Choosing Your Child’s First Pet
Tips for Selecting Safe Animals for Children
Choosing a first pet for your child is exciting. But you need to make sure to select the right kind of pet that is safe, as well as age appropriate.
When a child first hints for a dog or cat, parents often worry about safety. What kind of pet is best for a young child? Unfortunately, not all animals are appropriate for young children. Before dashing to the pet store, be sure you do your homework on which pets are safest for children, as well as low maintenance.
Low Maintenance Pets
Until your children are old enough to take on total responsibility for the care of a pet, it’s advisable to choose an animal that doesn’t require that much care. Consider small animals such as rabbits, guinea pigs, hamsters, or turtles, those pets you usually find in their nursery school or kindergarten classrooms. As these small animals are contained in cages, they’re more economical. Besides costing less to feed, vet bills are not as high as larger animals. About all you need (besides food) is bedding and if you have a paper shredder you can make your own.
Good Tempered Dogs
If possible, put off getting a dog until your child is at least four or five years old, as you still need to supervise them. Check with the breeder or pet store regarding the temperament of a particular dog before making a selection. Ask how large the dog will be when full-grown, as well as research the temperaments of various breeds.
A few of the more safer breeds include Boston terriers, bulldogs, pugs, boxers, and mastiffs. As you can see from the list, a good-tempered dog is not always a small dog. Some larger breeds are just as safe with children as toy dogs. On the other hand, some small breeds, such as poodles or Chihuahuas often display a nasty temper, as well as bite. Dalmatians are another breed to avoid if you have small children because they don’t have the calmest of dispositions.
Cats and Kittens
Do not give a kitten to children under age five, as overly affectionate preschoolers can unintentionally smother them with their hugs. What’s more, a kitten’s claws can hurt a child. However, older cats are fine, although you still have to monitor your child’s time with the new pet. Also, be aware that a cat can smother a baby. Never leave a cat with a child under the age of three. If you do adopt a cat, always close your children’s bedroom doors at night so they won’t have midnight “guests”.
Before You Bring the Pet Home
Caution your child that his new pet may not enjoy the same things that he does, stressing how rough play and loud noises will alienate his new friend. Also, make sure your children understand the dangers of feeding their pet food from the table, noting how foods such as chocolate can even be fatal to dogs.
After the new pet arrives, always make sure that all toys are far from your pet’s toilet area and always keep everything thoroughly disinfected. Also, make sure your new pet has been tested for worms, as well as set up an appointment for shots (if it hasn’t already received them.)
Most importantly, use the new pet to teach your child responsibility. Of course, a small child can’t take total care of his (or her) new pet. But start out gradually, such as having the child feed the pet and help clean out its cage or crate. As your child matures, you can hand over total care, making him feel confident that he’s a good owner.
