If your kid wants his or her fist pet, then think about a goldfish. Goldfish make ideal first pets for kids and there are many reasons for this. For one, your kid will have to take on the responsibility of looking after the fish. This will inculcate the sense of responsibility in him or her.

Secondly, it is not that expensive to maintain a goldfish when you compare it to the expense related to a dog or cat. The house will have a clean and quiet pet and there will be no unnecessary noise or disturbance. If you get your kid a puppy or kitten, it will require special care and attention and this can work out to be more expensive than you thought. In addition, you would have to cope with toilet training, barking or mewing and scratching. Besides, although the pet will be for your kid, you will end up looking after a dog or cat. But with a goldfish, you kid can take care of it all by himself or herself.

While there are many varieties of aquarium fish, go for a goldfish as a pet for your kid. Not only are they beautiful to look it, you will not be spending a bomb in feeding and looking after it. Goldfish is a cold water fish and you will not have to spend money on buying lights to heat up the aquarium. The only requirement is a large enough tank to allow the fish ample space to swim about freely. Also, do remember that goldfish do produce a lot of waste, so make sure you are around to help your kid clean up the tank. Do not get taken in by fish bowls as goldfish can grow quite fast and very soon the bowl will become useless. And, if you intend keeping several fish in the bowl, they will grow fast and then suffocate and die due to lack of oxygen and water.

Initially when the fish is small, you can keep it in a bowl. However, make sure that you get an aquarium soon. If you want, you can also release the goldfish into a pond in your garden.

When purchasing the goldfish, get your kid to select tank after getting all the necessary advice from the pet store. Make sure you also buy all the required supplies. Then set up the tank. Make sure that the water pH is suitable for the fish. Decorate the tank with plants and rocks. Then release the fish into the tank using the correct procedure of gradually opening and closing the bag until the pH levels of the water, the one in the bag and the one in the tank, are nearly the same.

Thereafter, make sure you give the proper instructions to your kid on how to feed the fish. Stand over them and keep a watch for the first few times. If you are satisfied, then leave this responsibility to your kid. However, make sure you keep reminding him or her about feeding the fish. Also, get your kid to select a name for the fish.

Looking for a furry friend for your kids? Or maybe a slimy one? Before you bring pets for kids into your family find out which animals makes the best… and worst pets for little ones. (You might be surprised at which animals fail the test!)

Fancy Rat - Best

Fancy Rats make great pets for kids… that is if parents can get past their “eek” factor. While they require a large caging area, if kept in a busy room of the home the rat will bond with the family and become a member of your clan in no time. Fancy Rats also enjoy being held and are actually highly intelligent.

Fun Fact: In Victorian times rich women would often take attic rats as pets and domesticate them. They would even dress them up!

Fish - Best and Worst

Goldfish can live up to 25 years… but usually they don’t. A fish is a great starter pet for kids because they are easy to manage and require little cost to keep. However, goldfish are notorious for going “belly up”… so if you have a sensitive child they could be a crying session waiting to happen.

Turtle - Worst

Turtles are among the most desired pets to children. They are adorable and easy to handle. However, they pose a hidden danger that many parents aren’t aware of. Turtles actually carry semolina. Cleaning the cage of a turtle or handling one without proper sanitation can lead to a doctor visit.

Dog - Best

Dogs are perhaps the favorite pet of families around the world. Not only do they have a generally long lifespan they also make fast friends with their owners.

While dogs are wonderful pets some are better for kids than others. Small dogs are often not a good choice for children as they require delicate handling. Their tiny bodies are also easily tripped on as children run and play. This can be dangerous not only for the dog but also for the children.

Golden Retrievers make excellent family dogs and English Bulldogs are another great addition. They are very loyal and good with children - however, they are very protective if strangers enter the picture.

Ponies - Worst

While ponies are great fun they are very difficult to manage. They require lots of space to run, a daily routine and they have a high cost of feed and maintenance.

Goats - Best and Worst

Goats are very intelligent. In fact, many goat owners argue that they are even more loyal than dogs. You can teach them tricks… and as a bonus they mow your grass and provide you with milk. However, the thing about a goat that requires a second thought is the fact that they are little escape artists and they do require a daily routine.

Lizards - Worst

Lizards are very difficult for kids to handle. Not because they cannot be handled but because they are VERY fast. Lizards also require the feeding of bugs and the use of heat lamps so the upkeep can be rather intensive. Heat lamps are also a cause of concern for some parents who fear they will get too hot and set fire.

Guinea Pigs - Best

While they smell to Timbuktu Guinea Pigs are actually a great pet for kids. They enjoy being held, have a 2 to 5 year lifespan and aren’t known to bite as often as hamsters. Guinea Pigs are also easier to handle as they don’t require as delicate a touch as mice and hamsters.

Ferrets - Worst

Ferrets are cute… but they give off a musky scent and even worse they can give you a very bad bite. This is especially worrisome to parents of small children. Bites can easily become infected by little hands. So while ferrets are adorable and we loved them in Rikki Tikki Tavi… until kids are older we’d steer clear.

When it comes to pets only you and your family can decide what pet is right for you. While a dog might be a great choice for one family, a snake might suit another just fine.

Sit down with your family and decide what kind of responsibility you can comfortably take on, plan for bumps in the road and whatever you choose… choose to love it for life. When you do it will pay you back by loving you for a lifetime.

* Is pet insurance necessary for every kind of pet? Not necessarily. Some animals have very short life spans, so it’s unlikely you would want to purchase pet insurance for fish, amphibians, or rodents. They don’t generally live more than a few years so you would be wasting your money by purchasing this type of insurance. And, not to sound cold-hearted, but the above types of pets are easier and cheaper to replace than some others.

* What does pet insurance cover? The answer to this question really depends upon the policy you choose and the company you purchase it through. As a general rule, however, pet insurance will likely cover most emergency care. It can also help pay for routine wellness care such as vaccinations and preventative treatments. The policy you choose will dictate the amount of the treatments which are covered and will clearly state which services are not covered.

