Dog at home: what are the benefits for your children?
Whether in terms of health, self-confidence, stress, empowerment or fun, the dog is full of virtues for the physical and mental well-being of its owners. Over the centuries, the dog’s many qualities have made it the best friend of man and child. Zoom on a therapist at home.
A dog keeps children healthy
The presence of a dog within the family unit has a multitude of benefits, especially for toddlers because it helps fight two health problems:
The allergies. Studies have shown that repeated contact with pets from an early age promotes the maturation of the immune system. At the same time, researchers say that exposure to allergenic agents carried by dogs that surround babies significantly decreases the occurrence of future allergies and especially respiratory problems. This phenomenon translates concretely into a lower risk for the child to be affected by eczema and asthma;
Obesity. Taking care of a dog inevitably encourages a more active lifestyle because even in the presence of a garden, it is essential to walk your animal to meet its physiological needs. Having a doggie at home thus helps to fight against immobility in children and the risk of overweight. Whether on foot, rollerblading or cycling, there is always a way to walk your companion while having fun.
A dog reduces stress in children
International scientific studies report that interacting with animals increases levels of serotonin and dopamine, which are chemical mediators of positive feelings.
In fact, the simple act of kissing or petting a dog adjusts blood pressure and heart rate.
At the same time, it has been shown that the proximity of a dog and cuddling help reduce psychosomatic disorders caused by strong emotions such as anxiety, aggression, intestinal pain, skin conditions and stress.
A dog develops a sense of responsibility
Children like to behave like the grown-ups. In this context, having an animal is a great way to teach them a sense of responsibility: walking your dog every day, picking up his droppings, measuring his kibble, filling his bowl with water, brushing him, putting on his harness, drying him. after the bath are all tasks that can be entrusted to the little masters.
These missions give them the opportunity to feel useful, to mature while discovering altruism. The child understands that his animal too has feelings and needs to which he must respond, that he is a living being whom he has an obligation to care for and protect. This awareness teaches him important concepts such as respect, autonomy, a sense of usefulness and self-confidence.
A dog helps the child to socialize
In addition to making him responsible, the dog will help the young master to socialize. First, because the animal is a formidable vector of communication which helps to create links, to make friends.
By drawing a link between the inner world of the child and the outside world, the dog will encourage its little owner to develop his social skills and his ability to reach out to others.
Because it strengthens the child’s feeling of emotional security, the dog will give him confidence and thus facilitate the process of interaction with others allowing him to come out of his shell.
The dog, a loyal confidant for the child
Childhood is sometimes crossed by episodes of sadness and vagueness in the soul. In these difficult times, young people will not necessarily have the reflex to turn to their parents to discuss their difficulties at school or their bickering with their friends.
The presence of a dog to whom he will confide his secrets will help to secure him, to appease him. The animal has non-verbal communication that promotes dialogue based on the senses and body language.
Looks, hugs and caresses indeed have the power to express a lot of feelings. Loyal and faithful, the dog will not whisper a word to anyone about the secrets that have been slipped into his ear. Always up for fun, the dog is a child’s best partner during frenzied play.
Good humor and laughter guaranteed!
