Finding the right pet for your kids might seem simple. Just
take the children to the pet store and let them decide which
animal suits them best, right? In reality, this is a recipe for
trouble. That cute little puppy could grow into a large dog that requires drool-cleaning
each and every day. Those tiny kittens can ruin your furniture
and create havoc with your fish tank. Keeping your kids and
your pets happy means choosing wisely when purchasing pets for
kids--whether you're looking for your first pet or an addition
to a household that already has a pet or two.
Finding a Good Fit
Older children will be able to care for pets much more easily
than young children. Buying a relatively low-maintenance pet
for your toddler can be a smart idea. A fish tank filled with
bright and easy-to-care-for fish can be wonderful for teaching
a child to take care of an animal, and you won't end up with as
much work on your plate as a dog or cat would require.
Cats are best purchased for quieter children or children who
won't be tempted to play too roughly with the cat, since cats
can have short tempers for things like tail pulling, squishing,
or being picked up when they don't want to be. Cats can be
wonderful pets for slightly older children, and they are fun to
play with as well. There are so many fascinating toys for cats
that both cats and children will enjoy the play. An adult
should monitor this play to make sure that it remains safe for
both parties.
Committing to a Dog
A dog can require a bit more daily commitment than a cat.
Children and dogs are a perfect mix, as long as you make sure
to get the right breed of dog. Many dogs are active and
good-tempered, so the choices are plentiful. A small dog might not intimidate young
children as much as a larger one would, but be careful to
choose a breed with the right
temperament for children. Beagles, Wheaton Terriers, and
Boston Terriers consistently rank among the top family dog
breeds. These dogs are extremely loyal and fun-loving. Terrier
breeds tend to be tenacious when it comes to playing and can
often outlast a child at a game of fetch. Terrier breeds are
also considered quite smart, so teaching the new puppy some tricks should
not be too difficult.
Other wonderful family dog breeds
include the Cocker Spaniel, the English Staffordshire Bull
Terrier, and the Australian Shepherd. These breeds, like the
ones mentioned earlier, are loyal and playful. A good way to
choose the best dog for your family is to spend time with
several different breeds. Your local animal shelter is the
perfect place to start. They often have pure-bred and mixed
breed dogs available and many are trained, spayed or neutered, and up to date on all
of their vaccinations. Speaking with a local dog trainer or
your veterinarian can also help you to decide which dog breed
is right for your family.
Even with the recommendation of an expert, every dog has their
own personality. Keeping an open mind while searching for the
right dog is imperative. Having your heart set on a specific
breed to the exclusion of all others is a good way to miss a
perfect addition to your family, so be open! Also, remember
that many dogs can live well into their twenties. This means
that your family pet will be around the home even after your
child has left for college. Caring for a dog is a big
responsibility and the entire family will need to be involved.
Keeping your kids and pets happy is not a difficult job. Some
good planning will go a long way toward reaching the goal of
happy kids and happy pets.
How to choose the best pet for your child
Chances are your child is imploring for a pet and you have no
clue what to buy. It is important that you select the best pet
for your child. Before buying or adopting any pet, it is
important to consider the age of your child.
Knowing pets and caring for
them
The correct age for getting a pet of one's own depends on
multiple factors. A few children are lucky to be born into
households where a pet is already part of the family. This
makes it easier to introduce another pet to the child. If your
family does not own a pet, you should adopt or buy a dog or a
cat only if your child is a minimum of five years old. The
reason is at this age, your child could walk and feed the pet.
Children at this age can comprehend the difference between
playing with an animal and mistreating it. Kids this age
understand why dangerous objects should be kept out of reach
and it is not a good idea to invade any animal's personal space
when it eats. As a parent and a pet owner, it is important you
teach your child how to care for pets. You have to closely
supervise them. A young age makes an excellent age to teach
your children responsibility. You should ask yourself a few
questions before you choose the animal to adopt or buy. If you
live in a flat, then adopting a puppy may not be the best
choice as they are energetic. Consider also the time the pets
would be alone inside the house while you and your spouse will
be at work and your child at school. Some pets like to be alone
and a few prefer company.
Pet selection
Be careful choosing a pet in case your child suffers from
allergies. Make sure that the animal is indirectly not
increasing the allergic reaction. If you like to travel, then
there is the consideration of keeping your pet in the care of
others. Do remember that pet food is pricey. A good pack costs
a lot of dollars. Choose fish if you think your child can clean
the aquarium and understand the benefits of freshwater. Guinea
pigs are friendly and perfect for children aged 10 years and
up. Rabbits could appear cute but they are mean beasts. They
bite and they should be handled carefully. Kittens are
extremely adorable and make superb entertainment sources. They
also spike allergy levels. Puppies are fun but they must be
toilet trained.
More on Finding the Right Pet
The Best City Dog
Breeds
The Most Active Dog
Breeds
Easiest Cats to Care
For
