The Benefits To Children When They Have A Pet

The dictionary definition of a pet is: "a tame animal kept as objection of affection." Every parent wants their child to be affectionate and will often prompt them to do so by requiring them to give a kiss or cuddle. There are however experiences in life that help such attributes to grow and blossom naturally. Here are some other benefits to a child when they have a pet:

It teaches them about commitment and responsibility
This is the time when children learn to persevere even when they don't feel like it. Their dog will still need taking for a walk even if they are tired or it's raining hard. Sometimes they will have to put someone else's needs before their own and still be there for them. Giving up isn't an option when an animal needs feeding and the child learns how, by overcoming their own feelings, they become trustworthy and reliable. They will have to learn to prioritize and manage their time. This is a marvellous characteristic to learn at an early age that will bring them great benefits in the future when looking for a job or a marriage partner. It will win them many friends, as their pet won't be the only one to appreciate these qualities.
It teaches them about the animal world and nature
When our son acquired a different sort of pet- a Gekko, he spent some time looking on the internet to find out how to house him, feed him and care for him. To know about Gekko Pet Care was important when the reptile couldn't survive without a certain temperature and diet. It was a matter of life and death. He learned a lot about reptiles and the Gekko certainly seemed to do well in the safety that our son's knowledge provided him. The animal world is vast and amazing and with just a little time and effort can teach us much about the whole world in which we live and the role we play in it. By reading and making notes, our son's new project helped to improve his academic skills also of reading and writing. In the end it did his self-confidence good to know that he was an expert in a field that many adults even, knew little about.
Often gets them outdoors in the fresh air
In the Western World where many children are now obese and yet the temptations of sitting too long at screens are huge, having a pet is a great way to add diversity and exercise to their lifestyle. Obviously different sorts of pets have different needs. Generally, the larger they are, the more space and exercise they need. Even small pets need a bit of housework on their cages every few days and by getting them out and playing with them children are developing their motor skills. When dogs need taking for a walk it forces the child to take a break from their indoor occupation and gets them out into the fresh air, providing valuable aerobic exercise. It's also an opportunity to explore the countryside and discover new areas of their neighbourhood. The life and excitement of a dog who has been offered a walk gives a lift to any child's mood and encourages them to meet other people.
Gives them a companion to love and share
Nowadays many families consist of one child who needs a companion. This is exactly what a pet can be for them. It enables them to learn the skill to some degree, of sharing and caring for someone else, so that when they do go out into the world, they are able to relate more easily with other people. Just as it can be a relief and therapeutic to be able to talk to someone and just have them near, so with a pet a child can feel comforted knowing that they are there and they can talk to them even if their pet cannot answer back. Even the act of stroking an animal can be very soothing and calming. The saying that "a dog is a man's best friend" has often been proved to be very true.

This article has not mentioned the negative aspects of owning a pet such as the mess, noise, expense and time commitment, but it can certainly be argued that the advantages outweigh the disadvantages.

Christine Hulme loves writing about ways in which we can "live well" in a difficult world. She believes in creating a safe place in a healthy family environment, from which she believes we can go out and accomplish great things. She has an NVQ3 In Early Years Care & Education and loves cooking, arts & crafts, music, guitar, singing, walking, swimming and sharing these things with others.

For further articles about this subject go to Guinea Pig Adventures and Pets For Kids-Making It Work

The Health Benefits of Pet Ownership

Animals are such agreeable friends - they ask no questions, they pass no criticisms.George Eliot

If you have a pet I am pretty sure they are a great source of pleasure to you. Hopefully they are an important part of your family, with their own unique personality and behaviour patterns. It may interest you to know then that owning a pet can bring with it many benefits to your mental and physical wellbeing. If you don't have a pet, then discover some of the reasons why it may be worthwhile getting one.

The psychological benefits

A confidante

You've had a terrible day and you just need to vent. However your friends aren't available, your partner is at work and you don't see your counsellor until Friday. Fortunately, you can just sit and talk to your pet. They may or may not understand you. Not that it matters: at least it means you can say what you want without fear of reproach. Because they don't judge you. Even better, you can truly be yourself around your pet.

