children. The sleep improvements are particularly important for the child and the entire family, O'Haire said. Read On The Fox News App Children were able to sleep in their room more independently when the dog was present, the researchers found. Service Dog By Her Side, Texas Teen Wins Miss Dallas Pageant Despite Epilepsy, Autism "The dog provides that source of calm and comfort, which probably reduces the anxiety," she said. "And also, if they wake up a little bit in the night and their service dog is there, they're probably more easily able to fall back to sleep on their own." Families also reported experiencing less stigma and judgment and making more positive social connections when out in public with a service dog, according to O'Haire. Washington mom Amanda Harpell-Franz shared that her son, Evan, who has autism, has also enjoyed the many benefits of having a service dog. "Evan is vibrant, curious, compassionate — he just lights up our lives," Harpell-Franz described her 7-year-old son in an interview with Fox News Digital. "Most people who meet him say there's something about him that is just so endearing and engaging." "He's very active, loves being outside, loves connecting with his friends," she said. "He loves to swim … He's just a life-giving kid. He notices things other people don't notice. Very empathetic, sweet kid." Evan was born a week early and experienced seizures, which have since stabilized, but left him with hemiplegic cerebral palsy. Us Navy, Marine Corps Joined By Ike, A 'Facility Dog,' Aboard Uss Wasp For Mental Health Boost Harpell-Franz later noticed signs of severe anxiety, difficulty understanding social cues, and regressed speech, ultimately leading to his autism diagnosis. "It definitely shapes how Evan sees this world and how he takes in this world," she said. "We definitely do not see it as a deficit or something bad, but it does have its challenges." Evan struggled in social settings before he was placed with his service dog, Kalvin, through Canine Companions. Harpell-Franz, who is a previous foster parent and longtime dog owner, spoke of the "huge difference" that Kalvin — a lab and golden retriever mix — has made for her son and his relationships. Click Here To Sign Up For Our Health Newsletter Evan has also slept better since receiving his own service dog, his mother said. Kalvin sleeps next to him every night, the physical pressure helping the boy get better rest. "Evan and Calvin sleep back-to-back," said Harpell-Franz. "Evan will reach over and lay his head on Kalvin. Kalvin puts his arm on Evan." Since Kalvin joined their family, Harpell-Franz said Evan has been attending school and extracurricular activities consistently and without struggle. Kalvin also takes some of the attention off Evan in social spaces, she added, which can relieve social pressure. Rescued Therapy Dog Comforts Families Of Fallen Soldiers At Dover Air Force Base Kalvin is trained to apply deep pressure when needed, even while Evan is sitting in a chair, with either a paw or his whole body. "Kalvin lying across his body, it actually really calms him," Harpell-Franz said. "It's honestly been beautiful seeing that happen so naturally — it was one of the things we hoped for." Theadora Block, research program manager at Canine Companions in California, shared with Fox News Digital how service dogs are specially trained to calm and protect their owners and are placed to suit a family's specific needs. For more Health articles, visit The dogs — which are mostly labs, golden retrievers or a combination — are "mellow, really stable, love interacting with humans, and genuinely love doing their jobs," she said. As the wait for service dog placement can sometimes be up to two years, Block encouraged people to sign up if there is any interest for the future. O'Haire emphasized the need for more research into how service dogs can better accommodate families. "We've seen anecdotes over the years of many incredible changes for children with autism and their families," she said. "We've seen barriers they've faced in terms of access policy and insurance support, and those changes are going to require evidence."Original article source: Kids with autism supported by service dogs, as research and families note 'incredible changes'
Yahoo
20-02-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Mars launches landmark global study program on pets' contribution to human wellbeing
Mars announces intention to undertake world's largest international study program into the human-animal bond and the role of cats and dogs in human mental health and wellbeing The multi-year research program in partnership with leading academics will span over 35,000 people across more than 20 countries. It launches at a time of growing awareness of the global mental health crisis affecting millions1,2 Mars also unveils unique research and content partnership with Calm, a leading mental health company, to shine a light on pets and their role in human mental health and wellbeing BRUSSELS, Feb. 21, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Mars, Incorporated – the leading pet care business – has announced the launch of the Pets and Wellbeing Study (PAWS) program. PAWS is set to become the world's largest, multi-year