Pets can make your children healthier
BY BUZZ
A study by health psychologist Dr June McNicholas of the University of Warwick has shown that owning a pet helps children to lead healthier lifestyles.
The research showed 85 per cent of children aged between three and 14 regarded their pets as their friends, and 40 per cent said they would play with their pet if they were bored. A further 40 per cent said they wanted to be with their pet when they were upset.
A report by Pets at Home also suggests that owning pet can increase a child’s fitness level with over 30 per cent of children becoming more active when they own a pet.
Rosie Skinner, Head Vet at Emmview Veterinary Centre in Wokingham, wants to help young children understand the responsibility of owning a pet and has visited Walter Infant School twice in the last two months to educate the students on what it takes to be a pet owner.
Rosie says “It’s important that we educate the pet owners of the future on the treatment pets require, such as vaccinations and parasite prevention. Children need to learn more about the responsibilities such as time required, the finances and the individual requirements of different animals. Spending time with animals and having regular contact with pets enhances nurturing skills – something we use throughout our lives – so it is an opportune time to begin learning.”
Rosie adds “We have also been teaching children the correct way to approach unknown dogs in public. We emphasize that they should always ask the owner’s permission before touching a dog.”
Rosie is hoping to make the visits to Walter Infant School a regular event and hopes to plan talks with other schools in future.
