Are dogs good for children?

In today's world, parents often feel they need all the help they can get in raising their kids. Fortunately for them, our pets are more than ready to step up to the challenge. While dogs have been known as man's best friend over the years, science has started to discover many incredible ways in which our pets play a key role in raising healthy and happy kids. If you’re intrigued and wondering how else pets help us raise amazing kids, read on and check out the fun infographic below courtesy of a pawsome friend Emily Parker from Catological.

To start with your pet will help your child stay healthy. According to the Journal of Pediatrics, families who owned a dog during their child's first year were found to have children that had 31% fewer respiratory tract infections and 44% fewer ear infections. According to researchers, letting kids be exposed to dander, pollen, and other things pets bring with them from outside can in fact strengthen your child's immune system.

Along with creating healthy kids, pets also teach children responsibility. Between feeding their dogs at regular times each day, grooming them regularly, and cleaning up after them on a regular basis, kids learn the importance of establishing a regular schedule for their four legged friend. Kids also learn that much like themselves, their pets also prefer to have a regular schedule each day.

Owning a dog will also help your child learn the importance of empathy. By forming a loving bond with another creature, and also realising their pet relies on them for all aspects of their care, your child will learn the importance of their actions on others. According to researchers, children who form these bonds with pets at an early age tend to grow up to be caring, responsible adults.

Wish you had a dog as part of the family but it’s just not the right time? Why not find a doggy to borrow in the meantime. Or perhaps you own a dog and think they’d benefit with spending some time with a family, why not find them some borrowers now.