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 wonderful for kids. But remember
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 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 actually don't allow
purchases or adoptions of pets around the holidays because, far too
often, animals are returned when families haven't thought
through all of the responsibilities of taking care of the pet.
If you're set on getting 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 first buying and wrapping some pet supplies (pet bowls,
pet bed, leash, etc.) as gifts, then selecting the pet as a family.
That way, everyone has time to really think about whether your
family is ready for a pet.
Key Questions
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. Ask yourselves these
key questions before leaping into pet ownership:
- How much care will the pet require?
- What role will each family member play in the pet's care?
Who will feed the pet, groom and bathe it, clean its living
space, and walk it, if need be?
- 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 a new pet?
- Who will care for the pet when you're away? (e.g., what
will you do with the pet if you work long hours and the kids stay
after school for soccer practice? What if your family travels a
lot?)
- Does anyone in your family have a history of allergies or
asthma
? If so, talk to your doctor about the possibility of
pet allergy
tests to see whether anyone might 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 kids 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 kids. Animals that
may not be child-safe include:
- reptiles (turtles, snakes, lizards, iguanas)
- rodents (hamsters, gerbils, guinea pigs, chinchillas,
hedgehogs, prairie dogs, mice, rats)
- amphibians (frogs, toads, salamanders)
- ferrets
- baby poultry (chicks, ducklings, goslings, turkeys)
- monkeys
- exotic animals
Reptiles 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.
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.
Using effective preventative tick treatments and collars can help
decrease the number of ticks that find your pet. If you live in a
wooded area, check your pets regularly for ticks.
Pay attention to which dogs aren't recommended for
first-time owners. For example, some larger breeds, such as
Doberman Pinschers, Dalmatians, and Great Danes, may not be
kid-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
Common domesticated animals that can make good family pets
include cats, dogs, rabbits, birds, and fish. But be careful about
labeling a certain animal or breed as unquestionably safe. There
are exceptions to every rule, and
any
animal may scratch or bite if put in a dangerous situation.
Before choosing any kind of animal for your family, learn as
much as you can about your pet-to-be:
- Read pet guides
explaining the various personalities, tendencies, and backgrounds
of specific breeds in detail. For example, some dog breeds (such
as certain terriers or Chihuahuas) are known for their feistiness
and are considered less tolerant of kids - especially if they
aren't raised with kids from puppyhood. Golden Retrievers and
Labrador Retrievers, on the other hand, have excellent
reputations as family-friendly dogs. Also look around for guides
(at your local bookstore, on the Internet, or at animal shelters)
about taking care of different kinds of pets. If you'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.
Some pet stores 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
These tips will keep kids safe and help both your family and
your new pet adjust:
- 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 to make sure.
- Teach kids how to handle and pick up pets
- to never squeeze them too tight, drop them, fall on them, or
pick them up too fast.
- Teachkidsnever to tease animals or pull their tails or
ears.
- Teachkidsnever to bother animals
while they're eating, sleeping, or tending to their
young.
- Teachkids never to take a toy or bone away from a
dog.
- Teachkidsnever topet or try to play with an animal they don't
know
, even if it's someone's family pet.
- Closely supervise pets andkids.
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 the kitty 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 offers many benefits, and doing a little research
before taking the plunge helps ensure that your new pet will be a
welcome addition to the family.
Reviewed by:
Steven Dowshen, MD
Date reviewed: September 2007
Note: All information is for educational purposes only. For specific medical advice,
diagnoses, and treatment, consult your doctor.
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