Sometimes kids and pets don’t mix well. So, you’ll need to put some extra effort to make them get along. We’ve come up with some tips to make it possible.
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A pet might seem like the best addition to your picture-perfect family. But the question is whether they’ll get along with your kids or not. You see, if the kids and pets don’t go along well, it can destroy the peace in your house.
So, how can you ensure that the kids and pets are happy together so that they don’t tear down the house?
Well, you’ve come to the right place to get your answer. Let’s discuss some tips to strengthen the relationship between your kids and pets.
Are Pets Good for Children?
The first thought that every parent has before bringing in a pet is whether it’s safe for the kids. Obviously, that’s something to be concerned about as it is a matter of the kids’ safety.
So, are pets a good idea for your house if you have a baby?
Well, if the pets are gentle and know how to behave, they can teach your kids a good deal. You see, the bond between a child and their pet is pure and innocent.
Additionally, it has been found that 90% of the kids do their schoolwork more actively if they own a pet. Yes, it’s a fact; they improve children’s quality of life.
From that relationship, they learn how to care and take responsibility for something that they truly love. Plus, they also get a playmate. So, they won’t be bugging you all the time.
6 Tips to Implement Before Bringing a New Pet
An addition to the family means a lot of added responsibility. You need to ensure proper food, medication, and space in the house for the new pet.
Some pets even have weird food choices like Topflight Dubia Roaches. So, there are many things that you need to prepare for your pets, and to make the process easier, we have a few tips-
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Ask a Vet Live NowGet Your Pet Vaccinated
You might get all excited and buy a new puppy or kitten for your house. However, before letting them through the gates of your house, think about your kids.
They are tiny humans who haven’t fully developed a good immune system. That means they are prone to any disease that the pets can bring with them.
Thus, it’s important to vaccinate your pets, including dogs. That’s because you never know what disease they might carry.
This way, you ensure that the new member of the family doesn’t have any diseases.
More importantly, this ensures it’s safe for the kids to play with the pets.
Make the House Pet-Proof
Another task that you have to do before getting a pet in your house is pet-proofing the house. Now, if you have a toddler, you might already have a safe house.
However, if you don’t, think about making some changes. For instance, if you don’t want the pets in a certain room, put up gates.
Moreover, get rid of sharp objects on the floor and ensure that no faulty wires are coming out of any socket. You can also try other ways to pet-proof your house.
Know Your Vet Beforehand
You have to be prepared for the worst. Now, you might not want to consider this, but your pet will get sick at times. So, it’s good to know where to run in case of an emergency.
You certainly don’t want to wake up in the middle of the night and have a panic attack because of your dog. Also, your kid might get anxious if they see you worrying about the pet.
Instead, check up on your local vets and keep their number with you just in case.
Gradually Introduce the New Member
Now, once the new pet is in the house, you might want them to meet the kids. But there are some aspects you must consider. You see, kids might be excited to see a puppy or kitten, but the pets are new to the environment.
So, they might feel uneasy, and an excited kid will not help the case. Thus, you need to slowly allow the pet to bond with the children.
The best thing is to allow your pet to get comfortable in the house, and then you can let them meet the kids.
Make the New Addition Feel Welcome
After bringing the pet home, make them feel welcome. In this scenario, it’s essential to remember that the pet is facing a new environment.
They have already been separated from their family, so you have to make them feel loved. The best way of doing so is by treating the pet as a family member.
Start off by christening your pet with a name. In this case, you can get creative and pick out great names for your dogs or cats.
By that, we mean that you should value the pet. Allow them some time to be on their own. Feed and clean them regularly.
Always Keep the Kids and Pets Under Observation
When the pets and kids finally start to get along, make sure you are around to keep an eye on them. You see, no matter how much a pet might appear friendly, they will always get violent if kids harass them a lot.
But tables can turn, and the kids too can pick a fight with the pets. In short, you don’t know what type of an event may occur, so try to always keep an eye on them.
To Wrap Up
These tips will help with the bonding between your kids and pets. But remember, the vital part is to make your pet feel loved and safe. Try pampering them, and you’ll see how much they are willing to give in return.
Anyway, we hope your kid finds a best friend in their new pet. Take good care of the new member, and they will prove a great addition to your family!
Connect with a verified veterinarian in minutes. Licensed vets are available 24/7 to answer your questions. No need to worry about your furry family member.
Tom
Tom has always loved to write since he was little - he wanted to be either a writer or a veterinary doctor, but he ended up being a professional writer while most of his works are based on animals. He was born in San Francisco but later moved to Texas to continue his job as a writer. He graduated from the University of San Francisco where he studied biotechnology. He is happily married and a soon to be father!
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