“If I could be half the person my dog is, I’d be twice the human I am”- Charles Yu
Dogs are considered to be a “man’s best friend”. They have unique chemistry with humans that goes back thousands of years. If dogs are pampered with the best of food and medicinal things, they tend to a part of your family and becomes your best buddy. They are the first domestic animal with which humans can develop a close association and especially the children.
Companionship is perhaps the most apparent thing that dogs give us, but this is only the beginning. Scientific evidence has proven that many health benefits tags along with the pet ownership. Your dog helps the children in numerous ways listed below!
1- Dogs calm your heart
Researchers from around the world, found that dog owners experience lower cholesterol and blood pressure levels due to the presence of their furry friend. Dog companionship provides a sense of security that lowers cortisol levels in the human body, resulting in fewer heart attacks. Cuddling a pet reduces stress, loneliness and anxiety.
2- Dogs can lighten your mood
Dogs have a way of finding the person that needs them the most. Dogs are naturally comprehending to happy and positive feelings. When a pup and its owner create a bond and lasting friendship, every time they interact with one another neurochemicals (endorphins, beta-endorphins, oxytocin and dopamine) commonly linked to positive feelings, are released in their body. Sharing the love and care of a family pet forges an additional common bond among siblings.
3- Dogs can help young children find their confidence
They are the constant companions looking to love, adore and play with you. A young child that struggles with self-confidence can benefit immensely from a cuddle. A child who is too shy to talk about their problems or struggles can turn to their dog to talk about the budding emotions and confused feelings. Their dog becomes more than a friend but a trusted companion that can help your child to grow.
4- Children instil a sense of responsible
Pets can be tough at times. Especially when you’re faced with a puppy — because that entails toilet training, basic tricks, things like not jumping on people and finding a proper place in the family hierarchy. If you’re willing to delegate a pet to your child, you’d be giving them the task of taking responsibility for another living being. Pets aren’t too great when it comes to feeding themselves — or refilling their water bowls. Nurturing a pet is itself a big responsibility for your kids.
5- The kids with dogs are healthier in general
They keep you away from diseases such as asthma and common allergies which might catch your child. It is believed that kids who lived with dogs during the first year of their lives were less likely to have respiratory illnesses than their non-dog-owning counterparts. Many people consider this fact to be a result of dogs causing more exposure to a mild number of germs, increasing the abilities of the babies’ immune systems, thus preventing sickness as they grow up.