There is no doubt a dog can bring joy to children, but the advantages of having a family dos go beyond the pet’s tender and fun disposition. If you’ve ever wondered if having a dog in your house is convenient taking into account allergies and probable diseases, read on and you’ll find out owning a dog is not only healthy for your children but will improve overall quality of life, physical and mental development and even contribute to acquire educational and social skills.
- A dog helps improve immune system
A study published in Pediatrics magazine reveals that kid whose families own dogs have 30% less chance of having lung and respiratory system diseases as well as 50% less chance of having ear infections.
- Self-esteem boost and social interaction
Research shows that kids that interact with dogs on a regular basis have greater self-esteem and empathy towards others, including both persons and animal. Thi can be the result of having a furry friend to love and being loved back as well as a friend to talk and play at anytime.
- Improved physical activity
Spending more time outdoors is a natural result of owning a dog as they are ideal partners for waking a walk, going on a run or simply playing in the park. Enjoying this benefit with help kids getting used to a more active and healthy lifestyle they will maintain throughout their lifes.
Owning a dog is not only healthy for your children but will improve overall quality of life, physical and mental development
4. Foster responsibility
Owning a pet is an excellent way of teaching kids how to be responsible. Making sure the family dog has enough food, fresh water and is being cared for will stimulate the children responsibility and sense of duty. Of course, one should first make sure the tasks and responsibilities the children will have are age-appropriate.
5. Boosts the appetite for learning
A dog may prove to be the perfect tool for motivating children to read and become more inquisitive. A child may feel more comfortable reading out-loud to his furry companion and thus will have more confidence when doing it in public. Aside from being fun, this will help children focus more easily.
Spending more time outdoors is a natural result of owning a dog as they are ideal partners for taking a walk.
6. Understanding life a little better
Children can become involved in the whole of the family dog’s life: since birth throughout the puppy and adult years and leading up to the sad and heartfelt passing of their pet. Children will learn they need a period for grieving and that they have a secure and intimate environment to discuss this delicate but important process. Children who have experienced the loss of a pet will include grief and pain in their emotional responses and will act more mature and resilient when the time comes to face a related situation again.
7. Knowing love and affection
Children will learn to give and receive love, attention, company and respect while staying in tune with the dog’s feelings and emotions. A child exposed to this will grow into a caring and understanding adult with the ability to more easily tune into other persons feelings as well.
There is no doubt about how pure and uninterested the love our pets give to us is; oftentimes they ask for nothing in return but our company. Having a dog in the family will reap great benefits if the whole family tends to the pet consciously and in a responsible manner.
ACATH stand for Humanitarian Work Canine Association in Spanish, a not-for-profit devoted to promoting and publicizing humanitarian aid dogs. Currently, ACATH provides search and rescue dogs as well as training companion dogs for disabled individual. Visit acath.org for more information.
Article written by:
Asociación Canina de Trabajo Humanitario
Web: www.acath.org
E-mail: info@acath.org
