Island Parent Resource Guide Vol 35

PARENTING
Children & Pets
Tips for bringing a pet into your home
Pets can be a lot of fun if your family
is ready for the responsibilities
that come with them. They can
help teach children values and social
skills. Most relationships between people
and pets are positive.
There are some important health and
safety considerations to remember when
bringing a pet into your home. Both your
children and pet will be happier and
healthier if they know and understand
the rules. It’s important to take the time
to prepare and understand the realities of
having a pet.
If you decide to adopt a pet,
make sure it is healthy.
Adopt your pet from someone you
trust. Your veterinarian (vet) will be
able to offer suggestions.
Consider the final adult size of
your pet when deciding which kind to
adopt. Don’t forget that they grow and
might get bigger than you are prepared
to handle.
Make sure your pet sees the vet every
year and has all vaccinations.
Have your cat or dog spayed or neutered.
Get veterinary care when your pet is
sick.
Watch for any contact your pet has
with other animals that might carry
disease.
When you have a pet in your
home.
Teach your children to treat animals
gently and with respect.
Never leave a young child alone with
an animal. Accidents can happen when
children tease pets or touch them in a
way that makes them uncomfortable.
Involve your child in the care of your
pet. This helps children learn a sense of
responsibility.
Make sure your pet has a quiet and
comfortable place to go.
Don’t allow your pets to sleep with
children.
Don’t allow your pet to roam alone
in a baby’s room.
Don’t allow your pet to lick your
child’s face or any cuts or scratches.
Pets and allergies.
If you have a child with allergies,
think carefully about whether a pet is a
good idea. If their allergies get worse,
it can be hard to find a new home for
your pet. If you get a new pet and your
child starts to show signs of allergies,
consult your doctor for advice.
Dogs.
Look for a dog with a gentle nature.
Older dogs are a good idea only if
they have been around children.
Puppies can be a lot fun but tend to
have lots of energy. They need a lot of
time and patience for proper training.
Involve all family members in the training
so that the commands used are easy
for both your children and the dog to
remember.
Don’t leave your dog alone in the
house for long periods of time. If you
have to be away for long periods, a
dog might not be the right pet for your
family.
Keep your dog secure in a space that
they can be comfortable in.
Expose your dog to different types of
people and situations.
Dogs need lots of exercise. Encourage
your children to join you on walks
with the dog. Remember to use a leash
when walking your dog.
Cats.
Keep your cat indoors to protect
them from harm or disease.
Keep the litter box clean. Wash
hands thoroughly when done.
If a dog or cat is not the right type
of pet for your home, there are other
choices. Talk to your vet for ideas and
tips on care.
Reptiles, wild or exotic
animals.
Reptiles, such as turtles, lizards
and snakes, often carry Salmonella,
a kind of bacteria (germ) that can be
very hard to kill. Always wash your
hands after handling a reptile.
Exotic animals, such as sugar gliders,
hedgehogs or monkeys, are not good
pets for children. They can be dangerous,
or they may need special care that
young children can’t give.
Wild animals should not be kept as
pets.
Ferrets are not a good pet for homes
with young children.
The Canadian Paediatric Society
is the national association of paediatricians,
committed to working together to advance
the health of children and youth by nurturing
excellence in health care, advocacy, education,
research and support of its membership.
caringforkids.cps.ca
22 Island Parent Magazine IslandParent.ca