You know what they say: dogs are men’s best friends. But are they suitable as family pets?
Most parents hesitate when it comes to getting a dog as a family pet. Some worry that dogs can bring dirt and fur near their kids which they consider that isn’t healthy. However, scientists have actually confirmed that growing up with a dog can increase children’s immune system and help them stay healthier.
But there are a lot more reasons why dogs make a great family pet. Here are a few reasons why you should consider bringing a furry friend in your family:
They can help with improving mental wellbeing
Have you ever seen anyone who can stay mad or upset when there is a furry 4-legged friend playing with them? No! because that’s the impact dogs can have on our mental wellbeing. They make us smile, laugh, and share our love with them. it is nearly impossible to stay angry or stressed when there is a clumsy dog bringing you their toy to play fetch.
Yet, apart from the obvious way in which dogs make us feel better, scientists have also confirmed this theory with a number of studies, showing that petting and cuddling with dogs increases our levels of oxytocin, also known as the “love hormone”. And, as you may be guessing, the love hormone is responsible for releasing stress and triggering a calm feeling.
So, known as social animals, dogs will only bring joy and happiness in your child’s life by keeping them entertained with their silly playing, wet noses, surprise kisses, and their wagging tails.
They keep your kids active
Scientists also proved that owning a pet can help us live longer. How so? Because apart from improving our mental wellbeing, dogs also tend to keep us active. Dogs need to be walked every day and they need you to play with them intensely, which, let’s be honest, that means running together with your dog in your house or backyard or even the park. Even taking them to the dyreklinikk will help them stay active.
So, owning a dog can help your kids stay active and spend more time outside instead of spending too much time in front of the computer.
Your kids learn how to be responsible
Owning a pet isn’t all about playing with them and taking the funnies pictures of them sleeping. Owning a pet comes with great responsibility too including feeding, washing them and taking them to regular visits to the veterinær. So, owning a pet will teach your kids how to be responsible by taking care of their furry friend. And, as you may be guessing, being responsible is a great skill to learn since childhood. Plus, apart from responsibility, owning a dog can also teach your kids social skills. For example, it can help them make friends which helps them develop communication and social skills.
That being said, it is no doubt that dogs can make great pets for families. They will keep your kids active, teach them how to be responsible, and most importantly, they will make them happy all the time.