Pet Health

Pet Health benefits for Children

Research has shown that antibody levels in children from pet owning families were significantly more stable which indicates a robust immune systems. This supports the suggestion that too much cleanliness early in life, so-called "dirty hypothesis", can leave the immune system weakened later on and is considered the reason for soaring rates of childhood asthma in recent years.

Pets do have health risks for children but the study from Warwick University found that three out of 10 children admitted sharing food with their pets while 21% let their pets lick their fingers despite these dangers. One of the biggest risks is the roundworm Toxicara canis which infects dogs. This can cause anything from stomach ache to eye damage. Despite these dangers pet owning children achieved nine days extra at school over the course of a year compared to children without animals.

Social skills in Children with Pets are improved

Children with Pets learn Responsibility

By having a family pet children can also learn how to care for others by taking on responsibility. Through this they learn what is required to take care of another instance, walking a dog shows the child that there is responsibility involved in taking care of a pet. The child will at the same time strengthens his or her relationship with the animal who, in return, will become a loyal friend who is always there to play with or to turn to in tough situations.
Emotional Health Thanks to Pets

Children with Pets learn Acceptance and Compassion

Sometimes a child can find it difficult to be accepted by others, even by members of their family and can result in low self esteem to develop. A dog or cat is non-judgmental and when a child needs an impartial party for comfort they can turn to their animal. Children and Pets both in their natural state give love freely and with no strings attached except to be nurtured back. Pets love to have attention paid to them, and reward the giver with a like return of warmth. Kindness can also develop because the child has to care for a being that needs him or her to cater to its every need. Without the child, the pet would starve. So, the child learns responsibility and compassion.

Cooler weather during fall and winter months can cause special risks to your pets. As a pet parent, it is your duty to make sure that your pet is well taken care of. Do whatever it takes to provide a "warm" living environment for your pet child.

All indoor pets should have a warm, dry area to sleep. Be sure to provide them with bedding, and wash it frequently (weekly is recommended).

If weather conditions become bad, bring in outdoor animals.

Because staying warm requires extra calories, you may want to give your pet more food or change their diet. Consult with your veterinarian for additional information.

Weekly brushes are recommended due to shedding during these months.

Always supply enough fresh, clean water for your pet. If it is cold out, check the water for ice formation and remove if needed.

Take your animal for a check-up before winter kicks in.

Animals that are not in good health should NOT be exposed to winter weather for long periods of time.

Do not leave your animal unattended near ponds and/or lakes. Animals can easily fall through the ice, and it is very difficult for them to escape on their own.

Keep your pet away from space heaters and fireplaces.

To keep a pet's pads from getting chapped and raw, wipe their feet with a washcloth once they come inside.

Be aware of two serious conditions caused by cold weather: frostbite and hypothermia.

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