Dogs keep kids happy and healthy

Dogs and kids go together like peanut butter and jelly or cookies and milk. But beyond providing companionship, dogs provide health benefits for children that range from boosting their immune and cardiovascular systems to reducing stress and improving their self-esteem.

A variety of studies show the physical benefits of having a family dog, which includes improving the child’s immune system, reducing the risk of developing asthma and encouraging physical activity, which boosts heart health and reduces the risk of obesity.

But parents shouldn’t discount the fact that dogs also provide emotional health benefits.

And having a dog at home also teaches children respect, responsibility and more. 

Physical health benefits: Reduced risk of allergies and asthma

Children who live with dogs are less likely to develop allergies and asthma.

A study led by Dr. Dennis Ownby, the head of the allergy and immunology department of the Medical College of Georgia shows having multiple pets decreases a child’s risk of developing certain allergies.

According to Parents.com, Ownby’s research tracked a group of 474 babies from birth to about age 7. He found that the children who were exposed to two or more dogs or cats as babies were less than half as likely to develop common allergies as kids who had no pets in the home.

Children who live with dogs reacted less to fewer indoor allergens—like dust-mite allergens—and to outdoor allergens such as ragweed and grass. Ownby told Parents.com, that he suspects when dogs or cats lick children, their saliva transfers bacteria to the child and that exposure may change the way the child’s immune system responds to allergens.

A  University of Alberta study shows babies from families with pets — 70 percent of which were dogs — exhibited higher levels of microbes that lowered the risk the children would develop allergies. According to the research, exposing children to dirt and bacteria — from a dog’s paws and coat — can create immunity.

The Canadian study also builds on two decades of research that shows children who grow up with dogs have lower rates of asthma, according to report about the study by ScienceDaily.com.

Physical health benefits: Improved heart health

Children with dogs tend to spend more time outdoors both walking their dogs and playing with them.

A study from Sweden shows dog owners live longer because they are less likely to suffer from cardiovascular disease. The study at Uppsala University in Sweden analyzed 12 years of health records for the 3.4 million people in that country. Results were published in Scientific Reports.

Having a dog lets children start taking advantage of those cardiovascular benefits even sooner.

Emotional health benefits: Improved self-esteem

According to the American Kennel Club, a collection of scientific studies shows that having a dog can benefit a child’s emotional health by boosting self-esteem, making them more compassionate and empathetic, improving cognitive skills, reducing stress and making them happier

Helping take care of the dog — whether it’s taking the dog for a walk, dumping food in his bowl or brushing his coat — helps boost self-esteem. Parents need to take care, however, to make sure the task assigned to the child is age-appropriate and safe for both child and dog.

Emotional health benefits: Less anxiety

Researchers from the Bassett Medical Center of Cooperstown, New York, showed that not only do children with a dog experience less anxiety.

Using the SCARED-5 test to screen for childhood anxiety disorders revealed only 12 percent of children with dogs suffered from anxiety compared to 21 percent of children without dogs.

A new study of 1,646 households with children ages 2 to 5 shows young children who have family dogs are 23 percent less likely to have social interaction problems than children who grow up without one. The study also shows children with dogs were 34 percent more likely to be considerate and share or help others. The researchers noted it could just be a coincidence and that families that have both children and dogs are more nurturing. 

Bottomline

Dogs are good for kids. Dogs provide health benefits for children that range from the physical — helping keep kids more active — to the emotional — reducing stress and anxiety while boosting self-esteem. Just be sure you get a dog that suits your family and always supervise interactions between dogs and children, especially during the early bonding stage.

Sara B. Hansen has spent the past 20-plus years as a professional editor and writer. She’s also the author of The Complete Guide to Cocker Spaniels. She decided to create her dream job by launching Dog’s Best Life. Sara grew up with family dogs, and since she bought her first house, she’s had a furry companion or two to help make it a home. She shares her heart and home with Nutmeg, Pembroke Welsh Corgi puppy. Her previous dogs: Sydney (September 2008-April 2020), Finley (November 1993-January 2008), and Browning (May 1993-November 2007). You can reach Sara @ [email protected].

Puppy training 101: 7 tips to start your dog off right