Reduces loneliness

You are not alone with a pet. What a good feeling it is when your cat curls up on your lap or comes to greet you at the door. Or you're working at your desk and they decide to visit you for no apparent reason. A number of studies add support to this idea. Research conducted at Ohio State University found university students who owned a pet were less stressed, lonely and depressed compared to those who did not have a pet. Other research reports that homeless young people who had pets were less lonely and were in better health than those without.

Even a robot dog can be a companion to someone. Residents of a nursing home in the US had regular visits from either a real dog, a robot dog or no visit at all. After seven weeks the residents had formed attachments to their dog visitor, whether they were real or not and found them to be a great source of comfort.

Mood booster

If you've ever watched TV programs like Funniest Home Videos, you will be aware of how frequently the actions of pets bring laughter and smiles. Furthermore, being entertained by a pet will be good for the family as a whole. Caring for a pet is a common interest shared by each member and each person will develop their own relationship with the animal.

If pets boost mood, then presumably they can help prevent the onset of depression. One particular study showed how men with AIDS who owned a pet were less likely to suffer from depression, compared to those who did not have such a companion. People with HIV and AIDS are at a greater risk of developing depression.

Self-esteem

Pet ownership has to be good for your self-esteem. You get to learn new skills and increase your knowledge as you discover more about your animal and the things you need to do to look after them. Seeing them thrive will be a boost to your confidence. Sharing what you have learned with others will also increase your self-worth.

Develop empathy and caring

Having a pet offers you a chance to develop your empathy skills. Animals may not be as expressive as humans, but any pet lover will know when their pet is feeling down or in pain. It also means you are putting the needs of another ahead of your own. Thinking of another (whether person or animal) takes your mind off your own concerns. If you are prone to getting stuck in your head, this can be a good thing.

In addition, for some pet owners, it is an opportunity to carry out an act of kindness to the community. There are organisations people can join to offer their pets up as therapists. Their pet (generally dogs) visits nursing homes and hospitals. One example of this is Therapy Dogs in the US.

The physical benefits

Stress reduction

Given the psychological benefits associated with pets, it is not surprising to learn that they are a great way to reduce stress. If you experience stress long term, you put yourself at risk of some serious health problems. These include: heart disease, diabetes, ulcers, asthma and migraines.

However, having a pet can relieve stress in a number of ways. Simply stroking or cuddling your pet has been shown to lower blood pressure, slow down your heart rate, your muscles are no longer tensed and breathing returns to normal. All the things you would want from a stress reliever. Stroking your pet may even release endorphins - a natural pain reliever and stress reducer. It has also been shown that simply having your pet near you at times of stress, may reduce your stress-related symptoms. Bear this in mind if you have to make a difficult phone call.

Lower lipid levels

Lipids are a type of fat found in the blood that is linked with diabetes. Cholesterol is a lipid and high levels of the bad cholesterol (low density lipoprotein) put you at risk of heart disease, stroke and diabetes. Another type of lipid is triglycerides and this can also increase the risk of heart disease if it is present at high levels.

People who own pets tend to have lower lipid levels compared to people who do not have pets. It is possible that the extra activity involved in having a pet may explain these differences.

Exercise

If you own a dog it is the perfect way of getting exercise. Come rain or shine, your puppy will want to be walked. Physical exercise benefits you both physically and mentally. Your daily walk is also a chance to meet other people. Meeting other dog owners, means you instantly have something in common.

Getting exercise outside alone can be a safety concern particularly for women. These feelings can be greatly decreased with a dog by your side.

Research has shown that children who have a dog are less likely to be overweight than those without. They offer the child opportunities for play, even if it is just around the house.

