Pet dogs

Owning a pet dog is often seen as a fundamental right for children and offers many benefits. Dogs provide health and developmental advantages, such as microbiome enrichment, which supports immune development and reduces allergies, regular exercise, and fostering a sense of responsibility. Their companionship also promotes feelings of joy, affection, and emotional support during stressful times.

However, dogs can transmit infections and parasites and have a significant environmental footprint, mainly due to dog food production. This impact can be reduced by lowering meat consumption and using plant-based alternatives. Owning a dog thus impacts several Sustainable Development Goals.