Pets

Humans and Pets

Humans of all ages develop close attachments to their pets. Pets often fulfill physical and psychological needs not met by other humans. For instance, the presence of pets reduces stress, heart disease, and blood pressure; lowers blood fat, cholesterol, and triglycerides; and increases survival rates after serious sickness or injuries. Pets also ease the transition involved with family moves and transfers. Pets also enhance the psychological lives of individuals who are developmentally delayed, emotionally disabled, and with psychological disorders such as post-traumatic stress disorder, depression, and anxiety. Interaction with pets results in healthier lifestyles for humans and increases the release of oxytocin. Oxytocin is considered the bonding hormone. Although oxytocin release is most often represented by mothers interacting with their children, it is also higher when humans touch and interact with their pet.

The loss of a pet often results in grief reactions similar to those experienced with loss of any significant person or family member. This grief period has been reported to last from 6 to 12 months with an acute phase of 1–2 months. Grief reactions are commonly experienced by pet owners when they must abandon their pet during natural disasters. Television and newspapers often show children hugging their puppies and kittens; grown men with their dogs; and others with guinea pigs, birds, and horses. When interviewed, people reported that they were concerned about their children, pets, and personal photographs during evacuations, and 75% would refuse to leave without their pets.

Children

Pets are available to infants and toddlers through neighbors, family members, and friends. Many day-care centers and schools have some type of resident pet. From interactions with pets, toddlers learn to exhibit gentleness toward others and responsibility for their actions. Children under the age of 6 years learn the difference between adult animals and baby animals and know that the dogs and cats are caretakers of the puppies and kittens. These early interactions with animals help establish a foundation for future pet attachments.

Pets help 3- to 10-year-old children learn responsibility and patience. For instance, pets teach children how to take care of another living being. Pets often serve as the children’s children and help them acquire valuable parenting skills. Boys in particular learn important nurturing skills by interacting with their pets. Young children [Page 1632]play, talk with, and show daily affection toward their pets; and this provides a safe environment for the child to experiment with her/his own cognitive exploration and development. Children practice language and problem-solving skills on their pets before extending them to peers and exhibit higher self-esteem as a result of the playmate status of the pet.

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