11 Habits To Teach Our Children For Safe Living With Our Pets
Family pets have many benefits. Children who have pets are more active, compassionate, loving, and caring. Pets help ease stress and anxiety at school, improve childhood development, and help kids become more responsible. If you are wanting to get a pet for your kids, certain measures should be taken to ensure safety. Pets carry germs with them that can make us sick, even if they appear clean. It's important to bring these good practices into our daily routines and teach our kids how to be responsible with their pets.
- Selecting the right pet for your family
If you are thinking of owning a new pet, the first step is to research the right one for your family. Animals like rodents (rats, hamsters, etc.), reptiles (lizards, turtles, etc.), amphibians (frogs, toads, etc.), and backyard poultry should be avoided. Kids, pregnant women, and elderly people are more prone to get diseases from germs like Salmonella bacteria carried by these animals due to their low immunity levels. Even cats can transmit Toxoplasmosis bacteria. Avoid getting pets that shed if your child is allergic to animal fur or has asthma.
- Regular Vet Check-ups
Vet visits should be arranged at regular intervals to ensure the health of your pets. It's important to give them timely vaccinations, especially for diseases like rabies. Consult a Vet immediately if you ever feel that your pet is sick.
- The habit of washing hands
It's important to develop a habit of washing hands after being with pets or touching their food, waste, cages, toys, etc. Washing your hand is important before breastfeeding/preparing formula, handling baby bottles, pacifiers, and holding infants and kids.
- Cleaning our house, pet, and its supplies
Vacuuming and cleaning should be done frequently to keep your house free of pet hair. Pets need regular baths as advised by your vet. Clean cages, habitats, and supplies regularly.
Here are 11 good habits to teach children to be safe with pets.
- Don't let children tease pets, as it can provoke an animal to bite or scratch.
- Encourage children to inform parents or caretakers immediately after getting pet bites, scratches, or if there are any bleeding wounds.
- Never leave children alone with an animal.
- Keep pets outside of your children's rooms.
- Don't let pets kiss or lick the child’s face or mouth.
- Never hold pets close to the child’s face.
- Don't let kids kiss the pet, especially in those areas close to their face.
- Don't disturb an animal that is eating, drinking, or sleeping.
- Keep pet supplies outside the kitchen area or any other areas where food is kept, served, or eaten.
- Encourage children to always wash their hands with soap and water, after being with the pet or after handling their supplies or anything that has come into contact with your pet.
- Never allow children to eat or put their fingers, toys, or other objects into their mouths before washing their hands after being with pets.
If your child gets any pet allergies or falls ill, contact Jonesboro Pediatric Clinic, Jonesboro, AR. Call (870) 333-JPC1(5721) to make an appointment. To know more about Jonesboro Pediatric Clinic, visit https://jpckids.com/.
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