The animal magic goes beyond the therapeutic and educational, to bring significant physical health benefits too. One of the more obvious benefits is that of exercise – dog walking or playing with a cat is a great way for people to burn a few more calories. This is particularly important when lifestyles are becoming increasingly sedentary and obesity is a growing issue, for children and adults. In some countries ‘Petsercise’ programmes exist to encourage people and their pets to get fit and healthy together. Many families are now acquiring pets to encourage children, especially boys, to spend more time in the “real”, rather than the “virtual” world.
More recently, research is showing that pets have an important role to play in building up a child’s immune system. Children who live with a cat or dog in their first years of life have a lower incidence of hay fever and asthma and are less likely to develop animal-related allergies. Recent studies also show that the immune systems of children (particularly between the ages of five and eight) of pet-owning families are more stable than those of children from non-pet owning families – the result being that making pet-owning children are better able to fend off illness.
If you are considering a pet, please remember that they are a commitment and ensure that you choose one that will fit your lifestyle; and seek advice before deciding on age, breed and type of pet beforehand.
Jess Wilson is a mother and owner of Boohoo Box. “Boohoo Box was born in 2013 when our eldest monster began bumping, bruising, grazing & spraining, arms, legs, toes & elbows on an epic quest of toddler exploration. Climbing, jumping, running, “flying”?! – with endless adventure came endless bumps & bruises. Our squashed box of supermarket plasters was no longer enough, we needed a first aid kit.” So they created a tailored mix of hospital-grade first aid supplies – the Boohoo Box.
