Your Child’s First Pet – What You Need To Know

Jan. 8, 2010 - PRLog -- Many children want a pet, and it's a perfect way to teach children responsibility and there is nothing quite as exciting for a child as bringing home their first pet. Engaging a child with a Pet not only gives them activities to have fun but also gives other benefits as well.

•   “Children who play with their dogs and participate in family walks and activities with the dog have an increased level of exercise”, says Dr. Satbir Josan.

Various studies by international experts and also by Waltham Center for Pet Nutrition, UK prove that pets provide social and emotional benefits to children as well as the physical benefits. N Balasubramanian, Pet care Demand Director at Mars India offers the following tips to parents who are considering agreeing to their child’s pleas for a pet.

•   What kind of space do you have and what size animal can you accommodate.
A large dog, for example, is going to need a nice yard while a hamster will only need a cage. Knowing before you go searching what type of animal you will get, will make the selection process easier.

•   How much of time can you, and your child, put into caring for a pet each week?
You will need to allocate time each week to care for and exercise your pet but it is also worth thinking about how long your pet is likely to live.

•   Can you provide proper care and accommodation for a pet?
A dog requires plenty of mental and physical stimulation, not to mention any outside areas being securely fenced. They also require grooming, exercise and a warm place to sleep at night. Cats do not have the same need for activity but every cat enjoys having toys to play with and needs some grooming and a place to curl up in at night

•   What sort of lifestyle do you have?
If your children are at school and you are not at home during the day, some pets will become bored and a bored pet can become a destructive pet. Plenty of exercise is a must for dogs and the kids can help in this area by making sure they spend time outside with the dog after school

•   What sort of pet can you afford?
While many pets are quite inexpensive to keep, it is important to consider the cost of looking after a pet before you – or your child – falls in love with a puppy or a kitten. You will need to consider all the day-to-day expenses such as food, registration, training and care but you should also plan for unexpected costs such as a veterinary emergency. You can purchase pet insurance and many people find that this provides peace of mind

In the end, remember to think with your brain and not your heart. Baby animals are hard to resist and purchasing the wrong animal for your family can lead to some broken hearts later. It's better to say no to that puppy now than be forced to give him or her away later after the family has potentially become attached.

To choose the right puppy you can get help from a guide - "Select a pet” an excellent guide prepared by makers of Pedigree brand of dog food. For advise call pedigree call center - 1800 407112121.