Top Reasons Every Kid Needs a Dog

This article is from guest writer Zara Lewis.

If your little ones have been bothering you about getting a dog, you should give it some thought. Not only will you all have a new furry family member, but your children will also reap numerous benefits. There are actually more than a few positive sides to getting a pet for your kids, so don’t say no just yet.

Your child will have a friend by their side

Dogs will give your children unconditional love. They are the most honest and loyal creatures in the world who will always be by your kids’ side. Whether they’re happy or sad, your little ones will always have support from their furry friend. There’s nothing more valuable than having a companion who loves you no matter what.

Your child will exercise more

Not only will your children spend more time outside, but they’ll also exercise regularly, which is extremely important for their development. From running around to throwing Frisbees and simply walking, your kids will be more active than ever and you won’t even have to make them.

Your child will be healthier

If you’ve been reluctant to get a dog because you’re worried about your children’s health, you should know that this won’t be an issue. Studies have shown that children who grow up with pets are less likely to develop allergies and asthma later on. In addition, even children who are allergic to dogs can benefit from living with them because they will be more resistant to eczema.

Your child will relieve stress and anxiety

When they are stressed, anxious or sad, your little ones will feel much better once they hug their furry friend. Cuddling with a dog actually stimulates the release of oxytocin, a hormone that soothes anxiety. Furthermore, studies have shown that dogs relieve stress in children with Autism, as well as reduce their behavioral problems.

Your child will adopt healthy lifestyle habits

Apart from exercising, your children will acquire other healthy habits with a dog by their side. They will have to learn that they need to walk their dogs and give them special food designed just for them. Since many parents have difficulties persuading their children to eat healthy, homemade food and vegetables, feeding a dog is a great opportunity to teach them why this is important. For example, I’ve included my son into the pet care and explained that their bodies, as well as ours, require natural, healthy and balanced diet, such as the nutritious Vets All Natural dog food that we use. Thus, he learned that he needs his own healthy diet just like his dog eats his special food. Furthermore, he also knows that having regular meals is important for a person’s and a dog’s health.

Your child will become more responsible

Getting a pet for your children is a great opportunity to teach them responsibility. They will have to take care of another being, feed, walk and bathe their dog, even when they don’t feel like it. It’s important that you give them specific, age-appropriate tasks and show them what they need to do. If you have small children, they should help you at first before you give them their own tasks. You can even make a schedule to remind them when they need to feed or walk their furry friend.

Your child will develop empathy

A dog can help your children develop empathy and understanding for other people. They’ll have to think about the feelings and needs of their pet and treat them with respect. I often ask my son to guess what the dog is thinking or feeling, especially when he doesn’t feed or walk him on time. This is a great way to help your child put themselves in someone else’s shoes and become more aware of their feelings.

By getting your children a dog, not only will they have a great friend by their side, but they’ll also become healthier, more responsible and caring individuals.

About the author:

“Zara Lewis is a regular contributor at Highstylife.com and a full-time animal lover. Passionate about creating a better world for the generations to come, she is a mum of two, raising them inseparably from their furry family members.”  You can find her at:

https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100011339040658
https://twitter.com/ZaraELewis

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