Benefits of growing up with a dog

Children love animals! Everyone who has grown up with a dog cherishes the memories deep in their hearts and often remember their pet as the best friend they had ever had. But there are many more reasons why you should consider adding a new member to your family. Below are mentioned a few.

Having a dog is a great way to teach your children responsibility and respect. The small tasks of feeding and walking the dog are easy ways to give your kids structure and something to be accountable for. And because the dog is their best friend the kids are usually very motivated to do these tasks.

Studies show that growing up with a dog in your home makes you less likely to develop allergies and asthma. Also, dogs are almost always up for a good walk or run, and why not join them and burn off some calories.

Kids who grow up with dogs learn from an early age what it means to take care of and nurture for another living being. A skill that stays with them for the rest of their lives. And the caregiving actually tends to work both ways. By just being around, pets are able to provide emotional support when things tend to get rough.

It is not only your physical health that benefits from having a dog. Interaction with pets releases the calming hormone oxytocin which gives a strong feeling of happiness and togetherness. Also, increased confidence and decreases the tendency to anxiety and depression may result from growing up with a dog.

By Anja Haagaard, DVM