Why Children and Pets Are Great Together

Dogs and children often become best friends. In fact, having a dog teaches children to be kind, understanding and, most importantly, respect for all living creatures..
Why Children and Pets Are Great Together

Last update: 01 August, 2019

If you have children, then you should know that bringing pets home will make a huge difference in their development. Animals bring many unparalleled benefits, especially if you get them when they’re both still very young. In this article, we’ll tell you why children and pets are the best fit for each other.

There are all kinds of benefits for children and pets as soon as they get together. You can tell the differences between those who have a pet at home and those who don’t. Children with pets are far more sociable and they share more. Also, they play well with others and don’t hold back on their feelings.

Children and pets become inseparable from the very moment they meet. This is regardless of who arrives first to the same household. So, any child will benefit from having a dog at any age. Not only that, the effects will be everlasting.

Children who play with their dog gain so much in terms of education and social development. This is because having a pet is an opportunity to assume responsibilities. At the same time, it does wonders for their self-esteem and even improves family dynamics.

As if that wasn’t enough, pets are a great opportunity for children to learn respect for all living beings. This helps them to become caring towards the rest of the family members, and sensitive about their needs. In addition, they develop self-esteem and become more competent, both of which are fundamental for emotional balance.

Why should children and pets live together

A child kissing a cat.

Only those of us who had a pet during our childhood know what it’s like to have that loyal friend and companion. Pets are great fun, but this relationship between children and pets has many other benefits too:

1. There’s a reduction in respiratory conditions

Those who grow up with dogs (especially if the animal is already in the house when they’re born) have a lower risk of developing asthma or allergies. Animals pick up a lot of dirt and bacteria and early exposure to them is like getting a vaccine. It strengthens a child’s immune system – the opposite of what you’d expect.

2. They learn about responsibility

Having a pet isn’t easy at all, and if you teach your child to take care of their basic needs (feed them, walk them, play with them), then they’ll learn about responsibility. It’ll even increase the self-esteem of shy children, and those who have difficulty following instructions.

3. Children with pets are less stressed and anxious

Children with attention deficit disorders often find peace and tranquility with their pet. They’re particularly recommended for children with autism or certain diseases related to the nervous system. A dog is a lot better than Prozac from the moment we meet them!

4. It improves their interpersonal relationships

People who had a furry friend during their childhood have less difficulty socializing throughout the different stages of their lives, not only during childhood. This kind of relationship helps them engage in more conversations with people of any age.

5. Children learn easier

A girl kissing a dog.

For example, a child who can practice their reading or math lessons in front of their dog friend is less likely to be embarrassed or have trouble doing it in front of their parents, teachers, classmates or relatives.

Animals will never interrupt them, and most importantly, they won’t laugh at their mistakes. Nor will they pressure them to be perfect.

6. Children and pets are happier

Maybe it’s because they always have a close, loyal friend who’s always ready to play, or perhaps animals simply stabilize our blood pressure. However, it’s a fact that children with dogs are happier than those who don’t have one at home.

7. They’ll create a strong and loving bond

In addition to all of the above, children develop better relationships with their brothers, parents, and other members of the family when there’s a dog at home. Particularly when it comes to sharing objects.

It also helps them with their daily tasks and makes them more sensitive to other people’s needs.

8. They’ll keep each other company

The trend is not to have more than one child and, unfortunately for many children, they don’t get to consistently interact with many children during the early stages of their lives. So, when a child has the company of a pet then they’ll never be lonely in a world full of adults.


This text is provided for informational purposes only and does not replace consultation with a professional. If in doubt, consult your specialist.