Every year, millions of families welcome a furry friend into their homes. Owning a cat or dog can be emotionally rewarding for children and adults best family pets. Having a dog can also get the family out of the house for fresh air and exercise on daily walks.
The age of your children is a factor to take into account when having a pet. In general, since many dog bites occur in young children, it is safest to wait until your child is over 4 years old. However, think about your children and their individual maturity levels, because each child develops differently. There are 6-year-olds who are calm around animals and may be ready to be responsible, just as there are 10-year-olds who may be too active and impatient to have pets.
You also have to keep in mind that when you have a baby or toddler, you already have enough tasks. This may not be the ideal time to adopt a puppy or kitten, especially if you have never had a pet before. A smart decision would be to wait until your family has more time to spend with the pet, find out if your child has allergies , and if your child is old enough to understand how to behave around animals.
Other points to remember
If your children recognize the importance of being calm and calm around a new pet as the animal becomes comfortable in the home, then this could be a good time to adopt. Still, keep these other tips in mind:
Speak and consider the decision wisely
Talk to your children about responsibilities and take your time when observing animals. Animal shelter adoption staff members and responsible breeders should have ideas about potential pets for you, based on your situation and the ages of your children. Ask for their help and be honest about your family life and your children’s activity levels and patience.
Don’t Choose a Pet Just for Its Looks
Think about both the pet’s needs and the safety of your children. When it comes to dogs, there are many breeds to choose from besides crossbreeds. It is important to ensure that the pet’s temperament and other traits do not expose your child to a high risk of injury. A large, strong dog may not be the best choice for a home with small children. Avoid animals that have behavioral problems or a history of aggression or biting.
Closely supervise your child around pets
Even if your children are respectful of the pet, you will need to closely supervise the interactions between your young children and the animal. This is to monitor for possible aggression problems and to make sure your children are not pulling the dog’s ears or grabbing the cat’s tail. An upset or fearful animal sometimes attacks and scratches or bites.
A new pet is a member of the family and can be a great source of joy for your child, but safety comes first. Unfortunately, children are the most common victims of pet bites and are much more likely to suffer serious injuries.
Many bites occur during rough play, because children don’t always realize when a pet is overstimulated or irritated. It is rare for a dog or cat to attack without a reason. Your children should be old enough to understand that they should not put their face close to the animal’s face and that they should not disturb a pet by grabbing its toys or treats. Additionally, young children should be kept away from pets when eating or sleeping.
Let your child help with training
Consider having your child participate in obedience training with you. This can help you learn how to properly handle a dog or puppy and train the animal only through positive interactions. Make sure your children understand that you should never yell at or hit a pet. All members of the household should use positive interactions to encourage ideal behavior. If you see worrying signs of animal abuse by your child, talk to your pediatrician for guidance.
Teach children how to care for a pet
You’ll probably do most of the pet care work, of course. However, if you have children who are approximately 5 years old or older, you can expect them to help you with some of the simple tasks, such as putting the dog on a leash, handing out treats after walks, or refilling the water bowl.
Caring for an animal is a great way to learn about responsibility and caring for others. Setting a time with your child to exercise and brush your pet can help them develop responsible behaviors. It can also support your child’s sense of organization, which is vital to her mental health.
Pets and their people also create a bond that can help teach about tenderness and care for another animal. Children can carry these skills over as they interact with others.