Benefits of pet parenting for children: From reduced allergies to improved social skills

Health benefits of pet parenting: Pets provide companionship, unconditional love, and a sense of security, which can help reduce feelings of loneliness, depression, and stress in children (Image: Canva)

Pet parenting is a growing trend in the modern days. It is more than just providing food and shelter to a pet; it's about understanding their needs, offering emotional support, and creating lasting memories together. Although pet parenthood comes with responsibilities, challenges, and sacrifices, the unconditional love, joy and good health they bring make it all worth it.

Raising a pet can also have unique benefits for children. While it's well known that pets can teach children responsibility, empathy, and compassion, a study by the Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) found that children who grow up with pets, especially dogs, have a lower risk of developing allergies and asthma. Alongside, pets can also help children develop social skills and improve their self-esteem.

Moreover, studies from the Human-Animal Bond Research Institute (HABRI) reveal that pet ownership offers a multitude of health benefits, including increased happiness, reduced loneliness, and decreased stress. This growing recognition underscores the importance of pets in promoting emotional well-being.

In India, urbanisation and increased spending power have led to a surge in pet adoptions. Before getting a pet for their children, parents should consider factors such as lifestyle, living space, and time commitment required for proper pet care, informs J.S.Rama Krishna, Business Head for Pet Food, Growel Group. He adds, “Certain dog breeds, like Labrador Retrievers and Golden Retrievers, are often recommended for families due to their gentle temperaments,”

Shedding light on the numerous benefits of pet ownership, Krishna shares, “When children grow up with a pet, they do not face loneliness and anxiety. Also, caring for a pet helps children develop valuable life skills. By adhering to feeding schedules, exercising, and grooming their pets, children learn responsibility and discipline that extends beyond pet care.”

Here are some health benefits of pet parenting for children:

Keeps stress away: Playing with a pet releases oxytocin, a hormone associated with bonding and relaxation, which contributes to improved mental health. Additionally, studies have shown that interacting with pets can lower cortisol levels, the body's primary stress hormone, leading to reduced stress and anxiety in children.

No more sedentary life: Children who have pets are more likely to engage in regular physical activity, such as walking or playing with their pets. This increased activity level helps maintain healthy weight, improves cardiovascular health, and enhances their physical fitness.

Greater communication skills: If your child grows up with a pet, he/she tends to have better social skills and higher levels of empathy compared to those without pets. Caring for a pet requires understanding and interpreting non-verbal cues, which promotes empathy and communication skills in children.

Reduces allergy risk: Contrary to common belief, exposure to pets during childhood has been linked to a reduced risk of developing allergies and asthma. Research suggests that early exposure to pet dander and other allergens helps strengthen the immune system and reduce the likelihood of allergic reactions later in life.

Emotional well-being: Multiple studies have highlighted the positive impact of pet ownership on emotional well-being. Pets provide companionship, unconditional love, and a sense of security, which can help reduce feelings of loneliness, depression, and stress in children.

Promotes self-esteem: When a child is  responsible for pet care tasks, such as feeding, grooming, and training, he/she develops a sense of competence and confidence in his/her abilities. Successfully meeting the needs of their pets can boost self-esteem and foster a sense of accomplishment in children.

Problem solving skills: Interacting with pets has been shown to stimulate cognitive development in children. Pets offer opportunities for learning and problem-solving, as children must interpret the needs and behaviours of their pets. This hands-on experience improves critical thinking skills, decision-making abilities, and emotional intelligence.