research program exploring the impact of cats and dogs on mental health and wellbeing, deepening our understanding of the mutual benefits of the human-animal bond. Led by the Waltham Petcare Science Institute in collaboration with leading academic institutions and experts, PAWS will examine the connection between pets and human mental health and wellbeing (including stress, anxiety, loneliness and overall wellbeing). The multi-disciplinary research program will engage over 35,000 people across 20+ countries in the initial phase and will continue to build over time. The program aims to bring deeper insight and scientific data into the mutual benefits of the human-animal bond, including how pets may enrich lives and how the bond contributes to the life of pets. Loïc Moutault, President of Mars Petcare, said: "As a pet owner, I know firsthand the joy and comfort pets bring to our lives and there is increasing evidence that owning a pet or simply interacting with one can bring benefits to people of all ages and from all walks of life. We're aiming to deliver on our Purpose: A Better World for Pets, because we believe pets make our lives better, and through this study program we aim to provide deeper, science-backed understanding of the mutual bond between people and pets." Over the lifetime of the study program the collaborative research will include work with academic institutions and partners including Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine at Tufts University, University of Maryland School of Nursing, University of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Liverpool, University of Arizona College of Veterinary Medicine, YouGov and the Human Animal Bond Research Institute, with the aim to deliver novel research and new insights. Dr Maggie O'Haire, Associate Dean for Research at the University of Arizona College of Veterinary Medicine said: "Both the breadth and depth of this study program promise to deliver novel data and greater insight into something many people instinctively feel – that the bond between pet and pet owner is a powerful and unique part of the human experience. We are proud to continue to collaborate with Mars and its world-leading research institute as it embarks on this transformative work." As part of the program, Mars is also partnering with Calm, a leading mental health company. The collaboration combines Calm's expertise in mental wellness with Mars' leading research into the human-animal bond and will encompass research and content through 2025. Dr. Chris Mosunic, Chief Clinical Officer, Calm said: "Pets are daily sources of calm, joy, and connection. Through our partnership with Mars, we aim to understand these relationships better and illuminate the unique role pets play in mental health and wellbeing, supported by new in-app resources." Wellbeing has become an increasingly vital priority with 45% of people across 31 countries identifying mental health as their top health concern.2 At the same time, global anxiety and stress levels are rising, affecting over 301 million people worldwide.1 A growing body of evidence shows that pets can have a positive impact on mental health, underscoring the powerful potential of human-animal interaction to enhance wellbeing.3,4 With 56% of people worldwide owning pets and a global pet population of 1 billion, understanding the universal and transformative bond between humans and animals has never been more important.3 Mars advocates for the essential role companion animals play in our lives and is committed to tackling issues such as pet homelessness to keep pets and people together. Over the next five years, Mars aims to support millions of vulnerable pets worldwide alongside a coalition of dedicated partners and believes a deeper understanding of the role pets play in people's lives will contribute to improving the lives of pets and the people who care for them. Mars is a global leader in pet care, spanning comprehensive veterinary care (including: AniCura, BANFIELD™, BLUEPEARL™, Linnaeus and VCA™), nutrition (including PEDIGREE®, ROYAL CANIN®, and WHISKAS®), breakthrough programs in veterinary diagnostics (ANTECH®), wearable health monitoring and pet parent platforms. With over 100,000 Associates helping pets, their owners and pet professionals in more than 130 countries. For more information on PAWS program, visit: About Mars, Incorporated Mars, Incorporated is driven by the belief that the world we want tomorrow starts with how we do business today. As a $50bn+ family-owned business, our diverse and expanding portfolio of leading pet care products and veterinary services support pets all around the world and our quality snacking and food products delight millions of people every day. We produce some of the world's best-loved brands including ROYAL CANIN®, PEDIGREE®, WHISKAS®, CESAR®, DOVE®, EXTRA®, M&M's®, SNICKERS® and BEN'S ORIGINAL™. Our international networks of pet hospitals, including BANFIELD™, BLUEPEARL™, VCA™ and ANICURA™ span preventive, general, specialty, and emergency veterinary care, and our global veterinary diagnostics business ANTECH® offers breakthrough capabilities in pet diagnostics. The Mars Five Principles — Quality, Responsibility, Mutuality, Efficiency and Freedom — inspire our 150,000 Associates to act every day to help create a better world for people, pets and the planet. For more information about Mars, please visit Join us on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn and YouTube. About Waltham Petcare Science Institute Waltham Petcare Science Institute has been advancing pet health and nutrition for more than 60 years. Today, we research new ways to predict, manage and prevent disease, discovering insights and advances that proactively help pets live happier, healthier lives. Waltham collaborates with leading external scientific experts and partners to drive innovation creating a better world for pets based on scientific evidence. Building on a strong legacy of human-animal interaction research, we continue to advance scientific understanding of the relationships between pets and people. For more information, visit: Join us on LinkedIn. About Calm Calm is a consumer mental health company on a mission to support everyone on every step of their mental health journey. With the #1 app to help you sleep more, stress less and live mindfully as well as a growing library of digital, evidence-based mental health programs, Calm offers trusted support for individuals and organizations alike. Our flagship consumer app provides personalized content and activities – featuring a range of experts and beloved celebrity voices. Our workplace and healthcare solutions take a consumer-friendly approach to mental health support delivered on a HIPAA-compliant platform to drive positive health and business outcomes. Named a TIME100 Most Influential Company, Calm has more than 150 million downloads and supports more than 3,500 organizations across seven languages and 190 countries. To learn more, visit References World Health Organization, Anxiety Disorders, 2023 IPSOS, Ipsos Health Service Report 2024: Mental Health seen as the biggest Health issue, 2024 Mars, Mars Global Pet Parent Study, 2024 Gitanjali E. Gnanadesikan et al. Glucocorticoid response to naturalistic interactions between children and dogs. Hormones and Behavior. Volume 161, May 2024 SOURCE Mars, Incorporated
Yahoo
20-02-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Mars launches landmark global study program on pets' contribution to human wellbeing
Mars announces intention to undertake world's largest international study program into the human-animal bond and the role of cats and dogs in human mental health and wellbeing The multi-year research program in partnership with leading academics will span over 35,000 people across more than 20 countries. It launches at a time of growing awareness of the global mental health crisis affecting millions1,2 Mars also unveils unique research and content partnership with Calm, a leading mental health company, to shine a light on pets and their role in human mental health and wellbeing BRUSSELS, Feb. 20, 2025 /CNW/ -- Mars, Incorporated – the leading pet care business – has announced the launch of the Pets and Wellbeing Study (PAWS) program. PAWS is set to become the world's largest, multi-year research program exploring the impact of cats and dogs on mental health and wellbeing, deepening our understanding of the mutual benefits of the human-animal bond. Led by the Waltham Petcare Science Institute in collaboration with leading academic institutions and experts, PAWS will examine the connection between pets and human mental health and wellbeing (including stress, anxiety, loneliness and overall wellbeing). The multi-disciplinary research program will engage over 35,000 people across 20+ countries in the initial phase and will continue to build over time. The program aims to bring deeper insight and scientific data into the mutual benefits of the human-animal bond, including how pets may enrich lives and how the bond contributes to the life of pets. Loïc Moutault, President of Mars Petcare, said: "As a pet owner, I know firsthand the joy and comfort pets bring to our lives and there is increasing evidence that owning a pet or simply interacting with one can bring benefits to people of all ages and from all walks of life. We're aiming to deliver on our Purpose: A Better World for Pets, because we believe pets make our lives better, and through this study program we aim to provide deeper, science-backed understanding of the mutual bond between people and pets." Over the lifetime of the study program the collaborative research will include work with academic institutions and partners including Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine at Tufts University, University of Maryland School of Nursing, University of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Liverpool, University of Arizona College of Veterinary Medicine, YouGov and the Human Animal Bond Research Institute, with the aim to deliver novel research and new insights. Dr Maggie O'Haire, Associate Dean for Research at the University of Arizona College of Veterinary Medicine said: "Both the breadth and depth of this study program promise to deliver novel data and greater insight into something many people instinctively feel – that the bond between pet and pet owner is a powerful and unique part of the human experience. We are proud to continue to collaborate with Mars and