Pets

Pets or pets can be an important child development element in all its aspects: physical and emotional. Despite all the advantages that may involve having a pet at home we must weigh the risks and know them to prevent them properly. 

Children who care for pets learn something fundamental: the importance of love and respect for animals. It is a way of taking responsibility. It is a common fact that the smallest of the house ask for an animal at home. If parents agree to this request should do so in an act of responsibility; They should explain to the child who is not a toy, but a living being who needs care. 

You should choose a pet that suits the way of family life and home conditions. The children's preferences in choosing a pet are: dogs, cats, hamsters, turtles and fish. 

Having a pet can be a great opportunity to teach respect for nature and animals to smaller and family to enjoy joint activities both as care game animal. It is common sense that the pet can not be more important than the baby or toddler, but animals (eg dogs) do not know. With the attitude of parents and family the animal must understand that the child is always above him in the family hierarchy; for example, we give the care first and then the animal baby: baby greet the first arriving home, for example. 

Benefits of pets for children 

Living with the pet helps develop a sense of responsibility and understand that others also have needs. It is recommended that the child take care of small tasks of having an animal at home: walk, food, dish washing food .... 

Living with a pet from an early age seems to help develop greater self-confidence and relationships with others. They are more sociable and more empathic toward other children. 

Besides the relationship with other living it helps develop aspects of nonverbal communication and the ability of intuition. 

Also children living with pets can reach a better understanding of life processes such as birth and death. In cases of jealousy by the arrival of a new sibling, the pet may reduce attacks of jealousy. 

At immune level, some studies claim that living with dogs and cats from birth strengthens the immune system and prevents the development of allergies. Risks of having pets With most pets there is always the risk of bites or scratches, so you must train well the animal and educate the child to respect it and do not bother when the animal is eating or sleeping. 

If a pet is bought must choose a peaceful race, have a right temperament to be with children. The greatest risk of a bite or a scratch is wound infection and the spread of infection. 

It is very important to the well vaccinated animal, take regularly to the vet and, if it causes injury to the child, take him to the pediatrician immediately. 

It is important to the animal with optimal conditions of hygiene as they can be carriers of fungi (ringworm) and fleas.

Do not leave the child touching the excrement of animals and should always wash your hands after touching the animal. Families who have allergic or atopic children should avoid fur animals (dogs, cats, horses) and pen (birds) as these children are more predisposed to become sensitized and allergic to these animals. We must never leave the child alone with the pet. As a final touch the final responsibility for the care of the animal is parent and not the child.