Important Tips for Kids and their Pets

Pets are an important part of life for over 60% of the US population and children can benefit immensely from the bond they form with their pets. Unfortunately, serious dog bites, cat scratches, and other pet-related diseases still occur in children predominantly 4-9 years of age.

Pets' Playground - Playing Safe In a Dog-and-Cat World, published by the American Animal Hospital Association, is an essential resource to help keep kids safe while benefiting from the human animal bond. The book can be viewed here.

Pets' Playground teaches children about:
· Pet behavior and feelings
· Pet toys and playtime
· Healthy meals and treats for pets
· Good pet care and responsibility
· Creepy crawlies that pets and kids need to avoid
· Household safety and poisonous plants
· Visits to the vet
· And more!

More fun pet games at Kids and Pet Safety

Appropriate Play Tips for Children

There is estimated to be 400 million dogs in the world. Exposure to dogs is inevitable so it is important to ensure our children and pets have a positive experience.

If it is a dog you know and you have been given permission from an adult to approach the dog, here are some tips:
• Be Gentle: Gently stroke the pet on the chest and shoulders: avoid the neck, face, feet and tail.
• Approach Slowly: Move slowly around a pet.
• Be quiet and confident around the dog.
• Do not approach a dog when it is eating or sleeping.

Finding the Perfect Pet for your Children

Research has shown that pets are extremely beneficial in the social development of a child. Having a family pet is a wonderful experience for call. There are many things to consider when choosing a pet. I have listed a few of those things:

• Temperament: Always choose a breed or a breed mix that is known for their great interaction with children.

• Energy Levels: For families that lead active lifestyles, choose a dog that is able to participate in outdoor activities. For families that tend to stay home a lot, choose a pet that does not require as much exercise.

• Size: How much room will your pet have at the home? Smaller areas will require smaller dogs or dogs with low energy

• Grooming: Some breeds require a lot of grooming. Who will be devoted to grooming your pet or taking your pet to the groomer regularly?

• Age: Puppies require a lot of training whilst older dogs may have already been exposed to children. Determine how much time and who will be responsible for training.

• Health: Your pet will requires frequent visits to the veterinarian at the start. Some breeds have hereditary problems that may develop over time. Will you be able to look after an unhealthy pet?

Dangerous Pet Turtles

Children are often drawn to the very cute pet turtle. Their slow and harmless nature seem perfect for a child.

Unfortunately, they naturally carry harmful bacteria, Salmonella. These bacteria can cause serious gastrointestinal tract disease that results in severe diarrhoea, fever, vomiting and dehydration.

According to the FDA, over 70,000 cases of Salmonella are reported each year in the USA.

If you have a turtle, make sure you:
1. Wash your hands with soap after playing and before eating
2. Regularly clean the turtle's environment

Further information at the CDC

Which pet at what age for children?

If you are thinking of adding a pet to your family, you will need to do your homework!

As much as the kids pester you and promise to take on the responsiblity of a fluffy, scaley or feathery new addition, it is more than likely that mum and dad will be actually taking on the majority of responsibility, regardless of how old your kids are, so be prepared to get involved.

Choosing an age appropriate pet can be a challenge. You will have to consider how much experience your child already has with animals. Special consideration also needs to be given to infants and toddlers when introducing a new pet, especially cats and dogs. They don't have the emotional ability or empathy at these stages of development to know when they are playing too roughly, and often don't respect sensitive faces and tails. Constant supervision is required, even for the nicest of pets, because no pet likes to be startled and may react in an unexpected manner.

My Border Terrier joined our family before the kids came along and I'm happy to chat with anyone in a similar situation about how I slowly introduced him to the kids. It's been very successful and he's a terrific family pet. However, as much as he puts up with the odd 'horsey' ride and 'overly enthusiastic' hugs, I constantly supervise the kids when he is inside. As much as we love him, he is a dog, not a person, and I don't give him 100% of my trust. Constant supervision means always being in the same room as your kids and pet when they are together, having the ability to intervene if necessary.

I would highly recommend taking the time to drop into your local vet clinic to discuss the risk factors of introducing a pet at this stage. Vets and nurses are always more than happy to talk to you about your specific circumstances and give you the best advice. The other benefit of contacting your local clinic is that you will want to start building a long lasting relationship with them.

Of course, don't limit your imagination to the traditional cat and dog. Kids make your life very busy, so it's also worth including on your potential pet list some low maintenance but great family pets.

Just to get you thinking:
- rabbits and guinea pigs
- mice
- rats
- lizards
- fish (brilliant for infants and toddlers when out of reach, but they will fascinated)
- birds
- ferrets

Try and visit a local 'petting' farm or visit friends with pets you are considering. Getting some hands on experience before making the long term commitment is a must.

I will be posting more information about what to consider when choosing types of pets at different childhood age groups through to the teenage years. Stay tuned and ask away. The more information you seek and preparation you do, the better chance of a successful addition to your family.