The presence of a dog during a child's physical examination decreases their stress. Children owning pets are more involved in activities such as sports, hobbies, clubs or chores. Children exposed to pets during the first year of life have a lower frequency of allergic rhintis and asthma. Childen with autism have more prosocial behaviors less autistic behaviors such as self-absorption. Children who own pets score significantly higher on empathy and prosocial orientation scales than non-owners.
Pets fulfill many of the same support functions as humans for adults and children.
People who have AIDS that have pets have less depression and reduced stress. Pets are a major source of support and increase perception the ability to cope. Formerly part of catalog item PET400. To top of page .