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Pets are one of the best things that you can give any child. There are different pets for different circumstances. Explore your options and discuss these with someone who may be able to help, such as your local vet.
Small animals, such as rats, rabbits and guinea pigs can help introduce children to the joys of owning a pet. Dogs, cats and birds require probably more specialized care. However, all animals need to be researched for their proper care, feeding and disease prevention. Benefits to Have a Pet:
All children can benefit from owning a pet. Nurturing and responsibility are the main benefits:
Choose a Pet:
Choice of pet depends on the individual circumstances of the owners. Do take into consideration of the following aspects:
Remember that large pets require large exercise areas and frequent walks. You can live in a palace, but if the pet does not go outside the house and see the wide world out there, then it may as well be in jail. Choose a pet that suits your lifestyle and your family circumstances.
Training:
Well trained pets are like well mannered children, they are a joy to have. So start training your pet early. Seek help and guidance.
Socialize your pet as early as you can, by introducing it to other animals of the same and different species. Dogs and cats can and do become wonderful friends. So do dogs and birds and cats and rabbits.
Introduce pets to other members of the family, to children, to adults and to strangers. Join a puppy school or join a dog training class.
It is far better to be present during the training classes, in which you can learn the correct way of training your pet and then rewarding it for good behaviour.
We do not recommend sending your loving pet away to be trained for two to three weeks. Your pet will only learn the commands and obey them, but it does not learn to love you in the process.
Slow and steady and persistence is the key to good manners.
Pets and Babies:
Dogs and cats should never be left unsupervised with little children.
If a new baby is due in a family, it is a good idea to decide early where the pet will reside:
Pets Health and Care:
All pets require worming and disease prevention. It is cheaper to prevent diseases by regular vaccinations than it is to treat them. Your local vet will help and advise you on what is required for a healthy, happy pet.
Pets require regular parasite control for pests like fleas and ticks. Learn which shampoos are better for the coat and which ones will not wash off the expensive flea prevention that you have used.
Large animals should have a padded or soft place to sleep. If they sleep on a hard surface, they will develop calluses on their elbows and knees. Train large dogs to sleep on these mats or beds early in life. Once this habit is formed, it can be reinforced by saying “go to your bed”. Keep white animals out of the sun. They can and do get skin cancer.
Microchip and register you pet. In this way, if it ever gets out of your house, it can be found and returned to you.
There are lots of reasons why animals should be desexed. Desexing pets help with aggression, as well as some of the associated cancers and infections. Undesexed pets often run away to find mates and then can get hit by cars or lost.
Teach your dog to walk on a lead. Take it out for regular exercise. This is great for both your family and the dog. Children learn to take care of the dog, as well as to control it outside the house.
Learn what foods to feed your pet. Chocolates are poisonous to birds, dogs and cats. Give balanced diets to your pets. Seek guidance about the type and amount to feed. Overweight pets are unhealthy.
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