Pets for children and babies: top 3, safetymum

Pets for children are fascinating. It’s no wonder that sooner or later every child will want their own pet.

But which pet is right for your child? There are many factors to consider when purchasing an animal roommate.

Here is an overview of all pets for children:

rodents
What you about Rabbits need to know
What you about Guinea pig need to know

Pets for children bring many advantages

Although children are especially big fans of animals, many adults also want a pet. The impulse for a pet does not always have to come from the child.

If you want your child of the Taking advantage of a pet benefits, you too can take the first step.

Pets for children offer many advantages:

they promote a sense of responsibility
ensure a more stable immune system
the direct presence of the pet ensures that the amount of the stress hormone cortisol in the blood drops: the cuddly hormone oxytocin is responsible for this
in addition, children with an animal buddy are on average more active than their animal-free peers.

The decision affects the whole family

Even if it is the wish of a single family member: When deciding for or against a pet, the whole family must be involved. It is particularly important to clarify whether there are allergies that could become a problem.

The parents must also be aware that the primary responsibility lies with them. This also applies if the child wishes to have a pet.

Pets for children are not disposable items but sentient beings. They must also be allowed to keep their place in the family if the offspring no longer want to take care of them or move out at home.

Anyone who cannot or does not want to assume this responsibility as a parent should refrain from purchasing a pet.

After all, time and money play a crucial role here.

When deciding against an animal roommate, it is important to explain to the child in a comprehensible manner why it is currently out of the question. Simply denying the wish causes frustration.

Which pet suits my child?

is yourself Family agrees that they want to take one of the pets for children, the question of the right fur nose automatically arises.

But does it have to be a furry addition at all??

Deciding which type can move into the house depends on many factors. You should definitely consider:

time
financial burden
Life expectancy
Family lifestyle: Is your family very active, likes to go hiking and spend a lot of time in nature? Or you prefer cozy board game evenings and the fresh air on your own balcony?

Depending on the activity level, some pets are more suitable for children than others. In the following you will find an overview of possible pets and their needs and requirements.

Come on the dog

Over 8 million dogs live in German households, making them one of the most popular pets.

Many toddlers often rave about cute little dog puppies, but picking up a puppy costs even more strength than picking up a dog that has already been trained.

Dog breeds usually actively seek contact with humans and need a lot of attention.

This makes it very time-consuming to look after them: Going for a regular walk, whatever the weather, is a must.

Often the dog breeds have to get out early in the morning to relieve themselves. Even on weekends.

Depending on the size of the four-legged friend, their own offspring is not (yet) able to keep the animal on a leash, which is why the responsibility lies with the parents.

General knowledge about dogs

The dog as a pet is a carnivorous mammal that can live for 7-18 years.

Dogs are pack animals, which means that the dog wants to protect its pack – humans.

Above all, the dog’s sense of smell is very strong, which is why it can smell through closed objects, such as suitcases.

What does a dog cost??

The cost of a dog is quite high compared to other pets. The following cost points come up to you:

Dog license: The annual tax varies greatly from place to place. While it is often only around € 50 in small communities, up to € 150 may be due in large cities. Ask your local citizens’ office how high the dog tax is in your place of residence.
Feed costs: The expenses for food vary depending on the size of the dogs. It is worth buying a high-quality feed, even if this is quite expensive at first glance. In the long term, it is good for your four-legged friend’s health.
Vet bills: Vaccinations (approx. € 50 / year) and worm treatments (approx. € 20 / year) are regular costs. As with humans, some dogs tolerate vaccinations well, while others do not. A consultation with the veterinarian helps. Worm treatments are usually due every three months. The dose depends on the body weight, which is why the costs vary greatly depending on the breed. It is also worthwhile to save a monthly sum for emergencies. If the dog is operated on, the bill quickly amounts to € 1,000 and more. Various insurance companies now also offer tariffs for pets. If interested, these should be completed early.
Dogs liability: Dog liability is compulsory in almost all federal states. In most, however, only for special breeds. Only in Bavaria, Bremen and Mecklenburg-West Pomerania is it not mandatory, but it is recommended. The costs depend on the breed and start at around € 35 per year.
Care costs: Dogs are very social animals and do not like to be alone for long periods of time. Day care, or at least a walk around the street, should definitely be considered if the fur nose would otherwise be alone for more than four hours a day. If the dog cannot go on family vacation for logistical reasons, extra costs must also be calculated here.
Dog school: A dog school is particularly worthwhile for families in which a dog has never lived.

What does the initial equipment look like??

Although dogs are very frugal animals, accessories are important. But you don’t need to spend a fortune here:

A collar or harness
short and long leash
cozy basket with blanket
several water and food bowls
brush
Zeckenzange
toy

Where can I find the perfect child-friendly dog?

When all financial aspects have been clarified, the concrete choice of a dog has to be made. Should it be a puppy? Or a full-grown animal?

Puppies do a lot more work at the beginning than their adult counterparts.

Since young dogs can not last that long, they have to go out almost every hour. At night, the frequency drops a bit, but you should still be prepared to get up.

Adult dog breeds always have a history, but often the basic obedience.

According to the animal rights organization PETA are in German animal shelters yearly given over 120,000 dogs. Not all of them are problem dogs!

Many animals land there with a heavy heart because of separation, relocation or allergy and want nothing more than a new home.

If it does not necessarily have to be a breeding dog, you can visit the local animal shelter with your family and take a walk there with the dogs to get to know them.

By the way, pedigree dogs are also very often found in the animal shelter. You should allow a few weeks to find the perfect family dog.

How do I recognize a child-loving dog?

Before you choose a dog, there are a few indicators of a child-friendly dog:

Chemistry between humans and animals: Often you notice when you first meet, if this is not correct
patience
high stimulus threshold
protective instinct

Especially small children often put their four-legged friends to the test. When they examine the floppy ears or try to find out how the dog feels throughout the body.

A high stimulus threshold ensures that Bello stays calm even during a visit or the next children’s birthday party.

There are also dogs who prefer a quiet environment and therefore do not feel comfortable in a household with many children.

A strong protective instinct is basically not a bad thing, but it takes a lot of training before the dog can tell play and seriousness.

As long as this ability is not available, there is a risk that the four-legged friend wants to protect his little person, even though he only rages with a few friends.