SPONSORED ARTICLE
Whist it’s tempting to say that the reason kids will love raising a pet is to have the excuse that the dog ate their homework but pet ownership has been proven to have a deeper emotional effect on our kids. The RSPCA endorse pets as helping keep our kids in better physical health and therefore not missing as many days at school.
When reading this we thought immediately about the places that you might be able pamper your pet, get information about pet ownership, or just update your pet supplies and we want thank the sponsors of this article All Coast Aquarium, All Paws Pet Motel and Gosford Grooming.
But before you rush off to ensure your kids education through pet ownership here are the top benefits for keeping an animal that we found:
1. Better general health – extensive studies have shown that pet ownership has a positive impact on our overall health. Aside from the obvious dog walking, staring at a fish tank could be the answer to a stressful day or talking to your guinea pig can also help with our mental health.
2. Pets help us to better socially connected – just think of the times you have stopped in the street or at the park to pat a cute puppy and chat to their owner.
3. Pets are fantastic at caring for us – ok, so a fish in a tank may not be the best at giving you some attention when feeling down but other pets can be great at picking up on our mood and helping us to cheer up.
4. Improved self-esteem – particularly for children and teenagers. A pet can be the cure to depression, loneliness, restlessness and help them get over the angst of puberty.
5. Finally a pet is great for home security. Again this won’t apply for a budgie or other less inanimate animal who won’t be able to scare off an intruder but definitely a canine friend can be the answer to your security woes.
RESEARCH SOURCES: www.rspca.org.au, www.mentalhelp.net and www.petpositives.com.au