* What are the pros and cons of pet insurance? Your purebred dog has been hit by a car. You know you must take it to the veterinarian as soon as possible. If you have pet insurance you can take your pet for medical care, fill out an insurance claim, and know you’ll be reimbursed for much of the costs incurred. Without insurance, you would have to pay the money for the visit without hope of recouping any of it.

One of the biggest pros of having pet insurance is that you know you won’t have to pay for everything yourself. In most cases, you will receive up to 80% of the cost after paying your annual deductible. You have peace of mind knowing you can provide your pet the care they need without it breaking your budget.

On the other hand, you have a yearly deductible to meet before the insurance is paid at the full benefit level. You also have to pay the premiums whether you use the insurance or not. Some pet insurance companies restrict which veterinarians you can use. They may also be newer companies which haven’t established a reputation you can trust.

* Can you do without it? People have gone for years without providing insurance for their pets. Of course you can do without it if you are concerned about the cost of the premiums. However, just because you can do without pet insurance, it may still be something you want to consider.

Not having pet insurance doesn’t mean you don’t care for your pet. You can begin a savings account to cover pet medical expenses. You can also choose to pay for the medical charges out of pocket. As long as you’re providing your pet with the care they need, the choice of whether or not to get pet insurance is entirely up to you.

Despite the fact they’re animals, dogs can be very similar to humans. You can tell when a dog is being playful or when they want to be left alone. Some dogs even smile at you because they’re happy to see you. When it comes to helping your child overcome the fear of dogs, it’s a good idea to begin by teaching them to read dog behavior.

If your child is afraid of dogs, take them to a pet store. They will have puppies and dogs for the child to look at but they stay behind a glass where the child and animal are safe. This will allow your child to see the animal without fear of being hurt.

Don’t try to force your child to pet an animal. They may have good reason for their fears. Let them watch dogs from a distance. This will allow them to see how dogs interact with other children and adults. It will help them to recognize when there is danger and when there is not.

After they become comfortable seeing the animal from behind the glass, ask if you can see one of the calmer animals. The sales person will bring dog into an enclosed room where you can get to know the animal. They will remain with you and will be able to help protect your child. They may also have some more ideas for helping your child overcome their fear of dogs.

Teach your child that when a dog is wagging its tail or its whole body, there usually is nothing to fear except if the dog inadvertently knocks the child down. Explain to the child that the dog is being friendly and that it means them no harm. This can be especially important if your child has been bitten or nipped at before.

On the other hand, if a dog comes running toward them with their ears back and barking, the child is fully justified in being scared. The child needs to know to stand still rather than run, however. Running may be an automatic response, but running will only encourage the dog to chase the child. Helping your child recognize the difference between a dog that’s friendly and one that’s not can make all the difference in the world as to how they respond to them.

When being introduced to a new dog, have your children follow these steps:

* Stand still; let the dog sniff at them.
* Let them look to you for cues as to whether the dog is friendly or not.
* After they become comfortable, or at least less uneasy with the dog being near them, teach them to hold out the back of their hand for the dog to smell.
* Finally, when they’re ready, tell them to move slowly and then gently pet the dog on the back of the neck or the head.

It is possible to help a child overcome their fear of dogs. These smart ways may give you information you need to help your child. If you’re still unsure about introducing your child to dogs, ask a veterinarian or your child’s pediatrician for more ideas.

Ask twenty different people which is the best breed of dog for a family pet and you’re likely to get fifteen different answers. Of course, some dog breeds are more common so they’re often chosen as a family pet. Does that mean it’s the best choice? Not necessarily, at least not necessarily for your family.

Before you choose which type of dog to get, you may want to ask yourself if you and your family are truly ready to add a puppy or dog to the family dynamics. Dogs require a good bit of attention and can live quite a long time if cared for properly. It is also helpful to know who will be responsible for various aspects of the dog’s upkeep. Will everyone chip in with walking, grooming, and feeding the dog?

More than 21 million homes already have at least one dog as a pet. With so many people choosing to add dogs to their family, it’s easy to see how they’re so popular. And, when you invite a dog into your family, you can expect more than protection; you get a life-long friend who can grow up with your children and be a major part of their lives.

One breed of dog which is very common for families is the Border Collie. They are very intelligent, active, and will keep a close watch on your children. Bred to help shepherds keep the flock together, don’t be surprised if a Border Collie appears to herd your children and keep them close by. They are friendly, loving, obedient, and easy to train.

Labrador Retrievers are another common family pet. They are especially good with children and love to play. They have a lot of love to give a family. They are gentle and trustworthy with children even though they grow to be quite large. They need plenty of room to run.

Golden Retrievers also make great family pets. They are eager to please their masters and are very loving. They are excellent guard dogs and excellent swimmers. They love to spend time with their family and will gladly show them how much by being obedient.

For families with limited space, you may want to consider getting a toy or miniature poodle. They are smart and sensitive. They respond well to obedience training and make a great friend for children.

Miniature Australian Shepherds are another breed of dog to consider. They are loving, loyal, protective, and eager to please. They are intelligent and like having a particular job to do in the family. They can be nippy while trying to herd the family together, but generally they don’t bite.

There are so many breeds to choose from. It’s not easy knowing which breeds would make great family pets. In many cases it’s not the breed which determines how they would react to a family dynamic, it’s the training and treatment they received before coming into your family. Learn as much as you can about the breeder and lineage of any dog you may choose to ensure there is no abuse in their background. Then choose the pet dog which best suits your family.

Dogs are probably the most loving of all pets; they give love unlimited and want the same in return. As a parent it is your responsibility to teach your child the importance of loving and caring for the animal as a first step in keeping a pet. A dog needs to be fed right, exercised and groomed at regular intervals. Training the dog to live indoors, obey commands and not chew your favorite rug or slippers is all a part of owning a dog.

