Dogs are such adorable creatures and we call them a human’s best friend for some reason.They not only give the company their owner’s needs but also provide numerous health benefits . The essence of this piece is to provide a synopsis to some questions often asked by potential pet owners about Pet Dogs and Children’s Health. These among others include, Benefits of pets for child development, Pets and children’s health , pet therapy in mental health, Benefits of having a dog for a child ,How having a pet affects a child ,Therapy dogs and mental health etc.
CDC submitted that From a mental health standpoint, children aged 7 to 8 often ranked pets higher than humans as providers of comfort and self-esteem and as confidants . Animal-assisted therapy (AAT) with dogs affects children’s mental health and developmental disorders by reducing anxiety and arousal or enhancing attachment . Because dogs follow human communicative cues, they may be particularly effective agents for children’s emotional development
According to CDC , Children who have dogs at home are less likely to have mental or emotional issues and anxiety. Again, a pet dog may protect your child from childhood anxiety.
The bond a child shares with a pet dog is also inexplicable.
Even more amazing is the fact that they unknowingly help each other to prevent and help manage numerous chronic diseases.
It may sound unbelievable but there is actually a connection between pet dogs and children’s health.
Likewise, dogs can also have a positive effect on your child’s attitude.
Pet Dogs and Children’s Health
Children have lower immunity than adults and they also have mental issues even if they’re not exposed to as much stress as adults are.
Here are some conditions children experience and how dogs can help:
1. Anxiety
Do you know that even children suffer from anxiety and emotional turmoil?
Similar to adults, sometimes there is a reason, and at times, there isn’t any.
But hey! Your fur baby is there for them.
Children with pets find a friend in pet dogs.
They can talk to their dogs, play with them, and even lying around, petting them and finger-combing their fur help relieve stress.
The sheer presence of a puppy in your house can bring joy.
Similarly, positive interaction between a dog and a human results in the release of the hormone oxytocin.
This helps alleviate stress, anxiety, and in some cases, fear from the human brain, leading to relaxation.
In fact, in 2015, researchers conducted a cross-sectional study to analyze if pets make a difference in a child’s life.
The study concluded that there were comparatively fewer cases of childhood anxiety in houses with pet dogs than those without any pets.
2. Depression
There could be a variety of reasons why a child suffers from depression.
Being an only child may trigger depression.
In such a situation, a dog would be the best companion one can offer.
Parents busy with routine chores and issues can lead a child to depression, as well.
As mentioned earlier, an affable pet dog is there to help.
They also provide a connection to nature, easing their mind to relax.
These lovable fur babies help their owners and their kids to cope with a variety of such ailments.
3. Obesity
Obesity is a growing problem all over the world. In the USA, it’s even alarming.
However, dog owners tend to be more active and fit, be it a child or an adult, if they have a dog.
That is because when you have a dog, you have to take it for a walk, play with it, and maintain a more active atmosphere to keep it healthy.
A dog’s energy is contagious. You won’t even know how you’ll find yourself participating actively with it, eliminating your risk and your child’s risk for obesity.
4. Allergies
Pet dogs are excellent preventive medicine for healthy children, as well.
They can help kids avoid developing allergies that may affect their social life.
According to experts, a child interacting with pets during the initial years of his or her life is less likely to have allergic rhinitis and asthma from seven to 13 years of age.
Pet Dogs and Children’s Development
Apart from helping prevent health issues, you may witness constructive and positive changes in young people’s attitudes after you introduce animals in their lives.
Some of which include:
1. Empathy
Pets can teach children compassion and empathy, which are the must-have traits for the chaotic and ever-running world.
Children in families that own dogs have comparatively more traditional morals.
Academic achievements are also even better.
Moreover, they show a greater display of respect for their parents and elders.
2. Responsibility
A sense of responsibility also prevails. They start taking care of their pet’s food, other needs, and health.
These values are so deeply rooted in the child’s brain at such a young age that they carry them throughout their life.
3. Understanding Life
Kids’ interaction and exposure to pets give them real-time lessons about life.
They witness and experience the processes of illnesses, cures, accidents, reproduction, birth, death, and eventually mourning.
4. Cognitive Development
Are you aware that when a child passes the time with their pet, they are more likely to get a better hold of their linguistic skills and can improve their oral communication abilities?
Well, it’s because kids don’t only play with their dogs, but also engage in a childish conversation.
They also read stories to their pets most often.
As a result of their small talk with the animals, these kids overcome their stuttering phase easily.
5. Self-Esteem Development
Dogs treat their owners like the king of the world.
It sounds funny, but when you feel loved and cherished by someone, be it your pet dog, there is a boost in your self-esteem.
Same is the case with children; dogs love them and effectively express such love for the owners.
Their love and gratitude give in a tremendous boost in children’s self-worth.
Kids love them back, so they become sensitive and learn to understand each other’s every move.
They show themselves the affection they deserve.
Final Thoughts
The fact that dogs help control and prevent chronic diseases in children shows that there is a connection between pet dogs and children’s health.
From an initial stage, they start affecting the health of their owners positively, drifting them away from lethargy and obesity.
Dogs bring fun-filled activity, social interaction, stress relief, and a lot more to their owners.
Petting them, feeling their heartbeat, combing their soft fur helps alleviate anxiety and stress in an unexplainable way.
Dogs are loyal and trustworthy friends.
Children frequently start talking to their dogs or any other pet for that matter like they talk with their stuffed toys.
When they talk, they share their secrets and private thoughts without any fear of being judged.
It develops an unbreakable bond between the two at an early stage.
A sense of responsibility also develops in children when they care for their pets.
They learn to respect other living beings, as well.
