Why Kids Who Have Dogs Are Happier

Kids who live in a home with a dog have a happier outlook on life.

A study conducted by Basset Medical Center in New York found that children who have pet dogs at home scored significantly lower on tests for clinical anxiety compared to children who don’t have a dog.

For those of us who love dogs, these findings are not surprising. Now we can add happiness to the ever-growing list of benefits of dog ownership. We already know that having a dog is good for our health; now we have research that indicates our kids have a better quality of life with a dog in the home.

There is a very strong bond between children and their pets, making dog ownership a powerful resource for kids. Dogs are a great source of comfort. They offer unconditional love and support, which goes a long way to dispel fear and anxiety in children. As you might expect, children often rank their dog higher than humans as providers of comfort, self-esteem and companionship.

Dogs follow human communication cues, making them particularly suited for supporting children’s emotional development.

The researchers studied specific details about the type of anxiety children participants were experiencing. The most significant types of anxiety dogs seem to help with include separation anxiety and social anxiety.

Researchers found having a dog can be a social stimulant, giving children opportunities to have conversations with others in a safe, non-threatening manner.

Playing or snuggling with a puppy or dog releases oxytocin, and bond hormone. It also lowers cortisol, a hormone that is released when a person is stressed, fearful or anxious.

Dogs have also been known to help children as companions during major disasters, loss of a loved one and other life events.

Here at Canine Campus, we love it when kids come in with grown-ups to drop off or pick up their dogs. We know how important your dog is to everyone in your family, and we look forward to welcoming your kids into the Canine Campus family. Contact us here or feel free to call us at 719-448-9600 to make a reservation for daycare, boarding or grooming or to set up an initial visit.

What other benefits are there for kids who have a dog in the family? Leave your comment below.

Source:

“Kids With Pets Have Less Anxiety.” Children’s Health/Pediatrics: Bassett Healthcare Network, December 3, 2015.