Some basic tips on the right kind of animal care knowledge for kids to be practiced:
• Sweets are poison for your dog; the Xylitol an artificial sweetener is very dangerous because it causes the animal’s blood sugar to drop dangerously causing seizures, lack of coordination and even depression.
• Chocolate for dogs is an absolute NO! It can cause seizures, diarrhea and vomiting and has been known to be fatal for the animal.
• Dogs by nature are curious animals especially in the puppy and growing stages, keep them away from electrical cables and power outlets, glass and plastic. They can get an electrical shock, choke on plastic and the glass when ingested can cause internal bleeding.
• Dressing up your dog may cater to your fantasies but for the dog it may mean skin irritations and breathing problems.
• Your dog should be registered and wear a collar and dog tag ID attached to the collar at all times. Make sure your contact details are on the Identification tag.
• It is not advisable to bathe a dog too often due to skin problems; your vet can guide you on the right bathing intervals. Practice grooming the dog on a regular basis; everyday is best and give the animal plenty of fresh air and good nutrition. You can always sponge the animal down with warm water if he gets too dirty.
• You need to do a physical exam of the animal at least once a month – check the teeth for tartar, the gums for disease, the pads of the feet for cuts and bruises, the ears for infection. The dog needs to be taken to the vet for annual checkups and booster shots.

Use these basic tips as a starting point and build on your animal care knowledge for kids.

When you are considering animal adoption for kids you need to be aware that it is a very serious matter. You are taking an animal out of the shelter to provide a stable home and lots of love to that animal, and it is important that your kids have time for their new pet.

Read on to find out what will be expected of you when you approach the pet shelter or rescue group to adopt a pet.

The shelter or rescue agency will ask you several questions to ensure that you can provide a long term, stable home for the animal, and to ensure the right match between pet and adopted family. You will in all probability be required to fill out an application form and provide information that includes, complete contact information; type of housing you inhabit, rental or ownership; number and ages of children in your family; number and type of existing pets if any; previous experience with pets and lifestyle and expectations from the pet. Be prepared to answer all of the questions asked in a frank manner because every agency has its own rules and regulations.

When planning on animal adoption for kids it is well worth the time you invest in considering your family size and the home size; facilities for housing a pet; the kind of pet you would like to home – big or small, hyper active or regular level of activity; what sort of pet – dog, cat, rabbit, etc. It is a good idea for the entire family to sit down and discuss the adoption process; you can always get a wealth of information of the internet. As a family decide on the type of pet and the handling of responsibilities of looking after the animal. You children need to clearly understand that you are adopting a pet for them and looking after the animal will be their responsibility.

Do not hesitate to ask questions, the usual tendency is to go with the cute factor and adopt a puppy; now bear in mind that a puppy will need to be house trained and can be very chewy indeed. Furthermore, you will need to consider your preparedness in terms of handling an overgrown mutt when the cute puppy grows.

The above is just an example but it is well worth the effort of doing your research throughly when considering animal adoption for kids.

Many pet owners would like to take their dogs with them wherever they go. But when traveling, that’s not always an option. Some dogs get carsick or can’t handle the stress of traveling long distances. And the people the owner is visiting may be allergic to dogs or rent a house or apartment that doesn’t allow them. In such situations, it may be necessary to leave them in someone else’s care.

Kennels have traditionally been one of the few options that pet owners who were traveling had for pet care. But many of them have poor reputations. Even kennels that are very clean and tend to pets’ basic needs may not provide the human interaction that dogs need. Luckily, today’s options are much better.

The modern version of a kennel is known as a pet hotel. These facilities often provide dogs with their own rooms, complete with comfy beds and music or television to provide a more homelike atmosphere. Workers may walk each dog several times a day, or there might be supervised play with other dogs. Some dog hotels even offer services such as grooming.

Another possibility is hiring a pet sitter. This is usually more expensive than a dog hotel, but it also provides more individualized care for your four-legged friend. A sitter usually watches no more than a few dogs at a time and has the time to play and cuddle with them. You can also hire some pet sitters to simply go to your home a few times a day and check on your dog, providing food, water and walks. This option is generally much cheaper than full-time care.

Making Sure the Caregivers Are Qualified

When choosing a dog hotel, it’s best to visit the facility before making reservations. Drop by unannounced to see what the conditions are like when they’re not expecting potential customers. Pay attention to the demeanor of the animals there. Do they appear happy for the most part, or do most of them seem distressed? Do the caregivers have a good attitude? Ask for references to find out what other pet owners think of the place.

If considering leaving your dog with a sitter, visit his or her home. Is it clean, and does it appear to be a safe environment for your dog? Whether you’re leaving your pet with the sitter or having him or her come to your house, ask for references and documentation of insurance, bonding, and any applicable training. Have the sitter interact with your pet, and see how they react to one another. If the chemistry is good and everything else checks out, things will probably work out just fine.

Dog owners are hesitant to leave their beloved canines with just anyone, and rightfully so. But when traveling, leaving them with a qualified dog hotel or sitter may be your only option. If you take the time to select a qualified and trustworthy caregiver, you can go on your trip assured that your pet is in good hands.

Having a dog is a big responsibility, but it also offers equally big - if not bigger - rewards. Did you know that pet owners are actually healthier than non-pet owners? Here are some reasons why.

- Exercise

While it may seem like one of the drawbacks to owning a dog, having to walk her actually offers some of the best health benefits. The whole family can get involved. Families that used to spend the weekend in front of the TV will find themselves planning a weekend that involves the dog: a hike, a trip to the park, etc. Training the dog involves exercise, too - taking the dog to obedience classes, teaching her to heel, fetch, and so forth requires the dog’s owner to get off the couch and get moving.

