Monday, July 6, 2015

Finding the Right Pet for Kids

Taking care of pets teaches children about responsibility and compassion. Studies have proven time and again that children who grow up with pets are more confident and are happier. Being around pets also keeps people healthy!

If you have been thinking about adopting a pet for your child (despite the fact that you can't really have dragons as pets), it is best to do your homework. For starters, you could get your child to play pet games on one of the many virtual pet sites. Games apart, kids also need to take care of their virtual pets by feeding them and playing with them to keep their pets alive and kicking. Of course, taking care of a real life pet is a different ball game altogether and comes with its share of demands.

While some choose to adopt exotic pets, it is best to start with common pets. Choosing the right pet involves understanding the needs of the pets and to see if you have the environment and resources to match those needs.


Cats
Kittens are some of the most sought-after pets for young children. These fur balls love to play and do need attention, though they are not as demanding as dogs, and are equally comfortable to be on their own. Some people can be allergic to cats, so you will need to check for that. Fostering a kitten first rather than adopting one can tell you if anyone in your family is allergic to cats.


Shimmer…” by Helena Jacoba is licensed under CC BY 2.0
Dogs
The needs of dogs differ according to their breed. You will need to choose the right puppy based not on their cuteness but by understanding if you can provide for them. Dogs need a lot of attention, playtime and daily walks. Bigger breeds need a lot of space to run around and cannot be kept in small apartments.


puppy” by Lisa L Wiedmeier is licensed under CC BY 2.0
Hamsters
Hamsters are adorable and easy to maintain. They don’t require a lot of fussing and they do quite well on their own. They are usually active at night, so don’t require much care during the day. However, it is important to clean their cage and bedding regularly as they can get smelly.


Bubble the shy hamster” by Su—May is licensed under CC BY 2.0
Birds
Birds can be active, intelligent, and do need interaction. You will need to make sure that your child is ready and able to shower them with attention every day. They leave behind quite a mess in the cages and your child should be willing to handle that, and there is the constant chirping!


Angel” by Stephanie is licensed under CC BY 2.0


Pets also require vet attention from time to time for vaccinations and other check-ups. All pets need to be groomed, fed and played with but in varying degrees. By factoring in your child’s personality, the kind of commitment they will be able to give a pet, and your lifestyle, you will be able to make the right choice. 

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