Benefits of a pet for children

Since the pandemic entered our lives, more and more families are deciding to add a furry friend to their homes. In fact, since 2020, the number of pet owners has skyrocketed by 44%. Pets can provide countless benefits, especially for the children in the home.

Generally speaking, the company of an animal can improve people's quality of life. They can increase our longevity, help us maintain our physical and mental balance, and reduce stress and serve as a great support for people suffering from anxiety or depression. But for children, a pet plays an even more important role, contributing to their educational and social development. It forces them to assume responsibility and learn values ​​such as respect for others, boosting their self-esteem and improving their integration into the family. Furthermore, animals develop children's ability to care for others and foster a sense of security. These are essential qualities to develop in the first cycle of any child's life to achieve proper emotional balance.

When a child is asked about their relationship with their pet, this relationship is associated with the following three words: "care," "feed," and "play." These are the values ​​of responsibility that pets instill in little ones. And as children grow, they can be assigned different age-appropriate tasks for caring for the animal. For example, when they are young, they can be in charge of feeding them, brushing them, and washing them. And as they grow, they can be assigned more responsible tasks, such as walking them or taking them to the vet for annual checkups.



A dog or cat can serve as a method for teaching children responsibility, which can then be transferred to other aspects of their lives. However, we must keep in mind that at first, it will be necessary to help them and remind them of their responsibilities toward their new friend. It's important that children don't view their dog as a toy, but rather as a member of the family they can play with and have fun with, but who they also need to care for. If it's viewed as a whim, it could lead to abandoning the animal in the future.

In addition to a sense of responsibility, children can gain many benefits from having a pet. People who have enjoyed a pet during childhood learn values ​​such as compassion and empathy, qualities that help maintain positive social relationships. A dog or cat serves as an emotional stabilizer, helping to foster joy and eliminate sadness, as well as reducing the fears that are normal in childhood.

According to a study conducted by the Affinity Foundation, 46% of children perceive a pet as their greatest source of emotional support after their parents. Children are able to form very strong emotional bonds with animals and thus overcome feelings of fear and sadness more easily. Children will turn to a dog whenever they feel negative emotions. A dog or cat can become a source of comfort just as much as their parents.



Furthermore, 50% associate their dog as a playmate. When children and dogs engage in these types of activities together, the dog is able to increase the child's serotonin levels, the happiness hormone.

On a socio-educational level, daily contact with animals develops children's creativity, curiosity, and learning. It also helps them develop a sense of community and respect for others.

A dog can also encourage your child to get outside and get physical activity, instead of spending all day playing video games. In the case of dogs, most breeds require at least two hours of physical activity a day. This is an excellent excuse for the child to go out and play fetch with their dog in the park. Having a pet can help reduce sedentary behavior.

But that's not the only benefit it provides for the health of little ones in the house. It's scientifically proven that the company of a furry friend can regulate blood pressure and heart rate. Simply sitting next to them and giving them lots of cuddles helps. In addition, for children with behavioral problems, it reduces aggression, improves motor skills and verbal interaction, and increases attention and memory.



Finally, in recent years, due to climate change, we are increasingly experiencing allergies at increasingly younger ages. According to the Spanish Society of Pediatric Clinical Immunology, Allergy, and Asthma (SEICAP), 25% of the Spanish child population suffers from some type of allergy. However, the daily company of a pet at home reduces the risk of suffering from allergies in the future and strengthens the immune system.

And if the child or any other family member suffers from dog and cat allergies, there's no problem, as hypoallergenic breeds exist. Pets cause allergies due to hair loss and constant drooling. However, there are breeds that neither shed nor drool. Among dogs, we have breeds like the Schnauzer, the Yorkshire Terrier, and the Poodle (and their crosses). And among cats, we have breeds like the Bengal, the Siberian, and the Russian Blue. The company of a hypoallergenic pet can help eliminate allergies to these animals' fur in the future. Plus, your house will no longer be covered in fur, although you'll still need to take them to the groomer more frequently.

In conclusion, a pet will not only be a child's best friend, but will also provide a host of health and well-being benefits. The presence of a puppy in a home with little ones is a wonderful milestone and certainly shapes their social and personal relationships. This summer, the little ones in the house will be able to fully enjoy all their free time with their new friend.