- Emotional Health

Dogs, with their lavish, unconditional love, boost their owner’s self-esteem, and studies show that dog owners are just happier people in general. Dogs offer so much in return for the most basic care that owners’ spirits are greatly lifted. Your dog needs you, and it feels good to be needed.

Emotional wellbeing is such a well-documented benefit of interacting with dogs that hospitals and nursing homes allow some dog owners to bring their pets in to interact with and improve the outlook of patients who are in chronic pain, terminally ill, emotionally troubled, or otherwise prone to feelings of hopelessness and depression.

- Stress Reduction

So many health problems are associated with stress - heart disease, high blood pressure, digestive disorders, even ulcers. Owning a dog has been proven to reduce stress, and with stress reduction comes better health. An Australian study showed that dog owners have lower cholesterol as well.

- Loneliness

There is nothing quite like having the constant companionship of a dog to reduce feelings of loneliness. Even when your dog is sleeping, you know your loyal companion is there.

- Recovery from Illness

Dog owners are more likely to recover from a major medical crisis such as a heart attack than non-dog owners. This may be due to the exercise dog owners get, or the incentive the owner has to be well in order to be there for his or her dog. This is a real benefit of dog ownership in these days of expensive health care!

Yes, owning a dog is a big responsibility. But the returns are so great for the investment that it is more than worth it.

Animal lovers often assume that taking their pets on a car trip will be too much trouble. They could get carsick, or they could make a mess in the vehicle. And once they get to the destination, there’s always a chance that they could be confused or intimidated by their new surroundings and run away. But if you prepare your pet properly, he can have a happy and incident-free trip with you. Here are some tips:

* Don’t make a long car trip your pet’s first experience in a car. Start taking him on short trips several weeks before you plan to go out of town. This will get him accustomed to riding and alert you to any potential problems while you’re still close to home.

* Reward good behavior in the car. Keep some treats handy when going on those short car trips, and if your pet behaves well, give him one. This will reinforce the good behavior, and he will repeat it.

* Keep your pets in carriers when traveling, and buckle them in. This will provide the best possible protection for your pet in the event of an accident. It will also prevent the carrier from striking and injuring you.

* Try to maintain your pet’s regular feeding schedule while traveling. Long car rides are stressful for animals, and hunger makes things that much worse.

* Stop and let your pet relieve himself regularly. If you don’t, there’s a good chance that he will do it in the car. Even pets that never do their business in the house could slip up during a long car ride.

* Make certain that you bring a leash along. This will be necessary when stopping for bathroom breaks and walks, as well as when you get to your destination. If you keep your pet on a leash when outdoors, there is very little chance of him running away or being stolen.

* Put a collar on your pet with a tag that includes your phone number, just in case he does get lost. This is good practice at all times, but it’s especially important when traveling.

If you don’t like the idea of leaving your pet with someone else, take him with you. With a little preparation, most pets travel well. And wouldn’t you prefer to have your best friend with you while visiting your loved ones?

Visit the new house ahead of time

This is not always possible, especially if the house is very far away. If it is possible, however, it’s a good idea to take some treats along to make the experience positive and let your pet check out the new house. Try to get your scent and the pet’s wherever you can. Humans can’t discern these smells, but your pet will, and when you arrive ready to move in, it will have some smells that are familiar to your pet.

Flying on an airplane

Check with various airlines and find out if your pet qualifies to ride in the cabin with you, under the seat. This costs an extra fee, but is well worth it to avoid having your pet travel in the cargo bay. If your pet does need to travel as cargo, make the sure kennel is strong and escape-proof, and has a spill-proof container for water. Put in a favorite toy or blanket that smells of you and your house. For dogs, include something to chew; for cats, include a toy with catnip.

The kennel

Several weeks ahead of time, purchase the kennel or carrier, or set up the one you already own, and leave it open for several weeks in your old home before you move. Your pet can come and go and get familiar with the kennel. Keep toys and water in there, and when it’s time to go, nothing will change inside the kennel.

When you arrive at your new home, don’t put the kennel away yet. When moving in boxes is finished and the new house door is closed, open the kennel or carrier and let the pet decide when it will come out. Leave the kennel out and open the way you did in your old house for a week or two, so your pet will have a familiar place to which it can retreat as it gets used to the new house.

Introduce the new outdoors gradually

Dogs, of course, should not be allowed to run loose even in a familiar neighborhood; but letting them run loose in an unfamiliar place can be disastrous. If there is a fence, check it carefully for holes or other escape routes. If you tie your dog out, don’t leave him outside unsupervised for the first few days.

Cats should not be allowed outside at all for several days. On the first venture out, take the cat out in its carrier and take it around the perimeter of the property, getting the cat familiar with the scents and sites of its new territory.

Car ride

Some animals, especially cats, can get very anxious in the car. There are various anti-stress remedies on the market. Your vet may prescribe a sedative, or you can check at your local health food store for natural remedies.

Keep calm

Animals sense your tension. Lots of gentle touching, stroking, and soothing, upbeat talk will go a long way in relieving your pet’s stress.

Trupanion offers a higher payout than other pet insurance providers as it covers 90% of your veterinarian’s bill. The company also approves and pays claims faster than other competitors and won’t charge you any penalties. The insurance premiums won’t rise as your pet gets older.

Trupanion benefits from the Seal of Acceptance from the American Animal Hospital Association.

It contains:
* 2-story home with a solid-surface balcony
* 2 lb guinea pig diet food
* Treat bar
* 16oz timothy hay (a staple food for guinea pigs)
* 5 liter bedding
* 16oz water bottle and wire hanger
* Dishwasher-safe food dish

The cage assembles very easily by snapping together, no tools are required. The wire on the cage is washable, chew-proof as well as stain and rust-resistant. The plastic base is quite deep and therefore reduces the amount of mess in your home.