Pet therapy

When clinicians use pets as part of their work, you can be certain that there is something good about the process. There are numerous examples of health professionals taking their dogs to work with them. Here are some examples I came across. A physiotherapist takes her dog to work with her at the hospital she works in at Harborview Medical Centre, Seattle. Another dog makes visits to patients at Bellevue's Overlake hospital in Washington. In the 1960s, Boris Levinson a child psychiatrist used his dog Jingles in therapy with his young patients. In Montrose, there is a mental health clinician whose dog is involved in therapy sessions with children. Even Great Ormond Street Hospital is taken with the idea, with Ripley the dog visiting sick children.

Tips for getting the most from your pet

Think of creative ways you can spend time with your pet, so as to make things more interesting for the both of you. Be on the lookout for new play opportunities, inventing games that will get you both thinking.
If you want to enhance your chances of happiness and are not sure which pet to get, go for tropical fish. Research by Wiseman at the University of Hertfordshire found tropical fish owners to be the most content amongst pet owners.
Take advantage of the opportunity pets give you to be kind to another.
If you don't have a pet, you could get your fix by helping out at a local shelter. Volunteering increases happiness and you're doing something good for the animals.
Take photos of your pets. Even better film them.
Know that it is okay to have your pet as a member of the family and not just part of the furniture. So make sure you don't forget their birthday!
Don't forget animal shelters if you are thinking about getting a pet. How great, rescuing an animal that will consequently be a source of joy for you.

Copyright Julia Barnard

Julia Barnard is a counsellor and author living in Adelaide, Australia. You can discover more ways to be happy and healthy by reading her free ebook: 50 Ways to Increase Your Happiness.

Benefits of a Petting Zoo

There are many benefits to your child or your children when you take them to a petting zoo for the first time. One of the first benefits is that your child or children can get to see the different kinds of animals first hand.

Many children like the ones who live in the cities do not get to see the kinds of animals that live in petting zoos. A zoo of this kind can have a variety of different animals that are usually hand raised and very gentle.

In a petting zoo, you will usually find baby animals like goats, chickens, burros, lammas, lambs, and often-small baby calves as well. These kinds of baby animals have usually been, orphaned for one reason or another and need a human to raise and care for them.

The people who raise the babies will pay for the care of the babies by charging a small fee for people to visit, pet and interact with the animals. The fee covers some for their coast for the milk supplements, feeds, and veterinarian bills the babies need.

Touching an animal is new and exciting to a child and you can watch as your child finds his or her favorite animal. One animal in particular at the petting zoo will fascinate your child. Touching the animals at the petting zoo is a benefit to your child as well. The animals have a different texture to their hair and skin.

The different textures will be a new experience to your child. You child will also gain knowledge of the different kinds of animals at the petting zoo. He or she will learn the difference between a baby burro, and a baby lamb. The two look similar when they are small however; they are totally, different species of animals.

One of the next benefits to your child is the zoo allows your child to hear the different sounds around him or her. The animals make quite different sounds. This will be unlike anything he or she has ever experienced.

A petting zoo is often, designed for small children and pre-teens to have a wonderful experience especially if your child lives in a city situation. The petting zoos give the parents the opportunity to expose their children to the animals and let the children have fun. The children can pet all the animals and feed the animals by hand as well. To a small child who has never seen these creatures before this is fun, new and exciting all at the same time.

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The Physical and Emotional Benefits of Owning Pets

Owning a pet is a profoundly rewarding experience, as the many millions of people who have pets already know.  How is it that so many people have come to share their lives and their homes with a dog, cat, or other animal companion?  What do we get out of the care we lavish upon them?  For the most part, the answer is self-evident:  Our pets gift us with friendship, with loyalty, and with unconditional love.  They are members of our family; they accept us for who we are.  This seems like a more than ample compensation for the food, shelter, and protection we in turn offer them, but the fact of the matter is that the physical and emotional benefits of owning a pet are far more significant than most of us ever realized.

