How Kids and Pets Can Live Harmoniously Together

Pets can improve our quality of life tremendously. Owning a pet has been shown to lower blood pressure and promote health. Kids also learn empathy and responsibility as they learn how to treat and care for a pet. Pets are huge commitments, however, and you always want to be aware of your kid’s health and welfare when selecting an animal. Here are some tips for making sure that your pets and kids can get along well under the same roof.

Selecting the Right Pet for You

If you already have children or anticipate having children soon, it’s important to select a pet with this in mind. You should only consider owning a pet if you truly have the space to have both the pet and the child comfortably in your home. Research animals and talk to veterinarians about a breed or type of animal that is appropriate for your lifestyle. Vet Tech Schools has more information about the qualifications and education of veterinarians and vet techs.

Also consider the financial cost of the pet you’re considering owning and make sure this will fit into your budget. A pet that is well-cared for will be a better pet to have around children.

Protecting Your Child’s Health

Your child’s well-being and health is, of course, your number one concern when it comes to pet ownership. There are many ways to promote your kid’s health while also being a happy pet owner.

First, consider if anyone in your family has medical conditions, such as allergies or asthma, which could be exacerbated from owning certain types of animals. It probably makes sense to have your children tested for a pet allergy before you consider pet ownership, if you’ve never owned a pet before. Some animals, such as reptiles, rodents, ferrets, baby poultry, and large dogs may not be safe for kids of certain ages.

Pets can also spread infection, especially when they spend time out of doors. To lower these risks, ensure that your pet has adequate protection from ticks and fleas.

Properly training your pet is the best way to safeguard your children from bites and scratches.  If you’re a dog owner, take the time to teach your dog the basic obedience skills. Always supervise children who are with pets.

Protecting Your Pet’s Health

You might be reading this and thinking, “My three year old is a greater threat to Fido than he is to her” and you may be right. It’s also important to safeguard your pet from your child.

First, ensure that your pet is healthy by taking them to a veterinarian for an annual checkup. This will make sure your pet is well and getting the care they need. If you’re considering turning your love of pets into a career, check out Guide to Healthcare Schools for more information.

Teach your children how to be around animals. They should know not to bother animals that are eating or sleeping, and that they should never annoy or tease animals on purpose. Also, teach them how to touch and play with pets in a safe way.

Sources

Kids Health (2012)

Royal Children’s Hospital Safety Centre (2008)