Ask twenty different people which is the best breed of dog for a family pet and you’re likely to get fifteen different answers. Of course, some dog breeds are more common so they’re often chosen as a family pet. Does that mean it’s the best choice? Not necessarily, at least not necessarily for your family.

Before you choose which type of dog to get, you may want to ask yourself if you and your family are truly ready to add a puppy or dog to the family dynamics. Dogs require a good bit of attention and can live quite a long time if cared for properly. It is also helpful to know who will be responsible for various aspects of the dog’s upkeep. Will everyone chip in with walking, grooming, and feeding the dog?

More than 21 million homes already have at least one dog as a pet. With so many people choosing to add dogs to their family, it’s easy to see how they’re so popular. And, when you invite a dog into your family, you can expect more than protection; you get a life-long friend who can grow up with your children and be a major part of their lives.

One breed of dog which is very common for families is the Border Collie. They are very intelligent, active, and will keep a close watch on your children. Bred to help shepherds keep the flock together, don’t be surprised if a Border Collie appears to herd your children and keep them close by. They are friendly, loving, obedient, and easy to train.

Labrador Retrievers are another common family pet. They are especially good with children and love to play. They have a lot of love to give a family. They are gentle and trustworthy with children even though they grow to be quite large. They need plenty of room to run.

Golden Retrievers also make great family pets. They are eager to please their masters and are very loving. They are excellent guard dogs and excellent swimmers. They love to spend time with their family and will gladly show them how much by being obedient.

For families with limited space, you may want to consider getting a toy or miniature poodle. They are smart and sensitive. They respond well to obedience training and make a great friend for children.

Miniature Australian Shepherds are another breed of dog to consider. They are loving, loyal, protective, and eager to please. They are intelligent and like having a particular job to do in the family. They can be nippy while trying to herd the family together, but generally they don’t bite.

There are so many breeds to choose from. It’s not easy knowing which breeds would make great family pets. In many cases it’s not the breed which determines how they would react to a family dynamic, it’s the training and treatment they received before coming into your family. Learn as much as you can about the breeder and lineage of any dog you may choose to ensure there is no abuse in their background. Then choose the pet dog which best suits your family.

Ask twenty different people which is the best breed of dog for a family pet and you’re likely to get fifteen different answers. Of course, some dog breeds are more common so they’re often chosen as a family pet. Does that mean it’s the best choice? Not necessarily, at least not necessarily for your family.

Before you choose which type of dog to get, you may want to ask yourself if you and your family are truly ready to add a puppy or dog to the family dynamics. Dogs require a good bit of attention and can live quite a long time if cared for properly. It is also helpful to know who will be responsible for various aspects of the dog’s upkeep. Will everyone chip in with walking, grooming, and feeding the dog?

More than 21 million homes already have at least one dog as a pet. With so many people choosing to add dogs to their family, it’s easy to see how they’re so popular. And, when you invite a dog into your family, you can expect more than protection; you get a life-long friend who can grow up with your children and be a major part of their lives.

One breed of dog which is very common for families is the Border Collie. They are very intelligent, active, and will keep a close watch on your children. Bred to help shepherds keep the flock together, don’t be surprised if a Border Collie appears to herd your children and keep them close by. They are friendly, loving, obedient, and easy to train.

Labrador Retrievers are another common family pet. They are especially good with children and love to play. They have a lot of love to give a family. They are gentle and trustworthy with children even though they grow to be quite large. They need plenty of room to run.

Golden Retrievers also make great family pets. They are eager to please their masters and are very loving. They are excellent guard dogs and excellent swimmers. They love to spend time with their family and will gladly show them how much by being obedient.

For families with limited space, you may want to consider getting a toy or miniature poodle. They are smart and sensitive. They respond well to obedience training and make a great friend for children.

Miniature Australian Shepherds are another breed of dog to consider. They are loving, loyal, protective, and eager to please. They are intelligent and like having a particular job to do in the family. They can be nippy while trying to herd the family together, but generally they don’t bite.

There are so many breeds to choose from. It’s not easy knowing which breeds would make great family pets. In many cases it’s not the breed which determines how they would react to a family dynamic, it’s the training and treatment they received before coming into your family. Learn as much as you can about the breeder and lineage of any dog you may choose to ensure there is no abuse in their background. Then choose the pet dog which best suits your family.

Dogs are probably the most loving of all pets; they give love unlimited and want the same in return. As a parent it is your responsibility to teach your child the importance of loving and caring for the animal as a first step in keeping a pet. A dog needs to be fed right, exercised and groomed at regular intervals. Training the dog to live indoors, obey commands and not chew your favorite rug or slippers is all a part of owning a dog.

Some basic tips on the right kind of animal care knowledge for kids to be practiced:
• Sweets are poison for your dog; the Xylitol an artificial sweetener is very dangerous because it causes the animal’s blood sugar to drop dangerously causing seizures, lack of coordination and even depression.
• Chocolate for dogs is an absolute NO! It can cause seizures, diarrhea and vomiting and has been known to be fatal for the animal.
• Dogs by nature are curious animals especially in the puppy and growing stages, keep them away from electrical cables and power outlets, glass and plastic. They can get an electrical shock, choke on plastic and the glass when ingested can cause internal bleeding.
• Dressing up your dog may cater to your fantasies but for the dog it may mean skin irritations and breathing problems.
• Your dog should be registered and wear a collar and dog tag ID attached to the collar at all times. Make sure your contact details are on the Identification tag.
• It is not advisable to bathe a dog too often due to skin problems; your vet can guide you on the right bathing intervals. Practice grooming the dog on a regular basis; everyday is best and give the animal plenty of fresh air and good nutrition. You can always sponge the animal down with warm water if he gets too dirty.
• You need to do a physical exam of the animal at least once a month – check the teeth for tartar, the gums for disease, the pads of the feet for cuts and bruises, the ears for infection. The dog needs to be taken to the vet for annual checkups and booster shots.