Taking care of a pet inspires feelings of compassion.  For many children, for instance, helping to take care of the family pet is one of the first times they experience a sense of responsibility.  It also teaches children how to feel empathy for another living being.  This emotional development is extremely important.  It has long been known that children who fail to show empathy are exhibiting signs of stunted emotional growth and have a greater likelihood of serious social problems later in life.  The kindness animals teach our children to possess is something that will benefit them the rest of their lives.

Emotionally, pets serve a more simple purpose:  They keep us from being lonely.  For those suffering from some forms of depression, this can be a blessing beyond words.  Those within the throes of depression are often isolated because of their illness, and the affectionate companionship of a pet can be a light in the darkness.  For the elderly, too, owning a pet holds many benefits.  Taking care of a living creature can provide a sense of fulfillment and a purpose to life.

The physical benefits of owning pets are even more impressive.  Having a pet can actually reduce one's cholesterol and blood pressure.  Not only that, but due to the fact that pets can significantly relieve levels of stress, people who own pets actually have a lower chance of becoming ill.  Dogs, cats, and other pets are even known to increase the survival rate of pet owners who have suffered heart attacks because of this.

In a more general sense, owning certain kinds of pets keep people healthier through the amount of activity or exercise that is necessary for the animal's day-to-day care, such as with walking a dog, riding a horse, or many types of play that are part of the fun of having pets.  Daily exercise is as good for us as it is for the animals we care for, and helps improve circulation, metabolism, and overall heart health.

This bond is not one-sided.  Cynics might sneer that animals don't share our affection, that they're only in it - so to speak - for the free food.  This is far from true.  Our pets feel love for us and there are numerous examples of pets that saved an owner's life by sacrificing their own.  Through the compassion they inspire, owning pets makes us more human, and that is likely the biggest benefit of all.

Learn all about the benefits of pet ownership as well as explore the exotic side of nature at:
http://www.animalarticles.com
Animal Articles.

Zhu Zhu Pets - Hype Or Real Benefits?

Every parent at the time of goodwill wants to gift something special to their little children. And what can be better than a toy that they cannot get enough of. This year, this must have toy is Zhu Zhu pet. These toy hamsters are sensational and have sky rocketing sales. May it be shopping in stores or browsing online, these pets are the most sought after toys.

But there are few questions that come to the logical mind before making any purchase. Are these Zhu Zhu pets really worth? Should I buy this for my child? We have the answers for you. First, these pets imitate real hamsters but without any cage and saw dust for keeping them. They are life like and their different variants have different personalities and make different sounds depending on the option chosen. Let's explore and find out whether it is just hype or these toy hamsters really offer benefits.

Benefits


Since it is not possible for everyone to own a real pet, these toy pets fill the void and allow children to experience the presence of little creatures in home.
Children learn how to take care of pets and how do pets react in different situations when set in a particular mode giving a real feel to the whole scenario.
These pet hamsters help teach children empathy, affection and respect towards other living creatures.
The different personalities of variants make sure that you have one that suits your child's sensibilities and hence it makes the toy more personal and more loved.
The availability of closely resembling real hamster accessories allows creating a real environment through adventure ball, hamster wheel. You can even go for surfboard and car where the Zhu Zhu pets can move completely on their own.
As parents, you do not have to think about cleaning the cages or feeding or watering the animals. It is just the spare battery for the toy you have to be ready with.
These toy pets are quite reasonably priced so they are very much within the reach and offer lot of scope for proper emotional development in children.

Zhu Zhu pets are the closest you can get to own a real pet without the worries associated with it like cleaning, health checkups and death. These pets behave as if they have their own mind to change moods and to react to the situation. They are cute, versatile and have all the characteristics of a real hamster. This recent rage in kids has nothing offensive about it and hence can make a perfect Christmas gift for your little one.

Troy James Macraft is the Chief Editor of online content at Great Kid Gifts. Great Kid Gifts is a premier shop that specializes in child development and toys that build and enhance those skill through fun and creativity.

Pets - The Amazing Benefits of Animal Companionship

Lots of us already realize that animals add to our emotional and spiritual well-being. Since we live in times where just about everything can and is often researched, countless tests have confirmed that owning a pet is good for our physical health as well! Evidently, whilst we are taking care of our pets, our pets are taking care of us.

