For 25 years, research has shown that pets can be good for our health. Dogs can be especially great for children as they really have the ability to keep them happy and healthy.
Almost all of us, including our children, need more time outdoors in the sunshine and fresh air. Walking a dog every day can be just the beginning of some good outdoor exercise time. Many dogs love to romp around and play outside with balls, a Frisbee or a chew toy. They can be great motivators when it comes to outdoor time. Your kids may just run out of energy before their dog does! Playing and exploring outdoors with their canine friend is a great way to get active. This is also why dog owners tend to have lower obesity rates.
Owning a dog has also been proven to lower blood pressure, levels of stress, anxiety and even depression. If your kids have had a particularly stressful day at school, coming home to a frisky, happy dog may just turn their whole day around. The unconditional love that a dog will give to its owners, especially kids depending on the breed, is enough to lift anyone’s mood. Dog owners have fewer allergies and less asthma than those who don’t own dogs, as well. Being around all of the dander and fur will build up a natural immunity, even more so if your dog lives indoors with your family. Those with dogs are even expected to have increased longevity because of these reasons.
Learning how to be gentle and safe will accompany owning a dog, too. Your kids will know when they are being too rough or heavy handed with their dog because he will just walk away, growl or simply not want to play anymore. Your kids can learn how to have a gentle touch this way, and that all living beings deserve kindness. Children with dogs tend to grow up having higher self esteem, too.
What better way is there than owning a dog to learn responsibility, routine and commitment? Depending on their ages, you can give your kids responsibilities such as feeding the dog, cleaning up after him, helping to give him any medication he needs or making sure the dog is kept in the yard. The children will also learn to recognize the different temperaments that dogs can have and that if they see an unfamiliar dog growling, backing away, staring at them or lifting his lips, it’s a good idea to stay away.
Of course it is a big responsibility to have a dog in your life, so make sure you think through all the pros and cons first and be sure you can look after it properly before you bring that puppy home.