Use these basic tips as a starting point and build on your animal care knowledge for kids.

In biology the word “Animal” comprises all species belonging to the animal kingdom; it is very interesting to read about the little known facts about these animals found in our world today.

Some of the more interesting animal facts for kids:

• A cow can produce more milk than a single human being can consume in one lifetime – approximately 200,000 glasses of milk! Apart from this staggering figure, you will never find two cows with the exact same pattern of spots!
• Horses weighing approximately 1,200 pounds eat roughly seven times their own weight each year!
• When a lion roars you can hear the sound from a distance of about 5 miles away.
• Cheetahs are swift and merciless toward their prey. Scaring the living daylights out of man and beast but the sound they emit is anything but scary - more like a dog yelping. However you can hear them a mile away!
• Elephants are the largest land animals alive in the present age. An elephant’s tusks grow all through its lifetime and can weigh as much as 200 pounds; usually tusks grow for the male species. The females are seldom found with very small tusks or no tusks at all.
• The Chimpanzee is often considered the closest of all animal species to man, with an intelligence that supersedes all other animals. Chimps as they are commonly referred to actually make tools and use them to get their food. They adopt highly refined hunting strategies to get their food. To Chimps status is important; they are also very manipulative and deceptive in their behavior patterns. They can be taught to use symbols, numbers and some aspects of the human language.
• The Giraffe is the tallest living mammal in the animal kingdom and has approximately double the blood pressure of any other animal to enable blood circulation, especially to the brain.
• Some interesting animal facts include: rats live longer without water than even the Camel does; squirrels bury their nuts and often forget where they have hidden them, inadvertently helping to plant millions of trees.

The animal facts for kids detailed above are only a tip of the iceberg; it is hoped that once a child’s interest is awakened, he or she will continue to read more.

When you are considering animal adoption for kids you need to be aware that it is a very serious matter. You are taking an animal out of the shelter to provide a stable home and lots of love to that animal, and it is important that your kids have time for their new pet.

Read on to find out what will be expected of you when you approach the pet shelter or rescue group to adopt a pet.

The shelter or rescue agency will ask you several questions to ensure that you can provide a long term, stable home for the animal, and to ensure the right match between pet and adopted family. You will in all probability be required to fill out an application form and provide information that includes, complete contact information; type of housing you inhabit, rental or ownership; number and ages of children in your family; number and type of existing pets if any; previous experience with pets and lifestyle and expectations from the pet. Be prepared to answer all of the questions asked in a frank manner because every agency has its own rules and regulations.

When planning on animal adoption for kids it is well worth the time you invest in considering your family size and the home size; facilities for housing a pet; the kind of pet you would like to home – big or small, hyper active or regular level of activity; what sort of pet – dog, cat, rabbit, etc. It is a good idea for the entire family to sit down and discuss the adoption process; you can always get a wealth of information of the internet. As a family decide on the type of pet and the handling of responsibilities of looking after the animal. You children need to clearly understand that you are adopting a pet for them and looking after the animal will be their responsibility.

Do not hesitate to ask questions, the usual tendency is to go with the cute factor and adopt a puppy; now bear in mind that a puppy will need to be house trained and can be very chewy indeed. Furthermore, you will need to consider your preparedness in terms of handling an overgrown mutt when the cute puppy grows.

The above is just an example but it is well worth the effort of doing your research throughly when considering animal adoption for kids.

There are a number of rodents which are kept as pets: gerbils, hamsters, guinea pigs, mice, and rats. Pet stores are a great place to find these pets but you may also find individuals who have them to sell or give away. Here is some information on each type that may help you decide which rodent to have as a pet:

* Gerbils are about 4 inches long and can live as long as 5 years; 2-3 years is the most common. They have a furry tail, are active, and do better in groups rather than being kept alone. It is best to get gerbils while they are young so they get used to being handled. They need a cage about 12×24x12 so they have plenty of room to run and play.

* Hamsters generally live 2-3 years and can range in size depending upon the species. Golden and Dwarf hamsters are the most common. They need a 12×24x12 cage. How social they are depends upon how much they are handled as young. Dwarf hamsters are more social with their own kind than the Golden hamsters.

* Guinea pigs may or may not be rodents depending upon who you listen to. They’re larger than most pet rodents, weighing as much as 2-3 pounds. They live between 5-7 years but some have been reported to live as long as 10 years. They rarely bite and prefer to be kept with others of their kind. Because of their larger size they will need a cage about 4 feet square or larger.

* Mice are very easy to keep but they are also known to be escape artists. They live 1-3 years and are generally about 3 inches long. They can live in a cage 12×18x12. If you end up with a breeding pair, you could very easily be overrun with little pinkies. They can be tame if handled often, but may not be the best choice for families with small children.

* Rats are larger than their mouse cousins, coming in at nearly 8 inches. They live 2-4 years and prefer to live in pairs of the same sex. As with mice, a breeding pair can soon have many babies. They require a cage about 24×36 inches which is very tall. They can be tamed and rarely bite.

As a general rule, rodents need a large enough cage they can’t escape from, bedding to nest in, safe chewing material, food, and water. It is also important to provide some type of exercise wheel for smaller varieties of rodents.

Don’t expect your children, especially younger children, to completely care for pet rodents. They’ll likely forget to take care of them so it’s best if you resign yourself to that before you bring the pet home. You’ll also want to have a veterinarian check out a pet rodent within two days of purchasing it. They will be able to verify the animal’s health and ensure you know how to care for it properly.

Obviously you can find breeders and purchase an animal from them. But, why not save the life of an animal that is no longer wanted but still has plenty of love to share? There are animal shelters, humane societies, and rescue groups around the country who would love to offer one of their pets for your consideration.

Look in your local telephone book to see if there is a shelter where you live. You may want to find pet nearby, but you can also look in larger cities; they will most likely have a larger variety of animals to choose from. Another place to look is at pet stores, Freecycle groups, Craigslist, or local newspapers. There’s no limit to the number of advertisements you’ll find.