We live longer, age better, have reduced bouts of loneliness, and are generally healthier if we have pets. Studies abound showing that sharing our lives with animals has a positive influence on our stress levels, blood pressure, cholesterol, triglycerides, moods, immunity, fitness, the span and quality of our lives, and can even reduce health care expenses.

Here are just a few of the amazing benefits you can expect from animal companionship:

Pet owners were found to have lower levels of cardiovascular disease risk factors, such as blood pressure, triglycerides, and cholesterol levels.

Having a feline companion has been shown to decrease your heart attack risk by nearly one third.

In recent times, therapy dogs have been introduced into hospitals, mental health centers, and nursing homes where their positive effects on patients are well documented. Visits from these compassionate canines commonly lift the spirits of patients, calm their nerves, and alleviate their loneliness.

Pets commonly serve to facilitate social interactions between people. Individuals who are mobility impaired speak of increased "freedom to be capable" after getting an assistance dog. Additionally, participants reported increased independence and self-esteem, decreased loneliness, and experienced regular sociability from strangers.

Dogs and cats have been known to be able to detect cancer in people and will constantly lick and smell the affected area as a warning to their owners.

Alzheimer's patients who are still living at home with pets had fewer mood swings, confusion, episodes of aggression and anxiety than patients not exposed to pets.

Pets can improve our social lives. I have met many interesting people while walking my dogs or volunteering at our local animal shelter.

Unconditional Love; I love my family and they love me. My family is always happy to see me but it's my dogs that show the most excitement, wagging their tails gleefully and celebrating my return every time I walk in the door from a hard day at work.

Dogs can help you keep fit. Some mornings I find it hard to get motivated to go on my daily walk. Then I find those big pleading eyes of anticipation looking up at me and I simply can't say no.

Pets and Children: Psychological research and analysis of the relationship between children and animals has determined that the mere presence of animals can positively alter a child's attitude about themselves and increases their ability to relate to others. Additionally, pets can assist children to develop positive skills in several areas including love, attachment, wellbeing and caring. Yet further studies suggest that children exposed to pets in early life experience improved immune function with reduced allergies, less wheezing and asthma.

Quality of life can be improved dramatically in families of epileptic children when a dog that that is trained to respond to seizures is present in the home.

The ways that animal companions affect our well being are apparently never-ending. The afore-mentioned examples are just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to the amazing benefits and complexities of human-animal companionship.

There are so many heart-felt stories about the bond that exists between animals and humans but they are too numerous to mention here. Sharing your life with animals will provide you with spiritual health benefits that are beyond description. Animals have a way for touching our heart and soul. They ask for nothing and will go to the ends of the earth to protect you.

Thanks for reading my article. My name is Jessica Louise and I am passionate about animals of all types, large and small.

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Benefits of Adopting a Pet From a Shelter

Sometimes I get a funny reaction when new acquaintances meet my two dogs, Chewie and Miles. The look of surprise and incredulous response - "You mean she came from the streets? He came from the pound?!"

So many people have the misconception that rescued dogs are less than other dogs. Are children less than other children because they came through the foster home system or are raised in single parent homes? Are the children that come from the "perfect" set of parents better than other children? We can all think of examples of the hard-luck children that make good and the children with everything going for them making a mess of their lives. So why do we assume homeless pets are less than other pets? I'd like to help set the record straight: there are many reasons to adopt a shelter pet.

1) You will Save Money

Adopting a pet from a shelter can cost a lot less than buying a pet at the pet store or from a breeder, especially when taking into account the fees for neutering and vaccination. Beyond the medical care, shelters provide education about how to care for pets, how to introduce your new pet to your other animals, how to deal with behavioral problems, etc., so you also get an entire support system for free.

