Kids and Pets, will it work?

  How can my child benefit from having a pet?
1. Social skills and self-esteem. Feelings and positive experiences with their pet can help children feel good about their own. Loving a pet can also help kids to love and trust other people.
2. Exercise. All pets need to exercise, and playing with their pet is a fun way to incorporate some physical activity to your kid's lifestyle.
3. Responsibility and respect. To learn how to take care of their pet can help kids develop empathy, concern and responsibility towards other beings. On top of that, during the life cycle of the pet, parents have the opportunity to talk to their kids about birth, sickness and death.
4. Parent interaction. Kids and their parents can spend more time together playing and taking care of their pet.

How can my child help take care of the pet?
1. A small child can help out by feeding or providing fresh water to their pet (portions must be measured by you).
2. The child can help walking the pet, not alone of course, but just another time to spend together with your kid.
3. Children can help you in bathing and grooming the pet.
4. Assign to your child small, simple tasks that can be performed under your supervision.

How can I keep my child healthy and safe around a pet?
1. Choose your pets wisely, if you don't already own a pet, study and learn from the different breeds and species, you will find that some are specially "kid friendly".
2. Consider any allergies a family member could have, before acquiring a pet. Consult with your kid's pediatrician about any allergies that may be present.
3. Take your pet to the veterinary to a general check up before you bring it home.

* Always supervise interaction between pets and kids.
* Teach your child not to touch any pet, unless you say it's OK to do so.
* Never leave pets and kids unattended. Kids tend to play rough and that could provoke an attack or harm a small pet.
* Make sure your child stays away while the pet is eating, sleeping or taking care of its own offspring.
* Teach your child to keep a good hygiene, not to touch the pet droppings and wash his hands after playing with the pet.
* Treat immediately any scratch or bite caused by a pet. Consult with your child's pediatrician if the scratch or bite tears your child's skin. (Editors Note: Do so with the full understanding Doctors are required by law to report all bites which may result in testing and the later euthanasia of your pet.)

About the Author

Mariangie Gonzlez is an Agronomist with a major in Animal Science and ran the day-to-day operations of her home-based business and website which carried natural pet care, pet aromatherapy, holistic pet health, pet toys, pet jewelry and much more.

 Mariangie Gonz�lez

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