Impacts of pets on kids

kid with dogy

Having pets can have a significant impact on kids, both positively and negatively. Pets can be a source of comfort and companionship, teaching children empathy, responsibility, and compassion. However, owning a pet can also be a significant responsibility, requiring a commitment of time, money, and attention. In this article, we will discuss the various impacts of having pets on kids.

Positive Impacts

• Companionship and Emotional Support: Pets can provide children with a sense of companionship and emotional support. They can be a constant source of comfort, especially when kids are feeling anxious, sad or lonely. Petting, hugging, or playing with pets can release the hormone oxytocin, which can help reduce stress and anxiety levels in kids.

• Responsibility and Empathy: Owning a pet requires a great deal of responsibility, and children can learn this firsthand by taking care of their pet. Feeding, walking, and grooming a pet can teach kids how to be responsible and empathetic towards another living being. It can also teach them important life skills such as time management, organization, and problem-solving.

• Physical Activity: Pets, especially dogs, require regular exercise, which can encourage kids to be physically active. Taking a dog for a walk or playing with a cat can help children develop gross motor skills and improve their cardiovascular health.

• Social Skills: Pets can be a great conversation starter and help children socialize with others. Pets can also help children with social anxiety, by providing a sense of comfort and a conversation topic.

• Educational Benefits: Owning a pet can provide educational benefits to children. Kids can learn about different animal species, their behavior, and their care requirements. They can also learn about the importance of animal welfare, and how to respect and care for other. 

Negative Impacts:

There are also some negative impacts that should be considered. Here are a few:

• Allergies: Children can develop allergies to certain types of pets, which can cause symptoms like sneezing, runny nose, and itchy eyes.

• Risk of infection: Pets can carry and transmit diseases to humans, especially if they are not properly vaccinated or kept clean. Children may be more susceptible to infections because their immune systems are not fully developed.

• Safety concerns: Some pets, such as dogs, can be aggressive and may bite or attack children if they feel threatened or uncomfortable.

• Responsibility and commitment: Having a pet requires a significant amount of time, effort, and financial commitment. Children may not fully understand the responsibility that comes with owning a pet, and parents may end up shouldering most of the responsibility.

• Emotional distress: Losing a pet can be traumatic for children, especially if it is their first experience with death. It can also be difficult for children to understand why their pet is behaving a certain way or why they are sick, which can cause emotional distress.

It's important to consider these potential negative impacts before deciding to get a pet for your child. Parents should carefully evaluate their family's lifestyle and ability to provide for a pet before making a decision.