2) You Will Get a Healthy Pet

Since most shelters give their animals vaccinations, feed them healthy diets, and neuter them before adoption, these pets are happy and healthy. Shelters also pay close attention to the temperament of the animals, in order to match these pets with the most appropriate owners possible. Sometimes pet owners take on pet ownership before they are ready, without proper circumstances or knowledge, or without the necessary commitment, but through adoption these pets get a new chance to find great owners who will commit to keeping them fit and content.

3) You'll Get a Great Companion

Pets really do become our best friends. They make us smile and they love us unconditionally. Owning pets has even been shown to lower blood pressure and cholesterol, as well as helping with loneliness and depression. And all these great benefits have nothing to do with a pet's breeding.

4) You Won't Be Supporting Puppy Mills or Pet Stores

Puppy mills have received a lot of bad press lately, and rightly so. These mills put profits above the welfare of the dogs, which means that the dogs are treated cruelly and often kept in cages. Pet stores buy these puppy mill dogs, and many people who buy from the stores are not aware that they are supporting these horrible places, but by adopting a pet you can be sure that you are actually supporting a great cause for great animals.

5) You are Saving a Life

Sometimes we forget that most of the animals that become homeless are great pets that had less than stellar owners or the owners had to face insurmountable obstacles that made keeping their pet impossible. The circumstances can vary greatly but the bottom line is - rescued pets are wonderful animals that deserve love and a chance to live as much as any pet.

According to the Humane Society of the United States, between three and four million dogs and cats are euthanized each year because people are not able to keep their pets, shelters are not able to house them all, and not enough people adopt animals. By adopting these pets, which have been left by their owners through no fault of their own, we can save them from being euthanized.

It is a common misconception that shelter pets have bad breeding, but do not assume that pound pooches do not have purebred breeding, as often the dogs that breeders cannot sell end up in shelters. If you really want a certain type of dog, you can also check out local rescue leagues that tend to specialize in certain breeds. And do not forget that one of the best adoptions is the older, wiser, already-potty trained pet. Sure, we hear that puppies are more readily accepted by the pets already in the household, but bringing in new older pets is do-able. Very do-able. It just takes a little know-how and patience. If you don't have the patience to acquaint stranger pets to each other then you certainly don't have the patience to raise a puppy.

Unless your purpose for having a dog in your life is to have a show dog, or to produce purebred puppies to sell to worthy pet parents, I strongly believe you should look into adoption from the shelter first. And if you still feel purebreds or breeder dogs are smarter, just take a look around at the great work former shelter pets are doing. Shelter pets have been rescued to go on to do great work for performers, the military, the justice system, and as therapy animals - just to name a few examples. Granted, breeding can help accentuate specific genes for certain desired traits but environment has a lot to do with molding a pet or a person.

When a pet is given love and a chance, MAGNIFICENT things can happen! No matter where they come from.

Janus Moncur - The Co-Creative Coach(TM)- is a Certified Professional Coach specializing in Success Strategies. Janus is the CEO and Founder of Co-Creative Coaching, LLC. She works with individuals as well as groups to define direction, conquer challenges, and navigate transitions on the ride toward re-creating one's personal and professional success. For more information or a free sample consultation session, please feel free to connect with Janus at http://www.theco-creativecoach.com.

The Benefits of a Pet Friendly Community Lifestyle

A Pet Friendly Community is a great place to live. Studies show that having a pet improves quality of life, from childhood through the elder years. With 69.1 million pet owners in the United States and pet spending having reached $38.4 billion in 2006, it is no surprise that Pet Friendly people look for Pet Friendly Communities when buying a home. The secret power of pets is an amazing thing. Here are a few other great things pets do to enrich our lives, and the Communities we call home.