its world-leading research institute as it embarks on this transformative work." As part of the program, Mars is also partnering with Calm, a leading mental health company. The collaboration combines Calm's expertise in mental wellness with Mars' leading research into the human-animal bond and will encompass research and content through 2025. Dr. Chris Mosunic, Chief Clinical Officer, Calm said: "Pets are daily sources of calm, joy, and connection. Through our partnership with Mars, we aim to understand these relationships better and illuminate the unique role pets play in mental health and wellbeing, supported by new in-app resources." Wellbeing has become an increasingly vital priority with 45% of people across 31 countries identifying mental health as their top health concern.2 At the same time, global anxiety and stress levels are rising, affecting over 301 million people worldwide.1 A growing body of evidence shows that pets can have a positive impact on mental health, underscoring the powerful potential of human-animal interaction to enhance wellbeing.3,4 With 56% of people worldwide owning pets and a global pet population of 1 billion, understanding the universal and transformative bond between humans and animals has never been more important.3 Mars advocates for the essential role companion animals play in our lives and is committed to tackling issues such as pet homelessness to keep pets and people together. Over the next five years, Mars aims to support millions of vulnerable pets worldwide alongside a coalition of dedicated partners and believes a deeper understanding of the role pets play in people's lives will contribute to improving the lives of pets and the people who care for them. Mars is a global leader in pet care, spanning comprehensive veterinary care (including: AniCura, BANFIELD™, BLUEPEARL™, Linnaeus and VCA™), nutrition (including PEDIGREE®, ROYAL CANIN®, and WHISKAS®), breakthrough programs in veterinary diagnostics (ANTECH®), wearable health monitoring and pet parent platforms. With over 100,000 Associates helping pets, their owners and pet professionals in more than 130 countries. For more information on PAWS program, visit: About Mars, Incorporated Mars, Incorporated is driven by the belief that the world we want tomorrow starts with how we do business today. As a $50bn+ family-owned business, our diverse and expanding portfolio of leading pet care products and veterinary services support pets all around the world and our quality snacking and food products delight millions of people every day. We produce some of the world's best-loved brands including ROYAL CANIN®, PEDIGREE®, WHISKAS®, CESAR®, DOVE®, EXTRA®, M&M's®, SNICKERS® and BEN'S ORIGINAL™. Our international networks of pet hospitals, including BANFIELD™, BLUEPEARL™, VCA™ and ANICURA™ span preventive, general, specialty, and emergency veterinary care, and our global veterinary diagnostics business ANTECH® offers breakthrough capabilities in pet diagnostics. The Mars Five Principles — Quality, Responsibility, Mutuality, Efficiency and Freedom — inspire our 150,000 Associates to act every day to help create a better world for people, pets and the planet. For more information about Mars, please visit Join us on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn and YouTube. About Waltham Petcare Science Institute Waltham Petcare Science Institute has been advancing pet health and nutrition for more than 60 years. Today, we research new ways to predict, manage and prevent disease, discovering insights and advances that proactively help pets live happier, healthier lives. Waltham collaborates with leading external scientific experts and partners to drive innovation creating a better world for pets based on scientific evidence. Building on a strong legacy of human-animal interaction research, we continue to advance scientific understanding of the relationships between pets and people. For more information, visit: Join us on LinkedIn. About Calm Calm is a consumer mental health company on a mission to support everyone on every step of their mental health journey. With the #1 app to help you sleep more, stress less and live mindfully as well as a growing library of digital, evidence-based mental health programs, Calm offers trusted support for individuals and organizations alike. Our flagship consumer app provides personalized content and activities – featuring a range of experts and beloved celebrity voices. Our workplace and healthcare solutions take a consumer-friendly approach to mental health support delivered on a HIPAA-compliant platform to drive positive health and business outcomes. Named a TIME100 Most Influential Company, Calm has more than 150 million downloads and supports more than 3,500 organizations across seven languages and 190 countries. To learn more, visit References World Health Organization, Anxiety Disorders, 2023 IPSOS, Ipsos Health Service Report 2024: Mental Health seen as the biggest Health issue, 2024 Mars, Mars Global Pet Parent Study, 2024 Gitanjali E. Gnanadesikan et al. Glucocorticoid response to naturalistic interactions between children and dogs. Hormones and Behavior. Volume 161, May 2024 Photo - - - View original content: SOURCE Mars, Incorporated View original content:
