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National Dog Day

Pets, Health Benefits

By Diane Braun August 21, 2021

Who among us can resist a puppy? Or that sad-eyed look from a dog, just waiting for a treat or a walk?

Dogs have been named “man’s best friend” and not for just any reason.  Many people identify their canine family as just that—family.They’re loyal, devoted, keen to win our approval.  Is it a wonder that we can benefit from their company as much as they benefit from ours?

Children in particular go through those phases when a puppy is at the top of their wish list.  Whether it’s Christmas, a birthday or just passing the sign that says “puppies for sale”, the urge is there and can be hard to defend against.  Most parents cite the responsibility a new pet brings as the reason not to bring it into their house.  Some parents start with the pet with less impact such as a fish or turtle.  Cats can be slightly less demanding than dogs especially when it comes to leaving them alone for an entire day or overnight.

But when looking at dogs as pets, you have to acknowledge the benefits of having a dog around children:

--Responsibility:  As noted above, a dog requires a good amount of care.  Daily feeding, walking outdoors, grooming are all key to a healthy pet.  Is your child ready for this?  To assign the child one of these tasks is to hand them responsibility.  As the child matures, more tasks can be added along with the idea that they can be trusted to complete the tasks.   That trust becomes self-confidence to a child that realizes they’ve completed something expected of them.

--Children’s Health:  There are many aspects of children’s health that are positively affected by a dog.  Recent studies show that children who live with pets during their first year have better immune systems. Supposedly, their immune system is boosted and can show a need for less antibiotics when they do become ill.

Children whose parents suffer from allergies or asthma are less likely to develop similar issues if there’s a dog in the house.Early exposure makes a difference.

Empathy, building the emotional maturity to understand the needs of a pet builds compassion.  Is it cold outside?  Is it time to eat?  Time to play?That sense of understanding another’s needs leads to selflessness, empathy.  De-stressing can also happen as they comfort a dog, calming themselves down, reducing their own anxiety as they care for their pet.

Physical activity, getting the dog to exercise, can happen for a child with that responsibility.  Less couch time, screen time happens when the need to walk the dog for 10 minutes happens. Ten minutes a couple times a day adds up to hours per month which spells FIT!

Finally, children diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder number nearly 2% of the child population (ages 2-17) in the United States. Having a dog in the house creates a sense of security, helps to decrease anxiety and aggression and the number of meltdowns, builds willingness to try new things and face difficult situations.

Children with ADD and ADHD can benefit similarly because care of a pet relies on routine.  Excess energy can be expelled through play and walks. Dogs help with feelings of depression and anxiety and can help with stressful situations.

Adding a pet to your family is never a decision to be made lightly.  Researching the benefits and needs is definitely homework that should be done.  Once decided, there are options such as shelters, family-owned breeders, and others who can be found with the right size dog for your family.  

In our area you can contact the Vanderburgh Humane Society, Warrick Humane Society, Posey Humane Society, Pound Puppies of Posey County, It Takes A Village.

Good luck if you’ve made the decision to welcome a new pet into your home!