How can my child benefit from having a pet?
1.Social skills and self-esteem. Positive feelings and experiences with your pet can help children feel good about theirs. Loving a pet can also help children love and trust other people.
2.Exercise. All pets need exercise, and playing with your pet is a fun way to incorporate some physical activity into your child’s lifestyle.
3. Responsibility and respect. Learning to care for your pet can help children develop empathy, concern, and responsibility for other beings. On top of that, during the pet’s life cycle, parents have the opportunity to talk with their children about birth, illness, and death.
4. Interaction with parents. Children and their parents can spend more time together playing and taking care of their pet.
How can my child help care for the pet?
1. A young child can help by feeding or providing fresh water for your pet (you must measure the portions).
2. The child can help to walk the pet, not alone, of course, but just another moment to spend together with your child.
3. Children can help you bathe and groom the pet.
4. Give your child small, simple tasks that he can do 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 have a pet, study and learn about the different breeds and species, you will find that some are especially “kid friendly”.
2. Consider any allergies a family member may have before purchasing a pet. Check with your child’s pediatrician about any allergies that may be present.
3.Take your pet to the vet for a general checkup before taking her home.
* Always supervise the interaction between pets and children.
* Teach your child not to touch any pet unless you say it’s okay to do so.
* Never leave pets and children unattended. Children tend to play rough and that could lead to a seizure or harm a small pet.
* Make sure your child stays away while the pet eats, sleeps, or cares for its own offspring.
* Teach your child to maintain good hygiene, not to touch pet droppings, and to wash hands after playing with the pet.
* Immediately treat any scratch or bite caused by a pet. Check with your child’s pediatrician if the scratch or bite breaks your child’s skin.