What are the advantages of growing up with a pet?
Posted July 18, 2023 by: Admin
Is growing up with a furry companion really a privilege? The presence of a canine companion is known to foster a sense of responsibility and cooperation, while providing a comforting and safe environment that fosters tenderness and understanding. Dogs have an innate ability to offer unwavering acceptance, without judgment or scrutiny. They have a remarkable way of calming children, inspiring confidence and boosting self-esteem.
A survey conducted by Facco/TNS Sofres in 2012 revealed that 48% of respondents recognized the positive impact of dogs on child development. Through their interactions with dogs, even very young children can develop empathy and early social skills, such as sharing objects and understanding others’ points of view.
Back in 2004, a group of scientists closely monitored and analyzed the school attendance of children aged 5 to 8 who had a dog at home. The results were presented to the scientific community and revealed something intriguing: these children attended school an average of three weeks more per year than their peers in the control group.
The reason for this improvement lies in the positive effect of the presence of a dog on the child’s immune system. Growing up surrounded by dogs significantly reduces the risk of developing allergies and asthma, thus reducing the number of sick days they have to take at school.
Another remarkable study was presented at the European Pneumology Congress in Munich in 2014. This study followed 2,500 babies over a ten-year period and revealed an astonishing result. Babies who slept with a pet or came into contact with its fur before the age of 3 months enjoyed significant health benefits, including a remarkable 79% reduction in the risk of developing asthma by the age of 6.
As well as the health benefits, the pleasure of walking to school with your furry companion cannot be overstated. What’s more, dog ownership has been shown to have a positive impact on children’s physical activity levels, and plays a role in the fight against obesity, as confirmed by another study.
All in all, the presence of a dog in the home not only improves a child’s school attendance and immune system, but also contributes to their general well-being and physical health. These results underline the remarkable and multiple benefits that the company of a dog can bring to a child’s life.
