| SELECTING SAFE PETS |
Pets love us unconditionally. They're also great for our health - mentally and physically.
Caring for pets can boost self-esteem, prevent loneliness, and even lower heart rate
and blood pressure in some people.
Growing up with a pet can be a wonderful experience for children. But keep in mind
that although the experience gives kids a sense of responsibility, only adults can be
truly responsible for a pet. Selecting the right pet is a serious decision that your
family members should make together.
Before You Select a Pet
A common mistake is bringing home a pet on an impulse without fully understanding the
level of commitment involved. For instance, lots of people buy bunnies at Easter time
without giving a thought to the 5- to 10-year commitment their family will be making to
the animal. Moms and dads also often flock to the pet stores and shelters to find a
dog or cat for a surprise Christmas or birthday present for their kids. But many
shelters and pet stores don't allow purchases or adoptions of pets around the holidays
because, far to often, animals are returned when families haven't thought through all
of the responsibilities of taking care of the pet.
If you're adamant about getting your child a pet for a birthday or the holidays, the
Humane Society of the United States (HSUS) and the American Society for the
Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA) suggests that you buy and wrap some pet
supplies (pet bowls, pet bed, leash, carrier, etc.), then pick out the pet as a family.
That way, you and your child will have a chance to really think about whether you're
ready for a pet.
Before adopting or purchasing any pet, talk to all family members, discuss
expectations and responsibilities, and take a realistic look at your family's lifestyle.
It's also a good idea to ask yourselves these key questions before making the leap into
pet ownership:
-How much care will the pet require?
-What role does each family member plan to play in the pet's care? In other
words, who will feed the pet? Who will groom and bathe it? Who will clean
its living space? Who will walk it, if applicable?
-What kind of medical care will the pet need?
-How big will the pet grow to be?
-Do you have enough space in your home for the pet to live and exercise? If
you're thinking about getting a dog, do you have a yard, preferably a fenced
one? (Cats, birds, rabbits, and other small animals can generally adapt to
any space, but dogs need lots of room to run and jump.)
-Do you have another pet? How do you think it will get along with new pet?
-Who will care for the pet when you or your family aren't home? (For
example, what will you do with the pet if you work long hours and the kids
stay after school for soccer practice? What if you and your family travel a
lot - what will you do with your pet then?)
-Does anyone in your family have a history of allergies or asthma? If so, talk
to your child's doctor about the possibility of pet allergy tests, in order to
determine ahead of time whether your child will be allergic to certain
animals.
Are Some Pets Dangerous?
Although the animals your child sees in the woods or parks may be cute to look at, they
can be dangerous as pets - they aren't used to being around people and may carry
diseases that can be transmitted to your child. People mistakenly believe they can
tame a wild animal. Instead, you should teach your child to stay away from animals in
the wild, and never to touch, feed, or try to take an animal home.
And just because you can buy a pet from the pet store doesn't mean it's safe for
homes with children. Animals that may not be child-safe include:
-hedgehogs
-prairie dogs
-ferrets
-chinchillas
-monkeys
Also, many people don't realize that reptiles (such as turtles, snakes, lizards, and
iguanas) transmit salmonella, a kind of bacteria, through their feces. The salmonella
bacteria are transmitted through direct contact with reptiles or by touching surfaces
and people who have had contact with reptiles. Pet reptiles are an especially bad idea
if anyone in your house, such as infants and elderly people, faces greater health risks
from a salmonella infection. If you're seriously considering having a reptile as a pet,
check with your family doctor or veterinarian for special precautions, such as regular
hand washing, that should be taken.
Dogs and cats can also spread infections. For example, pets that are often outdoors
easily pick up ticks, which can carry diseases such as Lyme disease. This shouldn't stop
you from owning a dog or cat, though. There are effective preventative tick
treatments and collars that can help decrease the number of ticks that find your pet.
And with your children, if you live in a wooded area, you should check your pets
regularly for ticks.
It's also important to pay attention to which dogs aren't recommended for first-time
owners. For example, some larger breeds, such as Doberman pinschers, dalmatians,
Great Danes, may not be child-safe because they can grow to be more than 50 pounds.
Also, bites from very large dogs can do a lot more damage than those from smaller
dogs. And, of course, avoid choosing a dog that's been specifically bred to be an
aggressive fighter (such as some pit bulls or Rottweilers).
Do Your Research
Some common domesticated animals that can make good family pets include:
-cats
-dogs
-rabbits
-guinea pigs
-hamsters
-gerbils
-birds
-fish
But be careful about labeling a certain animal or breed as unquestionable sage. There
are exceptions to every rule, and any animal may scratch or bite if put in a dangerous
situation. Before you decide on any kind of animal for your family, do some checking
around to find out as much as you can about your pet-to-be:
-Read pet guides, which explain the various personalities, tendencies, and
backgrounds of specific breeds in detail. For example, some breeds (such as
certain terriers or chihuahuas) are known for their feistiness, and are generally
considered less tolerant of children - especially if they aren't raised with kids
from puppyhood. Golden retrievers and labradors, on the other hand, have
excellent reputations for being family-friendly dogs. Also look around for guides
(at your local bookstore, on the Internet, or at animal shelters) about actually
taking care of different kinds of pets. If your're interested in rabbits, the
House Rabbit Society is an excellent resource and offers printed materials on
rabbits and rabbit care.
