Did you know that having pets can be very beneficial to children? In addition to making us smile with their cute antics and adorable faces, our furry friends can actually be very helpful to our young ones. Below, a Lawrenceville, GA vet lists some of the ways having an animal companion can help your child.
Teach Empathy
Pets can really teach our children about love and friendship, and can help them understand how important it is to feel empathy for other living beings. This is a valuable life lesson, and one whose importance cannot be understated.
Unconditional Love
Animals have an amazing capacity to love unconditionally. Our four-legged friends’ unwavering devotion, unconditional love, and loyal friendship, especially when combined with affectionate tail wags and soothing purrs, can be a great comfort to a child who is feeling frightened, nervous, or sad.
Playmate
Pets can be quite playful, especially when they’re little. Having a pet allows children to enjoy the company of a live-in playmate. Children can play happily with a frisky furry buddy for hours!
Physical Health
Studies show that kids with pets are less likely to have allergies, and often have stronger immune systems, than those without pets. As it turns out, that fur, dirt, and dander is good for children!
Promote Activity
Kids with pets are often more active than those who don’t have furry friends. In an age where TV shows and video games are so captivating to children, this is a great boon!
Happiness
Last but not least, our animal friends make us happy! It’s hard not to giggle when watching a frisky kitty pounce on a toy mouse, or seeing the joyful exuberance of a dog bounding after a stick. Pets not only put smiles on our faces, they can also complete a family, and really make a house feel like a home.
Choosing Pets
It’s all too common for children to beg for pets, and then lose interest in them, leaving their care to other family members. Before adopting a pet, make sure you’re willing and able to take on the responsibility of caring for that animal if need be. We recommend starting out with an animal that needs minimal care, like a goldfish or a pocket pet.
Do you have any questions or concerns about your pet’s health or care? Call us, your local Lawrenceville, GA animal clinic, anytime.
