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Pets could ‘promote healthy child development’
child and dog
The impact of pet ownership on self-esteem is at its highest in children aged under six, and in pre-adolescents and adolescents over 10.

New research looks at emotional, educational and cognitive impacts
 
A review of current evidence suggests pet ownership is associated with a range of benefits to emotional health and education in children and adolescents.

Researchers from the University of Liverpool carried out an in-depth review and quality evaluation of studies looking at the influence pets have on emotional, cognitive, behavioural, educational and social development. They found youngsters with pets tended to have greater self-esteem, enhanced social skills, and were less likely to be lonely.

The impact of pet ownership on self-esteem is at its highest in children aged under six, and in pre-adolescents and adolescents over 10, according to their findings, which were published in the International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health.

Commenting on the findings, lead author Rebecca Purewal said: “Generally dogs and cats are deemed to be the best providers of social support, perhaps due to a higher level of interaction and reciprocation in comparison to other pets.

“In both western and non-western cultures pets may act as a form of psychological support, helping youths feel good about themselves and enabling a positive self-image.”

The researchers said there is a shortage of high quality and longitudinal studies in this area and the majority of studies in the review had methodological weaknesses. Future research should address how pet ownership promotes child development, the effects of different pet types and the impact of different pets on psychological, behavioural and social problems.

Co-author Nancy Gee, a WALTHAM researcher, added: “The patterns among sub-populations and age groups suggests that companion animals have the potential to promote healthy child and adolescent development. This is an exciting field of study and there is still much to learn about the processes through which pet ownership may impact healthy child development.”

Image courtesy of freuds

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Defra shares new Sanitary and Phytosanitary guidance

News Story 1
 Defra has published guidance for the vet sector ahead of a proposed UK-EU Sanitary and Phytosanitary agreement.

The agreement, which will change the movement and trade of animals and related products, could see reductions in checks, paperwork and certification. As well as describing regulatory developments, the advice highlights the importance of animal ID, registration and traceability in disease control and other compliance arrangements.

The guidance can be found here. More detail is expected as negotiations progress. 

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News Shorts
Lords Committee opens Pet Parasite Medication inquiry

The House of Lords Environment and Climate Change Committee will launch its inquiry into Pet Parasite Medication (PPM) on Wednesday (3 June).

Focusing on treatments containing fipronil and imidacloprid, the inquiry will seek to understand distribution pathways and the impacts of PPM use and non-use on biodiversity and human health. It will also cover current regulation, monitoring, and the potential implications for pets and their owners.

The committee will hear evidence from environmental non-governmental organisations and research institutes. The public can follow the proceedings live on Parliament TV or in person in the Palace of Westminster.