The Positive Impact Of Pets On Your Child’s Mental Health

There Is no doubt about the fact that humans and pets have the potential to form some of the best companionship  and long-lasting bonds.

According To A Poll Carried Out In 2015

97% Of Pet Owners Took Their Pet To Be An Integral Part Of Their Family. You Wouldn’t Believe It, But Studies Have Even Shown That Pet Owners, Over The Age Of 65, Make 30% Fewer Visits To Their Doctors Than Non-pet Owners!

So although we all love to spend some time snuggling with our adorable furry friends- let’s break down the science behind why pets positively affect our mental health!

They Help Our Happiness Hormones

Studies have proven that if you spend just 5 minutes of your time playing with a pet, it effectively helps increase your serotonin and dopamine levels (happy hormones). This, in turn, helps soothe your nervous system making you feel calmer and optimistic! This is also one of the main reasons why therapy across the globe has embraced animal-assisted therapy for children and/or teenagers facing emotional turmoil.

Companionship At Every Age

The importance of a companion and a support system is the key to effective development during childhood, and essential for emotional wellbeing once you’re an adult.

In an article on help.org it was said that ‘caring for an animal can help children grow up more secure and active.’ even as an adult, a valuable relationship can be found in pets.

In today’s day and age, where social distancing is of prime importance and safety is a primary factor – although it may be easier for some adults to preoccupy themselves with a multitude of tasks within the confines of their home; it’s not the same phenomena for everyone. Kids, in specific, may miss out on certain developmental benchmarks due to a lack of social stimulation – which may be averted by having a pet!

Fostering Healthy Habits

When you have a pet at home, the need automatically arises to have a routine that is set in stone. You need to take them for walks, feed them on time, make sure all of their vet visits are regular and that they have everything they need to thrive in your home environment!

This not only encourages a sense of responsibility and discipline, especially if it’s your kids who forced you to get a pet. It also gives the pet owner a routine that they can look forward to every single day. Studies have proven that having a routine helps reduce stress and curtail anxiety.

Also, the walks are a fun way to get some physical exercise and fresh air!

Lowers Stress And Anxiety

Many studies have shown that a friendly dog can rapidly help calm down hyperactive or aggressive children. Not just that, stroking a pet, cuddling with them and playing with them are acts that reduce the levels of cortisol (stress-induced hormone).

One study even found that when people with borderline hypertension adopted dogs from a shelter, their blood pressure declined significantly within five months.’

Take a moment and think about it, people from all walks of life and every age, no matter which spectrum their personality falls into – tend to gravitate towards pets. Maybe it’s the basic human need of fostering bonds, maybe it’s the non-verbal communication or maybe it’s just knowing that someone cares for you unconditionally without any judgement. Whatever it may be, it has always worked!

You May Be Saving A Life!

#Adoptdontshop. Pets are living, breathing entities just like any other. Every day, a large number of pets are either abandoned, injured or left in a situation where they are rendered helpless. All they need is a loving, and committed family who will accept them with open arms and never disappoint them.

Having a pet is a huge commitment and in most cases can be heavy on the pocket, but if you are deciding to add a pet in your family – adoption is strongly recommended. Not only will you be saving a life, but you will also be discouraging the practice of breeding that brings with it it’s own set of negative ramifications.

Especially if you’re a parent, this will help teach your child the importance of contributing to society and will develop an eq that will help her/him understand the world better!

With a great pet, comes a great set of responsibilities. Please do your due diligence on what being pet-parent entails. Talk to fellow pet owners, read blogs or even reach out to pet trainers before you make a decision.