Think about the commitment you can make. Dogs require someone to walk and play with them as well as feed and love them. Cats are more solitary but they do need someone to feed them, change their litter, and love them – on their own terms, of course! Fish, reptiles, and rodents require less care, so consider this when you decide which animal is best for your family.

Know which type of animal you prefer – dog, cat, hamster, gerbil, or bird. If you or your family have a preference, call around to see who has that type of animal available. There’s no need to visit a shelter or pet store if they don’t have the type of animal you want.

Take time to visit each shelter or rescue area during business hours. You don’t have to make a decision on an animal during your first visit. Choosing a pet is serious business; there’s no need to rush into a relationship which could last many years depending upon the pet you want.

Depending upon the animal you decide to get and where you get them, they will most likely have a thorough veterinarian examination prior to their adoption. The shelter, pound, or pet store may also give you a certificate toward a first-time veterinarian visit after you take them home. You may have to sign an agreement to have cats or dogs spayed or neutered if you get them while they’re young or they haven’t already been altered.

When you look at the animals which are available, you want to find one that is lively, eager for attention, and playful. If you choose a dog, you may want to pay close attention to how they respond to members of each sex and see if they shy away from one or another.

Now that you know how to adopt a pet, what are you waiting for? There are many animals looking for a forever family. They need someone to love them - are you ready for the job?

Fortunately, there is a wide variety of potential pets that can help answer your questions.

No matter what pet you choose, recognize that you as a parent is ultimately responsible not only for your child but for the health and well being of the animal as well. A child’s interests can swirl like a dust in the wind and the pet will still be your responsibility that will require daily care and love.

Consider your child’s age and emotional development. Although they don’t intend harm, a preschooler can injure a pet by playing rough. You may want a pet that is interesting, but cannot be handled by your child unless you’re present.

If your child is under 6, consider these animals to begin with:

# Guinea pig
# Hamster
# Small birds
# Fish
# Turtle

However, there are pets that are not for your kids like rabbits because they can grow to be quite temperamental. In addition, they are usually active at night or in the morning, when children are usually asleep or in school.

Reptiles are also not good choices for pets because children under 6 are more susceptible to contracting salmonella.

You can give your child some age-appropriate responsibilities in caring for the pet. They might clean food or water bowls, or help clean cages once you have safely removed the occupant.

When they have shown responsibility for caring for a smaller pet, you may want to graduate to a dog or cat. But always remember, though it may be his or her “pet,” the parent is always responsible for making sure the animal is well cared for.

Older children have a wide range of options to choose from because their ability to take care of the pet goes with their age. However, they will still need your guidance as they enjoy taking responsibility of their pets.

Pets can sometimes mistake these poisons as food. And, since they are considerably smaller than we are, when they absorb the pesticides through their skin or ingest it they are exposed to a higher concentration. The results can be reproductive problems, birth defects in any babies your pet has, skin irritation, cancer, and even death.

If you feel you must use pesticides in your yard or around your house, be sure your pet stays inside while they are being applied. Remove anything your pet uses outdoors – feeding bowls, water dishes, outside toys – from the area. Using pesticides in pellet form could be confusing to your pet and they may think its food.

Instead of using chemical pesticides in your yard, you may want to do research into the possibility of natural pesticides. With the emphasis on everything “green” you can probably find a good bit of information in the library. If they don’t have information, you may want to check with a county extension agency, agriculture department at a local college, or farmer’s co-op. There is also a wealth of information available on the internet.

What do you do if you think your pet may have been poisoned by pesticides? Of course, you’ll want to get your pet to the veterinarian as soon as possible. In addition:

- Keep your pet as warm and quiet as possible.

- Try to determine what type of pesticide your pet may have ingested or been exposed to. This will enable the veterinarian to make a better diagnosis.

- If possible take the pesticide with you and as gross as it sounds, you may also want to save the throw up for analysis.

- You may also want to determine what type of exposure they had to the poison. Whether the product was diluted or full-strength can make a difference. It would also help the veterinarian to know how long it has been since the pesticide had been applied.

To help guide you in determining the nutrition levels of your pet dog, you can secure an online chart which can serve as a checklist for the dietary needs of the dog. You can even involve your children in this by telling them of the kinds of food his or her dogg needs everyday.

As a benchmark, the needs of dogs are almost the same as that of humans: high grade meat, vegetables, fruits and a full complement of vitamins and minerals, ranging from calcium, magnesium, sodium, potassium, phosphorus, boron, chromium, iodine, iron, manganese, molybdenum, selenium, sulphur, zinc and many more.

Foods containing high levels of fiber should also be given; as well as high amounts of water to keep your pet hydrated. Do not give in yoo much fatty foods, because similar to humans they can become obese. Healthy dogs are always one of the best pets for kids

Foremost of all, it is important to make sure that the animal you’ll be choosing from your child is not from the wild. That’s always a bad idea because an animal from the wild has harsher instincts not fit for trusting people. Always make it a point that the animal was bred in captivity.

Moreover, double check thoroughly the desire of your child to take care of a pet. We all know how parents can become whimsical with their wants. If they can’t sustain taking care of a pet, the burden lies on parents to look after the animal. Seems unfair? Nope, children are just like that so always be sure.

Pets for kids can be an exciting time in the childhood of your toddler. But never take away parental guidance in the equation to maximize the experience.

The first step for parents to determine is if the children are enthusiastic about their pets. It might not be a good idea at all if your child seem disinterested or if he/she does not have the best interests of the pet in mind.

If you have determined the insights from above, make sure that your child knows the basic safety guidelines in interacting with pets. First and foremost, pets should be treated nicely. Parents should educate their children that pets are living organisms as well and not playthings. Thus, teach them not to play with the animal’s body parts or hurt them purposely.

