Are there any health risks — or benefits — that a family should consider when thinking about getting a pet?--Diana
From KidsHealth:
If you’re thinking of adding a furry family member to your brood, you’re not alone — the majority of U.S. households have at least one pet. Pets can provide companionship, opportunities for physical activity and play, and even stress relief. Letting kids care for pets teaches them about responsibility.
But there are other factors to consider when getting a pet. Pets can be time-consuming and expensive. So ask yourself if you can commit to regularly walking the dog or changing the kitty litter. And if your pet is sick, can you afford to pay vet bills?
In addition to being a lifestyle change, pet ownership can pose some health risks. Dogs and cats can scratch or bite, and even trigger allergies or asthma flare-ups in susceptible children. Nontraditional pets, like turtles or hamsters, can pass on infections, such as salmonella. Babies and young children, who are notorious for putting their hands in their mouths, are at the highest risk of getting sick.
That’s why experts discourage nontraditional pets for kids younger than 5. They also recommend waiting until age 5 before getting any pet because by this age most kids have better self-control and are able to understand (and obey) safety rules like “don’t touch” and “no.”
If you think your kids are ready for pets, introduce them to your friends’ well-behaved pets to observe their behavior around them. Supervise and encourage kids not touch pets if you haven’t given your consent. Be sure they don’t kiss the animals or put their hands in their mouths after touching them. And after playing, have kids wash their hands or use a hand sanitizer.
Welcoming a pet into your home is a big decision — so be sure to do your research. Reading pet guides or talking to a local veterinarian, as well as friends and neighbors who are pet owners, can help you decide if you’re ready for a pet and, if so, what kind of pet would be a good fit your family.
Related KidsHealth articles:
Selecting Safe Pets
Preventing Dog Bites
Sounds like there's a lot to gain from a pet, in addition to the extra work involved, especially if it's the right animal for your home. Anyone have any stories to share about how pets have made a difference to your family?