-Set up a consultation visit with a veterinarian to talk about what you're
looking for in a pet and to ask questions.
-If you're thinking about buying a dog from a pet store, first ask where
they get their dogs and puppies. It's not uncommon for pet stores to purchase
dogs from "puppy mills," where they may be poorly bred and, therefore, may have
physical and/or behavioral problems. It's often better to buy a dog from a
private breeder or adopt one from an animal shelter.
-Ask neighbors and friends about their experiences with various kinds of pets.
Taking Your Pet Home
Once you've done your research and decided which pet would be best for your family,
these tips will help keep your child safe, as well as help both your family and your new
pet adjust to the transition of pet ownership:
-Take your pet for a checkup as soon as possible. According to the American
Veterinary Medical Association, a breeder, shelter, or pet store should allow you
to have an animal examined and returned within an agreed-upon time if it's
unhealthy. Read the fine print on any pet-purchase contracts, though, to make
sure.
-Teach your child how to handle and pick up pets - never to squeeze them too
tight, drop them, fall on them, or pick them up too fast.
-Teach your child never to tease animals or pull their tails or ears.
-Teach you child never to bother animals while they're eating, sleeping, or
tending to their young.
-Teach your child never to take a toy or bone away from a dog.
-Teach your child never to pet or try to play with an animal he or she
doesn't know, even if it's someone's family pet.
-Closely supervise pets and children. Never leave an infant or toddler alone
with a pet.
-Don't put pets into scary situations. For example, if you know your cat gets
nervous around too many people, then put him or her in another room during
parties.
-Teach kids to wash their hands with soap and water after handling pets.
-Don't keep undomesticated animals as house pets.
Pet ownership has many benefits for both children and adults. By taking the time to
think about child and pet safety before and after welcoming an animal into your home,
you'll hopefully make your family and your pet happy and satisfied with the new
situation.
Update and reviewed by: Barbara P. Homeier, MD
Date reviewed: December 2004
Originally reviewed by Steven Dowshen, MS, and Kathleen M. Cronan, MD
This article was on Yahoo Kids Health.
Caring for pets can boost self-esteem, prevent loneliness, and even lower heart rate
and blood pressure in some people.
Growing up with a pet can be a wonderful experience for children. But keep in mind
that although the experience gives kids a sense of responsibility, only adults can be
truly responsible for a pet. Selecting the right pet is a serious decision that your
family members should make together.
Before You Select a Pet
A common mistake is bringing home a pet on an impulse without fully understanding the
level of commitment involved. For instance, lots of people buy bunnies at Easter time
without giving a thought to the 5- to 10-year commitment their family will be making to
the animal. Moms and dads also often flock to the pet stores and shelters to find a
dog or cat for a surprise Christmas or birthday present for their kids. But many
shelters and pet stores don't allow purchases or adoptions of pets around the holidays
because, far to often, animals are returned when families haven't thought through all
of the responsibilities of taking care of the pet.
If you're adamant about getting your child a pet for a birthday or the holidays, the
Humane Society of the United States (HSUS) and the American Society for the
Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA) suggests that you buy and wrap some pet
supplies (pet bowls, pet bed, leash, carrier, etc.), then pick out the pet as a family.
That way, you and your child will have a chance to really think about whether you're
ready for a pet.
Before adopting or purchasing any pet, talk to all family members, discuss
expectations and responsibilities, and take a realistic look at your family's lifestyle.
It's also a good idea to ask yourselves these key questions before making the leap into
pet ownership:
-How much care will the pet require?
-What role does each family member plan to play in the pet's care? In other
words, who will feed the pet? Who will groom and bathe it? Who will clean
its living space? Who will walk it, if applicable?
-What kind of medical care will the pet need?
-How big will the pet grow to be?
-Do you have enough space in your home for the pet to live and exercise? If
you're thinking about getting a dog, do you have a yard, preferably a fenced
one? (Cats, birds, rabbits, and other small animals can generally adapt to
any space, but dogs need lots of room to run and jump.)
-Do you have another pet? How do you think it will get along with new pet?
-Who will care for the pet when you or your family aren't home? (For
example, what will you do with the pet if you work long hours and the kids
stay after school for soccer practice? What if you and your family travel a
lot - what will you do with your pet then?)
-Does anyone in your family have a history of allergies or asthma? If so, talk
to your child's doctor about the possibility of pet allergy tests, in order to
determine ahead of time whether your child will be allergic to certain
animals.
Are Some Pets Dangerous?