Also teach your child that it is not good to frighten or surprise pets. Animals have a built-in fight or flight response. Imagine what can happen if the surprised animal decided to go on a fight mode. Seemingly harmless pets like dogs and cats can always become defensive.

Another important safety tip you should implement is to have your children wash their hands after their playtime with their pets. No one is to say what bacteria may be present with child-pets interactions. Thus it is better to always have child safety in mind than be sorry.

Apart from being colorful, budgies are relatively low-maintenance and does not have to be held by your toddler in order to be taken care of. Your toddler can be trained to give regular amounts of food for their pet budgies.

There is much confusion about the difference of a budgie and a parakeet.Generally budgies are referred to in the United States as the English counterpart of the show parakeet. As confusing as it may be, budgies are one of the most sought after birds as pets.

Normally, budgies have bright green colors on the chest with the wings a mix of green with black. There are several color variations such as yellow, blue, violet and albino. They are usualyl at seven inches long with the tail making most of the length. They are easy to tame and are great talkers with a life expectancy of around fifteen to eighteen years.

Budgies can be taught to talk, although it cannot learn the skill all the time (some just whistles). They are flock birds and enjoy companionship; this is why they are excellent companions for your toddlers to groom.

As for diet concerns, they eat seeds and certain greens in the wild. But a pellet diet is most suitable in a domestic setting. Complement this with vegetables and fruits.

However, with all the fishes in the sea, it can be a bit difficult to find a specific fish for your toddler’s first aquarium. Visiting around the neighborhood’s pet shops is always a good idea. But for those without much time to canvass, here are excellent suggestions for that first fish.

Cherry barbs. As opposed to their more aggressive cousins, the tiger barbs, cherry barbs are actually more perky and non-hostile. With their amazing colors, they can easily keep children distracted for long periods of time.

Danios. Danios are very active swimmers which can always keep the aquarium from being boring. Some of the best variants are the zebra and pearly danios

Rasboras. These fish variant are not as hyperactive compared to others but they are exceptionally colorful. This captivating feature coupled with its relative slow speed make rasboras into an eye-catching specimen.

Corydoras catfish. The problem with small and lively fishes is that they always occupy the upper half of the aquarium. Two or three corydoras will liven up the bottom of the tank, as this fish variant enjoys gravel and deep altitudes..

Blue gouramis. Aquariums need to have a main event - that stand-out fish which is so large it always command the attention of your toddler. However, this big fish should also be relatively peaceful because with its size advantage it can devour all the fishes in the aquarium. A great choice for this purpose are blue gouramis. They are not aggressive and often drift in the tank’s upper regions.

The important part is to involve your children in the decision-making process. If it is meant to be surprise, subtly inquire about their color of preference.

With that said, one of the best pets for kids are those that he can’t hold that much until you are present. One of the leading candidates are guinea pigs.

Guinea pig is a favorite term to describe experiment animals. This is because it is a low maintenance pet and does not bite people. It was the first rodent to be domesticated and one of the first mammals to be launched in space. Although they may look like a rat, they are more of the porcupine variety than that of the rats.

Domestic guinea pigs usually range around 10 to 12 inches in length and weigh around two to three poungs. The possess short legs, stocky bodies and no tails at all.

They require a great amount of good housekeeping which may become the responsibility of the parent. Toddlers can come in and feed their pets in regular intervals and watch them - but mostly the maintenance would have to fall on the parent. This is ideal for young children because all they would want to experience is observing how the guinea pigs move by themselves.

If your children are asking for a pet, a pet rock might be the answer.  You can tell them they can have a pet rock to see how well they handle the responsibility before you allow them to get a goldfish, hamster, or larger pet.

There are a number of things about pet rocks that make them Mom’s best friend.  Consider these benefits when offering to “get” your child a pet rock:

* You don’t have to buy them.  Yes, people were silly enough to fall for a marketing ploy, as ingenious as it was, but you really don’t need to buy a pet rock.  You or your child can find one right outside your front door.  Of course, you may want to find one that’s unusual so it won’t get lost if it falls on the ground.  In all actuality, you can find a new pet rock anywhere.

* You don’t have to feed them.  Pet rocks are just that – rocks.  They’re inanimate objects that just sit there.   They don’t eat, so you don’t have to feed them.  You also don’t have to worry about buying food for them, which could help with budgeting concerns.

* Since they don’t eat, you don’t have to worry about taking them outside to use the restroom.  There’s no mess to clean up after, which will make your life as a Mom just a little bit easier.

* You won’t have to wonder if your child’s pet rock will bite anyone.  That’s often a concern with having a pet dog or small pets like hamsters.  With kittens or cats you may be concerned about their scratching and biting.

When looking for a pet rock, try to find one that’s smooth.  You also want one that’s not so small that you lose it or so big that your child can’t carry it.  Something that’s pretty like polished rose quartz may be a good bet for little girls.  Boys will probably like something that’s a little rougher.

Unlike a living pet, your child can decorate their pet rock to their liking.  Decide which side of the rock is its face and then allow your child to draw a face on it.  Your child can determine the type of face it has, whether serious, silly, or smiley.  They can also glue on wiggly eyes that you can find in any craft store.

Face it, Moms, at one point your child will ask for a pet.  Giving them a pet rock may at least buy you some time until you can decide as a family whether owning a live pet is in your family’s future.  Consider a pet rock - Mom’s best friend because they are easy to care for, cost nothing, and are easily replaced.

If you are bringing home a puppy, there is a resource for you. Creating a lasting relationship between you and your puppy is very important. Puppies for Dummies is a book that covers it all. From housetraining to proper puppy socialization, it’s all here in this fun and friendly guide to the toughest and most delightful era in your dog’s life — puppyhood.

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• Housetrain your puppy
• Provide proper puppy care and nutrition
• Effectively keep peace between kids and puppies

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