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Tips on Choosing the Right Pet for Your Family
By Rochelle Caviness
Kids and pets - the two seem like inseparable items. Moreover, just like kids, pets require a lot of time, work and money.
- Be forewarned, no matter how much the kids promise that they will take care of their new pet - the overall responsibility for the pet's welfare belongs to the parents.
- Having a pet can help teach your kids about responsibility.
- A pet can help teach your kids about life, and death.
- They provide companionship and help boost self-esteem
What to consider when getting a pet?
The most important considerations that you must take into account when deciding on a family pet are:
- Is the pet 'age-appropriate' for the kids?
- How much time do you have to spend caring for the pet?
- How much space do you have to spare?
- Do you know what diseases or parasites the animal may carry or bring into the home?
- What other safety hazardous might the pet pose?
- Pets, as allergens are also an important consideration. If you are unsure if any of your family members have a specific pet allergy, consider having that family member test before purchasing an animal.
Dogs
Dogs make wonderful family pets. They offer unconditional love, are cute, cuddly, and protective of its 'family'. On the downside, dogs can be dangerous, noisy, messy, and they need to be walked or have a fenced-in area to play in. Remember, no matter how calm or loving a dog is, if it is annoyed enough - it will bite.
- For a family pet, consider the 'calmer' breeds of dog, like a Retrievers or Cocker Spaniels. These dogs are very tolerant of being tugged at and pestered by little kids. Newfoundlands are also well renowned for being good dogs to have around children.
- A dog that is nervous, easily scared, or very high strung is more likely to snap at a young child.
- Stay away from 'herding' dogs such as collies. Although these are very affectionate and easily trained dogs, they may have a tendency to chase children that are running about, and may nip at their heels and calves in an instinctive attempt to herd them.
- Never allow a vicious dog into your home if you have young children. This can include 'vicious' breeds like pit bulls or dogs that have bitten someone without cause. Being born of a breed label 'vicious' does not mean that a dog will turn out to be mean, rather it indicates that there is a greater chance that it might - and when your children are concerned it is always best to err on the side of caution.
Cats
Cats make quiet, and somewhat affectionate, family pets. However, cats do present a few potential dangers:
- Cats can pose a risk to pregnant women. Through contact with cat feces, pregnant women can contract Toxoplasmosis, a parasitic infection.
- Litter boxes must be located in areas that toddlers cannot get into. Otherwise, you may find that your little one has developed a taste for its contents.
- Cats are not very amenable to rough handling or being pestered, and may bite or scratch a child.
Fish
Fish make a wonderful household pet. They are quite, easy to care for, and they don't take up much room. Most kids, however, lose interest in fish rather quickly because fish can be rather boring - after all, you cannot play Frisbee with a fish.
Birds
Birds are not recommended as household pets. Their presence can cause respiratory problems in small children and they carry a host of diseases that can be transferred to humans.
Small Critters
Rabbits, guinea pigs, hamsters, and gerbils all make good family pets. However, because of their small size, children can unintentionally hurt them and should not be allowed to handle them unsupervised.
- While calm creatures, on the whole, these small critters can bite and scratch.
Reptiles
You should think twice before getting a reptile as a pet. Almost all reptiles carry salmonella, and your child can contract salmonella poisoning simply by touching the reptile and than placing his fingers in his mouth.
Your new pet
Immediately upon acquisition take your new pet to the veterinarian's for a full checkup and teach your children how to correctly handle the new pet.
- Never leave a small child alone with a pet.
The information provided on this site is for informational purposes only.
Always consult your doctor for medical advice.
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