Important

pets or pets can be an important development of the child in all respects element: physical and emotional. 

Despite all the advantages that may involve having a pet at home we must weigh the risks and know them properly to prevent them. 

Children caring pet learn something fundamental: the importance of love and respect for animals. It is a way of taking responsibility. 

It is a common fact that most little kids ask for an animal at home. If parents agree to that request must do so in an act of responsibility; should explain to the child that is not a toy but a living being that needs care. 

You should choose a pet that suits the way 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 the smallest and also for families to enjoy joint activities of both game and animal care. 

It is common sense that the pet can not be more important than your baby or toddler, but animals (eg dogs) do not. With the attitude of parents and relatives animal must understand that the child is always above him in the family hierarchy; for example, we give the attention first baby and then the animal: hello baby first arrived home, for example. 

Benefits of Pets for Children 

Living with a pet helps to develop a sense of responsibility and understand that others also have needs. It is recommended that the child takes over the small tasks of having a pet: walk, food, food dish washing .... 

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. Also the relationship with other living helps develop aspects of non-verbal communication and the ability intuition. 

Also children who live with pets can gain 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 the attacks of jealousy. 

At the immunological level, some studies claim that living with dogs and cats from birth strengthens the immune system and prevents the development of allergies. 

Risks of pets 

With most pets there is always the risk of bites or scratches, so you must train well to animals and educate the child to respect it and do not bother when the animal is eating or sleeping. If you buy a pet should choose a peaceful race, having a suitable temperament to be with children. 

The increased 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 it to the vet regularly and, if causes any injury to the child, take him to the pediatrician immediately. 

It is important to keep the animal under optimal hygienic conditions as they may be carriers of fungi (ringworm) and fleas. Do not let the child touch the excrement of animals and you 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) because these children are more prone to be sensitized and become allergic to these animals. 

We should never leave the child alone with the pet. As a final touch the ultimate responsibility for the care of the animal is the parents and not the child.