25/04/2024
Today is World “Kids & Pets” day!
So your children want pets? They’re begging for a kitten to cuddle, or a rabbit they can feed, but you’re not so sure as it’s a big commitment. Well, before you make your decision about bringing pets into the family, discover the top reasons why having a pet is actually good for your children’s health and development.
1. They decrease allergies
Research shows that children who grow up in homes with pets are likely to have a stronger immune system and less likely to develop childhood allergies and asthma.
2. Teaches responsibility
Tasks such as walking the dog or cleaning out the rabbit hutch teaches children to be responsible, as well as giving them a sense of achievement. Looking after a pet also helps children to develop empathy for others.
3. Helps with learning
Pets can help children with their learning. Educators have long used animals (mainly dogs) as a form of therapy in schools, using them to help developmentally challenged kids to learn.
4. Provides comfort and companionship
Pets offer comfort and companionship to kids. No matter what mood they are in, children find support and security from their animal companion, which often means they are less anxious or withdrawn.
5. They keeps families talking & promotes a healthy lifestyle
Having a pet helps to build family bonds as animals are often the focus of family activities. From walking the dog together to grooming or feeding the pet, these simple but enjoyable tasks allow everyone to slow down, enjoy each other’s company and communicate with one another. And in the process they get some outside time.
6. They’re fun!
Most importantly having a pet is fun. Whether it is a dog, cat, bird or rabbit, owning an animal brings enjoyment to any household.
However, children learn by example, and a good role model for pet interactions is essential to create a positive foundation. Also, your child will need ample guidance when learning how to play, pet, train, and feed their furry friend, so ensure you take the time to teach them appropriate pet care. Here are a few ways to encourage proper interactions between your kids and pets, to ensure their safety:
• Do allow your pet to leave during any interaction with children — Never force your pet to stay and be hugged, kissed, or played with, if they are uncomfortable. Ideally, your pet should initiate every interaction, such as asking your child to be petted or played with, and should be able to leave when they’re ready.
• Do allow your pet to have a safe space that’s off-limits to children — Sometimes, kids are a lot to handle, with their loud noises, sudden movements, and constant energy. Give your pet a safe place to relax that’s completely off-limits to children. Ensure the children understand that once your pet is in the safe zone, no one is to go there.
• Do teach your children how to properly approach and handle a pet — Pets should be the one to approach a child, and choose how much interaction they want. When an unfamiliar dog approaches, teach your child to be still, and wait for the dog to check them out before petting the back, avoiding the face. Many children need to be taught to pet gently, rather than patting roughly, so teach your child the appropriate petting technique.
• Do be present during interactions between your child and pet — Accidents can occur in an instant. Many incidents, such as a child falling on a sleeping pet, a baby crawling over to a dog chewing on a highly valued toy, or a kid pulling a tail, can incite a scratch or bite. Always supervise your child and pet when they are together, and intervene if necessary.
The don’ts:
• Don’t disturb a pet who is eating or sleeping — Pets can easily be startled when asleep, or their head is in a food dish. In addition, some pets are food-aggressive, and can become protective when eating. Teach your child to leave your pet alone when they are eating or sleeping.
• Don’t pull on a pet’s ears, tail, or whiskers — Children need to be taught the correct way to pet an animal, using gentle strokes, rather than rough pats. Small children are prone to grabbing and pulling, especially if they are learning to stand and walk, and may grab the tail, ears, or a fistful of skin, to pull themselves up.
• Don’t tease or hurt a pet — When playing with a pet, teach your child to avoid teasing, such as taunting your dog or cat with a toy they can never get. Keeping a toy constantly out of reach leads to a frustrated pet, and the heightened emotions can lead to displaced aggression.
• Don’t corner a pet — Never back a pet into a corner, or chase them under a table or into a small room. A cornered pet will likely be scared, and may lash out as self-protection. If a pet is trying to leave, let them.
If your child and your pet are the best of friends and spend their days side-by-side, please share their story with us on World Kids & Pets Day