Although the animals your child sees in the woods or parks may be cute to look at, they
can be dangerous as pets - they aren't used to being around people and may carry
diseases that can be transmitted to your child. People mistakenly believe they can
tame a wild animal. Instead, you should teach your child to stay away from animals in
the wild, and never to touch, feed, or try to take an animal home.
And just because you can buy a pet from the pet store doesn't mean it's safe for
homes with children. Animals that may not be child-safe include:
-hedgehogs
-prairie dogs
-ferrets
-chinchillas
-monkeys
Also, many people don't realize that reptiles (such as turtles, snakes, lizards, and
iguanas) transmit salmonella, a kind of bacteria, through their feces. The salmonella
bacteria are transmitted through direct contact with reptiles or by touching surfaces
and people who have had contact with reptiles. Pet reptiles are an especially bad idea
if anyone in your house, such as infants and elderly people, faces greater health risks
from a salmonella infection. If you're seriously considering having a reptile as a pet,
check with your family doctor or veterinarian for special precautions, such as regular
hand washing, that should be taken.
Dogs and cats can also spread infections. For example, pets that are often outdoors
easily pick up ticks, which can carry diseases such as Lyme disease. This shouldn't stop
you from owning a dog or cat, though. There are effective preventative tick
treatments and collars that can help decrease the number of ticks that find your pet.
And with your children, if you live in a wooded area, you should check your pets
regularly for ticks.
It's also important to pay attention to which dogs aren't recommended for first-time
owners. For example, some larger breeds, such as Doberman pinschers, dalmatians,
Great Danes, may not be child-safe because they can grow to be more than 50 pounds.
Also, bites from very large dogs can do a lot more damage than those from smaller
dogs. And, of course, avoid choosing a dog that's been specifically bred to be an
aggressive fighter (such as some pit bulls or Rottweilers).
Do Your Research
Some common domesticated animals that can make good family pets include:
-cats
-dogs
-rabbits
-guinea pigs
-hamsters
-gerbils
-birds
-fish
But be careful about labeling a certain animal or breed as unquestionable sage. There
are exceptions to every rule, and any animal may scratch or bite if put in a dangerous
situation. Before you decide on any kind of animal for your family, do some checking
around to find out as much as you can about your pet-to-be:
-Read pet guides, which explain the various personalities, tendencies, and
backgrounds of specific breeds in detail. For example, some breeds (such as
certain terriers or chihuahuas) are known for their feistiness, and are generally
considered less tolerant of children - especially if they aren't raised with kids
from puppyhood. Golden retrievers and labradors, on the other hand, have
excellent reputations for being family-friendly dogs. Also look around for guides
(at your local bookstore, on the Internet, or at animal shelters) about actually
taking care of different kinds of pets. If your're interested in rabbits, the
House Rabbit Society is an excellent resource and offers printed materials on
rabbits and rabbit care.
-Set up a consultation visit with a veterinarian to talk about what you're
looking for in a pet and to ask questions.
-If you're thinking about buying a dog from a pet store, first ask where
they get their dogs and puppies. It's not uncommon for pet stores to purchase
dogs from "puppy mills," where they may be poorly bred and, therefore, may have
physical and/or behavioral problems. It's often better to buy a dog from a
private breeder or adopt one from an animal shelter.
-Ask neighbors and friends about their experiences with various kinds of pets.
Taking Your Pet Home
Once you've done your research and decided which pet would be best for your family,
these tips will help keep your child safe, as well as help both your family and your new
pet adjust to the transition of pet ownership:
-Take your pet for a checkup as soon as possible. According to the American
Veterinary Medical Association, a breeder, shelter, or pet store should allow you
to have an animal examined and returned within an agreed-upon time if it's
unhealthy. Read the fine print on any pet-purchase contracts, though, to make
sure.
-Teach your child how to handle and pick up pets - never to squeeze them too
tight, drop them, fall on them, or pick them up too fast.
-Teach your child never to tease animals or pull their tails or ears.
-Teach you child never to bother animals while they're eating, sleeping, or
tending to their young.
-Teach your child never to take a toy or bone away from a dog.
-Teach your child never to pet or try to play with an animal he or she
doesn't know, even if it's someone's family pet.
-Closely supervise pets and children. Never leave an infant or toddler alone
with a pet.
-Don't put pets into scary situations. For example, if you know your cat gets
nervous around too many people, then put him or her in another room during
parties.
-Teach kids to wash their hands with soap and water after handling pets.
-Don't keep undomesticated animals as house pets.
Pet ownership has many benefits for both children and adults. By taking the time to
think about child and pet safety before and after welcoming an animal into your home,
you'll hopefully make your family and your pet happy and satisfied with the new
situation.
Update and reviewed by: Barbara P. Homeier, MD
Date reviewed: December 2004
Originally reviewed by Steven Dowshen, MS, and Kathleen M. Cronan, MD
This article was on Yahoo Kids Health.
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