A Blog For Mums
Sharing your life with a furry, feathery, or scaly companion can be a wonderful experience for children, teaching them responsibility, empathy, and an appreciation for nature.
Plus, having a pet is fun, right?
However, not all pets are created equal when it comes to their suitability for different age groups.
As a parent, you have to consider your child’s developmental stage, energy levels, and the time commitment required to care for a particular pet before you give in to the pleading.
This guide will help you understand what to expect from pet ownership, and which animals are a good fit and which should be avoided. This should mean buying a pet is enjoyable for you, your child, and their new best friend.
Numerous studies have highlighted the profound impact that pets can have on a child’s overall well-being. Dr. Danielle Bernal, a global veterinarian with Wellness Pet Company, emphasises that “the human-animal bond benefits health at every stage of life.”
Pets can serve as a non-judgmental source of support, promoting healthy social development, enhancing communication skills, and teaching a sense of responsibility.
Dr. Sara Siddiqui, a paediatric and adolescent medicine specialist, adds that pets can provide valuable life lessons, nurture a connection with nature, and instil respect for all living beings.
Moreover, the simple act of snuggling with a furry friend has been shown to reduce stress and lower blood pressure, while playtime with pets encourages physical activity and a healthy lifestyle.
Before becoming a pet owning household, you really have to evaluate your family’s lifestyle, living space, and financial capabilities.
Carly Fox, DVM, a senior veterinarian at NYC’s Schwarzman Animal Medical Center, offers some sage advice:
By carefully considering these factors first, you can ensure a harmonious coexistence between your family and your new pet.
Getting it wrong can lead to heartbreak – imagine having to tell your kids their beloved puppy has to go and live with someone else…
While your child’s dream may be to have a pet, certain animals are better avoided when children are very young, primarily due to safety concerns and the potential for transmitting illnesses.
This doesn’t mean they are bad options altogether, some make great pets for slightly older children, but not for those of pre-school age.
Here are some pets that may not be the best choices for families with young children:
These “pocket pets” are undeniably adorable, but they are often terrified of humans, especially when purchased as adults from pet stores. Additionally, they can potentially spread infections to children if they come into contact with faecal particles or are handled improperly.
Dr. Fox cautions that “small mammals are delicate and require specialised handling, which can be difficult for young children to learn due to their curious nature.” Furthermore, their short lifespans (gerbils live approximately two years) may lead to disappointment and heartache for young children.
While ferrets are playful and intelligent, they can also be aggressive and prone to biting, which may not be well understood by small children. They are notorious escape artists and may carry illnesses, making them a less-than-ideal choice for households with young kids.
You would be surprised how many people consider them though.
Birds are popular pets due to their beauty, relatively low cost, and friendly nature. However, small children may struggle to hold them gently or forget to close the cage door, leading to potential escapes. Additionally, birds like parakeets and parrots can be quite vocal, squawking and talking throughout the day, which may be disruptive in a household with young children.
Turtles, snakes, iguanas, and frogs may be allergy-friendly, but they can harbour germs and may not appreciate being cuddled, which could frustrate a young child. Furthermore, snakes require feeding on live prey like crickets or mice, which some children may find distressing.
Iguanas can grow up to 1.8 metres long and may become aggressive, while the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends that children under the age of 5 avoid handling reptiles, amphibians, and their environments due to the risk of salmonella.
Like small rodents, rabbits are prey animals and may become frightened when handled, leading to kicking, squirming, and potential injury, especially with young children. Dr. Fox emphasises that “injury can occur easily with inadvertent rough handling by young children, which could even be fatal, so they shouldn’t handle these pets without supervision.”
When it comes to babies and toddlers, the safest option is often a well-trained and behaved dog or cat that the parents already owned before the child’s arrival. Dr. Bernal explains that these pets can support immune system development, reduce the risk of allergies, and contribute to emotional and cognitive growth.
However, it’s crucial for parents to remain vigilant during all interactions to ensure the safety of both the child and the pet. Constant supervision is key, as even the most gentle pet may become overwhelmed or inadvertently harm a young child.
Do not leave a baby or toddler alone with a dog or a cat, whatever you do.
As children reach school age, their ability to handle responsibilities and engage with pets increases.
Dr. Bernal recommends low-maintenance yet interactive pets that can actively engage with kids in fun and unique ways.
In addition to dogs and cats, here are some excellent options which I previously ruled out:
Budgies, or parakeets, are colourful and entertaining companions that can bring joy and a sense of responsibility to school-aged children. Daily tasks like filling their food and water dishes can help establish a pet care routine. By this stage, children should be able to handle the birds sitting on their hands etc. as well.
Contrary to popular belief, rats and mice can make wonderful pets for children over the age of 5. These intelligent creatures are known for their friendliness and can even learn tricks, providing hours of entertainment and bonding opportunities. If they escape they can be difficult to catch though, so it’s best to supervise play time.
Geckos are fascinating reptiles that can capture a child’s imagination while requiring relatively low maintenance. They are generally docile and can be handled with proper supervision and care.
Guinea pigs are social, affectionate, and make delightful purring sounds, making them an excellent choice for school-aged children. They are generally easier to handle than rabbits and can live up to 7 years with proper care. They do get frightened though, especially in the early stages of ownership, so remind your children to be calm and careful around them.
While fish cannot be cuddled, they can teach children about responsibility through daily feeding routines. Additionally, watching these colourful underwater creatures can be calming and educational for young minds. They are also super low maintenance which is a blessing if you aren’t keen on the idea of a pet in the first place.
As children enter their teenage years, their energy levels and independence increase, making more active pets like dogs and cats ideal companions. Dr. Bernal notes that dogs, in particular, can serve as loyal and active partners, joining in on family activities and providing a sense of companionship during this transitional phase.
She recommends breeds known for their gentle and affectionate nature, such as Cavalier King Charles Spaniels, Cavoodles (Cavalier King Charles Spaniel and Poodle mixes), Labrador Retrievers, Golden Retrievers, English Bulldogs (they look mean but they are slow and friendly), Newfoundlands, and Beagles.
Cats, on the other hand, can be just as affectionate as dogs but typically require less intensive care, making them an excellent choice for teenagers who may eventually move into smaller living spaces.
Welcoming a new pet into your home is an exciting and memorable time, but don’t forget your responsibilities.
You should manage the introduction process carefully to create a safe and positive environment:
By following these guidelines, you will see a strong bond quickly build between your child and their new friend.
Parenthood
