Johnson: Pets good for kids' health, study shows

Kids and critters are a combo that warms the hearts of adults – perhaps more than anything because they have that shared cuteness that can make even the most cynical person say “awww…”

Somewhere between the fluffy fur and the rosy cheeks of innocent little ones, there is an earnest desire to play and enjoy pure fun and companionship that is uncluttered by the trappings of the adult world.

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In search of ponies

Though those simple joys can become distanced by age and responsibility, adults do remember and envy the special bonds that are forged between children and pets.

In recent years, the benefits of pets have gained standing in medical circles and the health plusses have become established.

Studies have shown repeatedly that spending time with pets can reduce the impact of heart disease through lower cholesterol and triglyceride levels and pet ownership can lower blood pressure.

Other recognized benefits include the positive, mood-boosting releases of oxytocin, dopamine and serotonin that come from pet companionship.

Critters also help adults suffering disorders find comfort and relief – Alzheimer patients, for instance, experience fewer incidents of anxiety – and pets provide an icebreaker for socializing, keep older adults from suffering feelings of isolation and loneliness and give owners of all ages a reason to stay active.

In fact, most every time tests are applied to the relationship between people and their pets, the conclusions reached are positive.

There is no shortage of data on pets and children -- research has shown children raised in homes with pets have lower chances of developing allergies and that, psychologically, children who live with pets experience higher self-esteem, are better at sharing and cooperating – however majority of studies have focused on how childhood pet ownership effects people as adults.

Wednesday, the Centers for Disease Control published new research that focused specifically on the role of pet dogs in the lives of children ages 4 to 10 and how those pets might influence their health.

Over an 18-month period the parents of 643 children in rural New York were presented with questionnaires during check-up appointments with their pediatricians. The surveys were aimed at finding a connection between pet dogs in the home and the mental health, weight and physical activity of children.

Researchers anticipated that children living with pet dogs would show lower body weight and higher activity levels which is what studies have shown in England and Australia, however the results showed no significant difference – an indication that having a pet dog does not mean children are exercising more.

However the study did show children who are raised in homes with dogs had lower levels of anxiety than those living in homes without pet dogs and overall, dogs were shown to reduce anxiety among children by nearly 10 percent, a rate they state could have sweeping, long-term benefits in addressing anxiety issues.

Essentially, they concluded dogs can provide children friendship, comfort and someone to turn to for emotional support, all things that can help reduce anxiety.

Even more, researchers hypothesize pet dogs can be a valuable part of chronic disease prevention among children, especially if they are encouraged to interact, exercise and learn with their pets – all activities that can lead to good mental and physical health.

By no means are pets a magic answer and there is no guarantee that a pairing between child and critter will be a good fit, so it’s a scenario that should always be conscientiously approached.

At the same time, a pet can be the friend of a lifetime for a child and besides, when it comes to health, critters are more likely to win kids over than broccoli.

Sharna Johnson is a writer who is always searching for ponies. You can reach her at:

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