By Dr Ganean Chetty Oertel — Veterinarian (BVSc)
When preparing for a new baby, many parents wonder whether having pets at home is a good idea. Some even consider rehoming beloved dogs or cats out of fear that they may increase the risk of allergies or pose a health hazard.
The good news is that, in most households, the opposite is often true.
When pets are healthy, well cared for and equipped with the social skills necessary to interact with children , growing up with animals can provide children with lifelong physical, emotional, and developmental benefits.
A Stronger Immune System Starts Early
A baby’s immune system is constantly learning. Exposure to the diverse, predominantly harmless microbes that healthy pets naturally bring into the home helps “train” the immune system to distinguish between harmless substances and genuine threats.
“Research suggests that children who grow up with pets—particularly dogs—may have a lower risk of developing asthma and certain allergies later in life. Early exposure to pets has also been associated with greater diversity of the infant gut microbiome, an important contributor to healthy immune system development.
This doesn’t mean pets prevent every allergy, but for most children they are not the allergy risk they were once thought to be.
Interestingly, breastfeeding and pet ownership may work hand in hand. Breast milk provides antibodies and beneficial bacteria that help establish a healthy immune system, while normal exposure to pets contributes additional microbial diversity. Together, they may support healthy immune development during the critical early months of life.
More Than Just Playmates
Pets offer children something increasingly valuable in today’s fast-paced world and that is unconditional companionship.
Children often form deep emotional bonds with their animals. Whether it’s talking to the family dog after a difficult day or cuddling with a cat during story time, pets provide comfort, security, and a calming presence.
Research suggests that interacting with companion animals can reduce physiological markers of stress, including cortisol, while increasing oxytocin, a hormone involved in social bonding and emotional connection. These physiological changes may help children feel calmer, more emotionally secure, and better able to cope with stress.
For children experiencing anxiety, loneliness, or major life changes such as welcoming a new sibling, pets can provide an important source of stability.
Learning Empathy and Responsibility
One of the greatest gifts pets offer is the opportunity to teach compassion.
Children who help feed, groom, exercise, or care for a pet begin to understand that another living being depends on them. These daily routines foster responsibility, patience, and empathy.
As children grow, age-appropriate pet care tasks can build confidence while teaching valuable life skills. Even simple activities—such as filling a water bowl or helping brush the dog—encourage consistency and accountability.
Equally important, children learn to respect an animal’s body language and boundaries, helping them develop kindness and consideration that extends to relationships with other people.
Encouraging Healthy, Active Lifestyles
Dogs, in particular, naturally encourage physical activity.
Family walks, outdoor play, and games of fetch reduce screen time while promoting exercise for both children and parents. Regular physical activity contributes to healthy growth, better sleep, cardiovascular health, and overall wellbeing.
Even quieter pets encourage observation, curiosity, and an appreciation for nature and animal behaviour.
Keeping Children Safe Around Pets
While the benefits are numerous, safety should always come first.
Parents should remember a few simple guidelines:
- Never leave infants or young children unsupervised with any pet.
- Teach children to avoid disturbing pets while they are eating, sleeping, or caring for their young.
- Encourage gentle handling and respectful interactions.
- Ensure pets receive regular veterinary check-ups, vaccinations, parasite control, and preventative healthcare.
- Practise good hand hygiene after handling animals or cleaning up after them.
Healthy pets contribute to healthy families.
Every Family Is Different
Of course, every child and every pet is unique. Some children may have diagnosed allergies or medical conditions that require individual guidance from their healthcare provider. Likewise, not every pet has the right temperament for young children.
Choosing the right pet, providing proper training, and supervising interactions are key to creating a safe and positive relationship.
A Lifetime of Benefits
As we celebrate Child Health Month and World Breastfeeding Week, it’s worth recognising that raising healthy children involves more than nutrition alone. It also means nurturing emotional wellbeing, resilience, empathy, and meaningful relationships.
For many families, a beloved pet becomes far more than an animal—they become a trusted friend, a patient teacher, and an important part of a child’s journey through life.
With responsible pet ownership and thoughtful supervision, children and pets can grow, learn, and thrive together, creating memories and life lessons that last well into adulthood.
References:
1. Early dog exposure and reduced asthma risk
Fall T, Lundholm C, Örtqvist AK, et al. (2015). Early Exposure to Dogs and Farm Animals and the Risk of Childhood Asthma. JAMA Pediatrics, 169(11), e153219.
2. Early pet exposure and allergic sensitisation
Ownby DR, Johnson CC, Peterson EL. (2002). Exposure to Dogs and Cats in the First Year of Life and Risk of Allergic Sensitization at 6 to 7 Years of Age. JAMA, 288(8), 963–972.
3. Pet exposure and the infant gut microbiome
Tun HM, Konya T, Takaro TK, et al. (2017). Exposure to Household Furry Pets Influences the Gut Microbiota of Infants at 3–4 Months Following Various Birth Scenarios. Microbiome, 5, 40.
4. Comprehensive review of human–animal interactions and oxytocin
Beetz A, Uvnäs-Moberg K, Julius H, Kotrschal K. (2012). Psychosocial and Psychophysiological Effects of Human-Animal Interactions: The Possible Role of Oxytocin. Frontiers in Psychology, 3:234.