Dogs are an important part of many families. They are the playful ones, jokers and the troublemakers. But, have you ever wondered that their presence can also do something more serious, such as prevent anxiety in kids? According to a newstudy, kids, who have dogs at their home are less anxious. The study has come up as the latest proof of the beneficial ‘pet effect’.

Researchers explored this question in a study named‘Pet Dogs and Children’s Health: Opportunities for Chronic Disease Prevention’ released on Wednesday.

During the study, scientists from New York’s Bassett Medical Center evaluated 643 children older than 18 months to list the anxiety levels of the ones with and without pooches.

Prior study participation, the children underwent a number of screenings to control for physical activity, general mental health, screen time and pet-related questions. Of the 58% of the group, having dogs at home, there were only 12% participants who tested positive on an anxiety screening test.Positive tests for anxiety were noted in 21% participants in the other group.

Though the study hasn’t shown a causal link between the two, the researchers have suggested that it’s a sign that more studies linked to this subject have been warranted. A 30-year veteran of pediatrics Anne M. Gadomski, a researcher at the Bassett Medical Center, said that she frequently come across infants whose first word was the name of their dog.