Getting a dog is a big commitment, but if you’re considering welcoming a furry new member to your household, it could be one of the best decisions you’ll ever make for your family. Dogs are loyal, loving, and playful – the perfect companion to grow up alongside your kids! If you’re still on the fence, here are some of the best reasons for your family to adopt a dog.
A Healthier, Happier Home
Did you know that babies who live in pet-owning households are less likely to get sick? Exposure to dander from cats and dogs is thought to interact with an infant’s developing immune system in such a way that their tiny bodies learn how to manage common allergens like dander, dust, and other things that our fluffy friends carry in their fur. This gives them some protection against respiratory illnesses and even makes it less likely that they’ll develop asthma. Babies aren’t the only ones to feel a positive impact on their health, though. A study back in 2010 showed that kids who grow up with a pet dog spend, on average, an additional 10 minutes of physical activity daily than those who don’t. Children and adults alike feel the benefit of decreased stress and anxiety from a quick cuddle with a pup – and whoever is on walk duty will be getting in some extra cardio!
Teach Your Kids About Responsibility
Involving your children in the care of your family dog will teach them valuable life lessons in a way that is rewarding and fulfilling for everyone. You may want to start by giving younger kids age-appropriate responsibilities, like brushing the dog or filling their water bowl.
As your children grow, you can involve them more in the wellbeing of your family pet. Teenagers could even be involved in their pet’s health regimen. You could sit down with your teen and have them help you choose the right food and supplements, for example. Companies like YuMOVE offer supplements for dogs of all ages that you can look into, including glucosamine and chondroitin for dogs. Talk them through the wide range of products to choose from, and discuss why it can be beneficial to have specific ingredients like glucosamine and chondroitin for dogs to promote good joint health. With an understanding of the benefits of healthy joints for their beloved pup, your teenager can take on the task of giving them their daily supplement.
Having a living being dependent on their care will teach your kids about empathy and responsibility, and in return for all the work they put in, they’ll receive boundless love and devotion from your dog.
More Love to Go Around!
Not only do dogs love their families boundlessly and unconditionally, but a beloved pet can even help siblings become closer! From playing together with a family dog to sharing the responsibilities of their care and wellbeing, a mutual love for their beloved pet is something that siblings will inevitably bond over. If an abundance of love in your household isn’t reason enough for your family to get a dog, what Is?
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