It’s a Big Decision
Pets can be a great addition to any family, but it’s important to choose the right one for your child. With so many options on the market, it can be hard to know where to start.
Here are a few things to consider when choosing a pet for your child:
- It’s a Big Decision
- Know Your Child’s Personality
- Consider the Pet’s Personality
- Think About Allergies
- Choose a Pet That Will Fit into Your Family’s Lifestyle
Pets can bring a lot of joy to a child’s life, but it’s important to make sure you choose the right one. Consider all the factors before making your decision to ensure that your child will be happy and healthy with their new friend.
Photo by Ekaterina Bolovtsova
They All Require Maintenance
Once you’ve decided on a pet for your child, remember they all require maintenance. Potential pet owners should research the specific needs of their chosen pet to ensure they can meet all the requirements they need to thrive.
- Healthy Diet – Proper nutrition is essential for any pet. Many pets require a specific type of food, and it’s important to know what they need and what foods are dangerous for them.
- Exercise – Exercise is just as important for pets as it is for people! Pets need to stay active to stay healthy, both physically and mentally.
- Time & Attention – All pets require different levels of time and attention. It’s important to understand what your pet needs and make sure they get it.
- Veterinary Support – Finally, regular visits to a veterinarian are recommended for any pet, including check-ups, vaccinations, and any medical treatments they may need.
It’s also important to consider the financial burden of having a pet. They will require food, toys, bedding, and other supplies, and can be expensive to care for. Make sure you take all these costs into account before making a commitment to a pet.
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Think Allergies
When choosing a pet for your child, you should also consider potential allergies. Allergies to animals, their dander, fur, and saliva, can all cause sneezing, itching, asthma, and more. Before you bring a pet into the home, make sure your child isn't allergic.
If allergy is a concern, there are certain breeds that are less likely to cause an allergic reaction. Hypoallergenic dogs like the Maltese, Poodle, Soft-Coated Wheaten Terrier, and Shih Tzu and hypoallergenic cats like the Siamese, Devon Rex, and Balinese are all good choices.
There are also many breeds of animals that have no fur, like fish, turtles, snakes, and lizards. These types of pets are often recommended for those who have allergies.
Finally, if you already have a pet and want to know if it may cause your child allergies, it's important to visit an allergist for testing. Don't forget to also examine your home and cleaning habits; these can also be the causes of allergies.
Photo by Mihaela Pastiu
Do Some Research on the Breed
Once you have established that allergies are not a factor, it's time to do some research on the breed you're considering. Every breed -- cats, dogs, birds, etc. -- has certain common traits. Research the behaviors, care requirements, size, and medical needs of the breed.
For example, if you decide to get a dog, you may want to investigate the size of the different breeds. If you want a small dog, Toy and Teacup breeds may be more suitable than large breeds such as Great Danes, Mastiffs, and Saint Bernards. You should also be aware of certain health problems that are common in some breeds; this is especially important if you plan on taking on the responsibility of an older pet.
Be sure to find out which type of exercise the adult breed needs, the type of grooming needed, and how much pen or yard space it needs. All puppies are cute so be sure that the research you are doing is on adult behaviors, sizes, and needs, not just on puppies. Too many puppies are given up once they become adults because their owners didn’t realize how big their puppy was going to get. too. Doing research will help ensure you get the right pet for your child and that you can meet its needs properly.
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Consider Adopting an Older Animal
Depending on your pet type, you might want to consider adopting an older one. For several reasons, adopting a more mature pet may be a better choice for a young child. For one, an older animal may already be house-trained and have some basic commands already learned. They may also have a calmer demeanor, making them a better fit for a younger child.
Adopting an older pet is also a great alternative for people who are on a tight budget. Many shelters charge lower fees for older pets since it can be more difficult to find them homes, and the cost of care can be much less. Older pets may simply require less energy, need less exercise, and need fewer vaccinations.
Lastly, older animals may have been in shelters for a long time so they may become more attached to their owners. To help older animals feel more comfortable, it's important to be patient with them and allow them to adjust to having a family.
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Get Ready for Lots of Laughs (and Maybe Some Messes, Too)
When people talk about bringing a pet into their home, they often forget to think about the joy and laughter that comes with having a furry friend. No matter the age of your child, having a pet offers an endless amount of laughter and fun.
Younger children often have a natural way of playing with animals that can result in much laughter and joy. Whether they are cuddling with them, tickling their bellies, or taking them for walks around the yard, their connection with animals will often make them forget their worries and offer them many memories that will last a lifetime.
Older children may find it more entertaining to teach their pets tricks and play hide-and-seek. Some kids might even enjoy cleaning up after their pets and be willing to take on the various responsibilities that come with owning a pet.
Kids of all ages can be captivated by animals, some offering even more love and laughter than humans. Pets can be a great addition to a child’s life, so it is important to consider the amount of love and joy they can bring.
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