Want a smarter, more empathetic, possibly healthier child? It's no surprise that having a family dog can benefit your childs emotional intelligence. According to the AKC, here are 8 ways a pet can benefit your child:

HIgher Self Esteem - When given tasks to complete, such as helping with a pet.

More Compassionate- taking care of the pet teaches you how to care for and nurture others.

Feel supported - Pets unconditionally accept you and don't judge!

Better cognitive skills - Kids talk and read to their pets, which helps improve language skills.

Less stress - Petting a dog lowers your cortisol levels.

Happier - Playing with a dog raises levels of serotonin and dopamine which calm your mind and increase your mood.

Healthier - Keeps kids active by getting outside and playing with the dog.

More responsible - Helping to care for the dog prepares them for responsibilities later in life.