The reason for this improvement lies in the positive effect of the presence of a dog on the child’s immune system. Growing up surrounded by dogs significantly reduces the risk of developing allergies and asthma, thus reducing the number of sick days they have to take at school.
Another remarkable study was presented at the European Pneumology Congress in Munich in 2014. This study followed 2,500 babies over a ten-year period and revealed an astonishing result. Babies who slept with a pet or came into contact with its fur before the age of 3 months enjoyed significant health benefits, including a remarkable 79% reduction in the risk of developing asthma by the age of 6.
As well as the health benefits, the pleasure of walking to school with your furry companion cannot be overstated. What’s more, dog ownership has been shown to have a positive impact on children’s physical activity levels, and plays a role in the fight against obesity, as confirmed by another study.
All in all, the presence of a dog in the home not only improves a child’s school attendance and immune system, but also contributes to their general well-being and physical health. These results underline the remarkable and multiple benefits that the company of a dog can bring to a child’s life.