BENEFITS FOR THE MIND

Pets enrich our lives with their personalities and provide reliable, faithful companionship
Pets accept their owners without judgment
Pets fill the void when there are no children at home
Pets provide a safe feeling, when walking outdoors alone
Pets encourage people to know their neighbors and be involved in Community activities
BENEFITS FOR YOUR HEALTH

Pets help reduce stress and control high blood pressure
Pet owners visit the doctor LESS frequently than non pet owners*
Pet owners spent an average of more time outside with their dogs*
Pets motivate people to become more physically active, and strengthening the heart, muscles, improving blood circulation
Pets help people have greater well-being and lessen depression
Pets encourage the elderly to be more independent
Pets help the handicapped overcome withdrawal and stroke victims recover speech without being held-back by self-consciousness
Pets can lower medical costs by reducing hospitalization recovery times**
BENEFITS FOR CHILDREN

Pets promote higher self-esteem and improved social skills in children
Pets are viewed as peers to children
Pets teach children about responsibility, animal behavior and death
Pets can act as faithful, reliable confidants for children
Pets teach children gentleness, patience and kindness
Pets help develop non-verbal communication skills and trusting relationships with others
Pets teach children how to respect other living things P
ets encourage physical activity in children Pets have been linked to boosted immune systems and better school attendance rates***
Whether for the Mind, Health or your Children, a pet can offer more benefits than you think.

For more information about how you can find a Pet Friendly Community or Pet Friendly Real Estate Professional, please visit The Pet Realty Network at http://www.petrealtynetwork.com/

Based in Naples, Florida, The Pet Realty Network? has a combination of over 20 years of Real Estate experience in the United States, the Caribbean, the United Kingdom and Europe and expertise in the Pet industry and can therefore offer a unique perspective about Pets, Real Estate, and everything in between.

*According to a 1990 study by Judith Siegel from The University of California **According to a 1998 study by the University of British Columbia ***According to a Warwick University study by Dr. June McNicholas

How A Pet Can Provide Amazing Benefits For Your Child

Some people say that every boy should own a dog. It certainly agrees with the classic American family: Dad, Mom, Son, Daughter, and their dog. Though not all families are able to own a pet, children benefit in many ways because of this canine familial addition.

To begin, owning a dog benefits the physical health of children. How? Scientific studies have shown that when a person pats a dog or strokes a cat, their blood pressure lowers. This helps relax the child and relieves stress after a long day at school. Some studies have also shown that children who own a pet, particularly a dog, have more highly developed immune systems than children who do not own a pet. This is most likely because children are not afraid to hug their dog and smother their face in the not-always-clean coat of their dog; by doing this, children are able to slowly build and strengthen their disease and sickness fighting abilities.

Next, children whose families own pets have been shown to display higher levels of empathy and kindness in comparison to children who do not have a pet. Children with pets also display higher confidence levels; this may be because dogs are confident, non-judgmental creatures, and children unconsciously copy their dog's finest traits. Also, studies have shown that children who own pets possess an affinity for understanding and communicating non-verbally. This is most likely because children talk to their dogs, and Rover in turn communicates through his body language, which kids learn to understand.

Here is a positive benefit to owning a pet that may interest parents: owning a cat or dog teaches children responsibility. When owning a dog, a child realizes that dogs have needs that must be met. Mom and Dad can help by teaching the children to put dog food in Rover's bowl, let the him out into the fenced backyard to do his business, and taking him on walks for exercise. Kids realize that responsibly includes taking care of others, not simply brushing their teeth at night, doing their homework, and cleaning their room. Eventually, children will have families of their own to take care of; start them early by helping them take care of the family dog. Also, children are able to understand that if they do not take proper care of their pet, they will lose their best friend. The responsibility of caring for a pet fosters lifelong benefits for growing children.

Finally, many parents believe that owning a pet simply increases the quality of life for their children. Children who have pets often grow up with them because the dog acts as a member of the family. A pet provides an at-home friend, someone to greet them when they get home from school, someone to play catch with, watch TV with, and someone who is there for them when they are sad or hurt. Dogs certainly are a comfort and a joy for children. The benefits of owning pets for a child's sake are endless. Who doesn't want their child to experience the best life has to offer?

Elise Rogers is an avid pet enthusiast who writes articles for Discount Pet Mall. Visit their site today for great savings on pet beds, raised dog bowls and dog ramps.