This post was sponsored by Hasbro’s Joy For All brand as part of an Influencer Activation for Influence Central. All opinions expressed in my post are my own
Did you have pets growing up?
We always had at least one dog as my mom and I are both allergic to long haired cats. For that matter, too much dog fur can do quite a number on my indoor allergies now. Regardless though, having a dog was one of my favorite things about my childhood. I loved having a dog and cannot wait until we can add a dog to our current household.
But until then, we’ll make do with a Hasbro Joy For All Pet Pup.
How Having a Family Pet Benefits Children
Animal lovers have long argued against dismissive spouses that having a pet would be good for the children, but they might not have truly believed it! However, recent studies have shown that a family pet can have tremendous benefits for children growing up in the home. The benefits of a family pet go far beyond an animal that children can bond with.
Let’s take a look at four of the most important ways in which owning a family bet can benefit your children.
Comfortable With Animals
We all know children, and even some adults, that are terrified of all kinds of animals. This could be cats, dogs or even hamsters. Unfortunately, this generally occurs in two instances. Either the child has been hurt by an animal or the child has not ever owned a family pet. Children that have an irrational fear of animals grow up in an environment surrounded by what they perceive as threats. Owning a family pet negates all this; children no longer view domestic animals as something to be unnecessarily fearful of.
Health Benefits
We live in an increasingly sterile world, and this has led to many studies that show that children are not being exposed to enough bacteria and stimulants that help shape their immune system in the formative years. Children that grow up with pets are exposed to far more allergens and bacteria, and as a result, are less likely to have allergies and will have a more robust immune system.
Teaches Responsibility
Owning a pet is not all about fun and games, although that is the most enjoyable element! Pets have requirements, including being fed, watered, cleaned and exercised. Giving children some of these tasks at a young age is a fantastic way of teaching them about their own responsibilities. Learning about responsibility is fundamental to a child’s mental development, and owning a family pet is a subtle yet incredibly effective way of doing this.
Creates Bonds and Friendship
A family pet can often start to become less of a pet and more of a member of the family. For children, this can be tremendously rewarding. Many children bond fiercely with their pets and view them as a close friend. Pets offer comfort when we are sad, a listening ear when we are angry, and companionship when we are lonely. Even in death, pets can teach a child about grief and how to deal with it. For this reason, owning a family pet can be hugely beneficial in shaping a child’s development.
This particular pup was a huge hit with Squeaker and her cousin Boo.
But what about older family members? Will they also benefit from having a dog around?
How a Companion Pet Benefits the Elderly
Hospital studies have shown that senior citizens and recent post-op patients respond better to treatment and recover faster while in contact with dogs and other therapy animals. The Journal of American Geriatrics Society notes that pet ownership has a positive effect on a senior’s physical and emotional well being. Additionally, a Medicare study of elderly patients also shows that people who own a dog have fewer doctor visits than patients who do not.
Pets offer unconditional love and affection and their presence alone helps reduce loneliness. For people who are isolated, disabled or handicapped, a pet offers friendship and can even add a element of safety to their lives. Dogs are used as a form of therapy in hospices, nursing homes and as companions for the disabled and blind.
Pets allow for physical contact and offer consistent companionship. They act as a support system for older people without homes or families or close friends. A dog is willing to stand by your side 24/7 as long as you want the dog to. They are good companions and will never leave your side.
Reduce stress. Petting an animal tends to lower your blood pressure and decrease the levels of stress hormones in your bloodstream. That lowers your risk for many conditions, including inflammation and heart disease.
Lift your spirits. Interacting with friendly animals dramatically increases natural substances in your body like oxytocin that helps you to feel good. Unconditional love can be difficult to find, but your dog has loads to share.
There are lots of benefits to buying a dog.
Wellness, companionship, along with well-being are extremely important for people, and dog ownership is one of the ways of reaching these lifestyle goals. On the other hand, perhaps the best benefit of all is having the dog itself. Having someone to love and care for is a feeling money can’t buy.
And with the Hasbro Joy for All Companion Pup, you can have all of the benefits of a dog. The companion pup will interact with you and respond to you. And the fur feels just like a real dog.
Not keen about having a dog? Joy For all also has the Companion Cat.
If you would like to add a Joy for All companion to your home, head to JoyForAll.com to purchase your very own JOY FOR ALL COMPANION PET today and use JOY2016 for 10% off your purchase!
Kori
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