Finding your child a pet

It is normal to see children being so enthralled by puppies and other pets.  Nothing warms the heart than to see the joy on a young girl or boy's face upon receiving a puppy for her or his birthday.  Watch the longing in children's eyes when they peer through the show window of pet shops at the cute bundles of four legged creatures in their cages, with their pleading look that seem to say, "take me home".

Veterinary doctors believe that getting a new pet is like adopting a member of the family.  One has to devote a great deal of time, energy and even money to take care of them.  You have to keep them clean and healthy all the time, give them food and a good place to stay in.  So make sure that you know the best pet to get before going to shop.

According to a famous veterinary doctor  the following are some points to consider before getting your child the best pet:

Child age.  Age of your child and financial concerns.  Take into account your child's age and how he can take care of the pet.  Take into consideration that pets need vaccination every three weeks for the first four months to six months of age.  You will need cages, food and toys and even spraying too.

"Should I get a dog or a cat".  Consider this point if you decide to get a cat or dog, choose the breed carefully.  What is the life span?  How big do adults go?  How does  it behave with children?  Carefully consider where to get the dog or cat too.  According to research animals kept in close quarters often arrive ill. 

Pocket pets.  You may also get small animals like hamsters, white rats, rabbits, and guinea pigs but consider some brief notes about pocket pets. 

Pocket pets alternative

        Hamsters as pets. They sleep during the day, when your child will probably most want to play with the new pet. They may bite if they don't appreciate  being awakened.

        White rats as pets.  These animals are quite intelligent but their historic low status may scare people off.

        Rabbits as pets.  They are shy creatures and they may require really large cages.  Although many can be little-box trained but most still "pop" as they walk.

        Guinea pigs as pets.  Although they are very adorable to look at, many people are allergic to them.

Reptiles as pets

Veterinary doctors revealed that as a pet, most reptiles like lizards and small snakes are really not cuddly.  It may not be advisable to make them your child's first pet because they can use their nails and jaws as weapons.

Source: MOD, Smart Parenting