Deciding on a good first pet for a child is a highly individualized process. A very young child may not be able to respect the safety of any pet, and may unwittingly handle the pet in ways it doesn’t like, or that are harmful to it. Sometimes already having a pet in the house, like a cat or dog, before the baby comes home, or getting a pet when the child is an infant is a better introduction to pets than waiting until the child is older.

One also must consider that pets tend to have a shorter life span than humans, sometimes much shorter. This means you are also introducing your child to the concept of death, possibly sooner than one wants to. Most children’s first experience with death is through the death of a first pet; so you may want to choose a pet with a reasonably long life span and be prepared to deal with this situation.

For this reason, pets like certain types of fish and hamsters tend not to be good choices. Establishing fish can be problematic, and though their care is normally fairly easy once you have their water right, some fish don’t tolerate changes very well. On the other hand, a fish can’t be cuddled or held, and a child may be slightly less attached to it. It also keeps the child from mishandling the fish, one would hope, since the fish stays in its environment, separated from the child.

A gerbil typically lives longer than a hamster, and is diurnal. Thus they may want to play during the day. Rats have the advantage of being trainable, and are quite smart. They can become quite attached to owners and may be a cuddlier first pet than other choices. They are also quite clean, when purchased from a reputable source.

A bird may also make a good first pet. Bear in mind that some birds, like parrots, literally require a lifetime commitment as they can live for 60-70 years. Parrots also may become vicious if mishandled. A very young child may not understand this, and may unintentionally shape a very poor pet personality.

If your child does not appear allergic to cats or dogs, these tend to be good first pets. Especially if you adopt a cat or dog that is not a baby, and has been raised around children, these animals can provide companionship, entertainment, and may be particularly tolerant of children. Cats tend to be a little more aloof, and you should not adopt a Ragdoll cat for a child, as they are more subject to having broken bones, since they don’t react to being mishandled.

A dog can be an excellent first pet. You may want to look at breeds of dogs that are well known for being good with children. One should probably steer away from dogs that can easily overpower young children, as this may scare or upset the child. Mid-size breeds tend to have more mild temperaments, but this may again vary.

Even though the animal you select is the child’s first pet, the adult in the home still should maintain responsibility for the animal. If you plan to adopt a first pet, you can naturally teach your child about pet care, but don’t expect a child to rigidly follow pet care. If the child forgets to feed a pet before leaving for a day, don’t punish the pet in order to teach the child a lesson. Act as back up care, and be especially watchful at first as your child learns to care for the new pet. If a child fails to care for the pet in some essential way, be sure you are there to provide that care.

Are you sick and tired of hearing your dog bark 24/7 ? Well, trust me you’re not alone. Follow these simple steps and you’ll soon to have one peaceful household. Prior to adopting your dog, make sure that you know about the breed’s characteristics. For instance, a beagle is known for barking. There are so many animals that are brought into a home with the best of intentions, but because that family did not do their homework, months later they get rid of the pet because it did not live up to their expectations. Knowing about the breed can help you avoid purchasing a dog with known characteristics that you may find troublesome (i.e., barking). However, there are some dogs who bark excessively compared to others of their breed. Here are some tips that may help keep your dog quiet.

1. When the dog begins to bark, scold him with a firm “Quiet” “Enough” “Quit it” or even, “No barking”. Saying “No” simply sounds to a dog like you are returning their bark.
2. If he barks again, use a spray bottle filled with water, and using a displeased tone, repeat your chosen command. Tone of voice is very important. Someone with a weak tone and body language will get a very different reaction than someone who is very assertive and strong in tone.
3. Your dog may repeat barking. Don’t give up. Stay calm and repeat your negative-toned “Enough”
4. Do not ever hit your dog unless it’s part of a struggle to break up a fight with another animal or a person. Some people believe that using a rolled up paper to make a loud noise may cause your dog to stop barking. This is rarely effective and often has negative consequences. Scaring your dog is not recommended. Stay away from using newspapers and never hit your dog.
5. Repeat the “no” command, combined with the spray bottle if necessary, and be patient–don’t lose your cool or hit the dog; this will break his desire to make you happy, which is an important part of training.
6. If he stops barking, have him perform a previously learned command (i.e., sit), then give calm praise. Don’t praise as soon as barking stops because he may believe you’re praising the bad behavior.
7. If the above tips fail, some people recommend electronic “shock” or spray collars. For the vast majority of dogs, alternative methods will be more successful, with lower cost and pain involved for the dog. These expensive devices may stop the barking, but can make training harder by causing your dog discomfort. This could result in an unhappy dog which could make them harder to train and possibly aggressive.

• Owners with Chihuahuas should seek professional dog trainers. Other breeds that may require professional trainers are Basset Hounds and Shetland Sheepdogs.
• Inflicting bodily harm to discipline a pet is not recommended and may make the animal outwardly aggressive.
• When training your dog to a specific command, like “SIT,” try to use good-tasting, healthy dog treats. Milkbone are usually not as healthy as the treats specialty pet stores carry, which are often slightly more expensive, but healthier and more varied in flavour. Keep in mind that these are still only ‘treats’ and cannot substitute a dog’s regular meals.
• When a dog barks profusely, it sometimes indicates the need for human affection and attention, or it may be the result of built-up energy. For instance, it is not wise to keep a dog such as the Border Collie cooped up in an apartment. The dog has no way to release all of its dormant energy.
• Consider using a buzzer collar. Every time your dog barks, a small jolt will come from the collar. Talk to your vet before purchasing one but as stated above, this is not recommended. It can be as bad as hitting your dog for bad behaviour.
• To make a dog that barks take him out side and throw the toy for him and before he goes back in side say no barking “speak.” to your dog and tap him lightly on the nose and give him the command on cue you have more control over the behavior.
• Before tell your dog to “quiet,” check to see what they are barking at. They really are barking for a reason, today it maybe a lady with a baby stroller, tomorrow it could be an intruder or fire.
  • Try finding out why your dog is barking. He may be telling you that he needs to go the bathroom. If so, hang a bell by the door and teach him to ring the bell when he needs to go.

Despite a long-standing federal ban on the sale of small turtles, the reptiles continue to be sold in the U.S. and to make owners, usually young children, sick with Salmonella — sometimes very sick, health officials warn.

“Most people are unaware of the dangers of turtles as pets,” Dr. Julie Harris, a medical epidemiologist with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in Atlanta, told Reuters Health.

Turtles and other reptiles are well-known reservoirs for Salmonella, and while the sale and distribution of small turtles — measuring less than 4 inches — was officially outlawed in the United States in 1975, cases of turtle-associated Salmonella infection continue to occur.

Salmonella, Harris said, is a “serious infection,” which can lead to hospitalization and, in some cases, death. “Children are more susceptible than adults, and often have more complications from infection,” she added.

In the journal Pediatrics, Harris and colleagues detail a large outbreak of turtle-associated Salmonella, occurring between May 2007 and January 2008 and involving 34 states and 107 people.

“In this outbreak, 59 percent of patients were 10 years of age or younger, and 33 percent of all patients interviewed were hospitalized,” Harris said.

“We observed a strong association between turtle exposure and Salmonella infections in this outbreak,” the investigators report.

Forty-seven of 78 patients interviewed — a full 60 percent — reported contact with turtles during the week prior to their becoming sick.

Small turtles remain available to the public illegally from various sources, including pet shops, flea markets, street vendors, and the internet.

And don’t be fooled by sellers: “No one has succeeded in making a Salmonella-free turtle,” Harris said. “Antibiotic treatment of eggs often results in turtles with drug-resistant Salmonella infections.”

“Even if a turtle is born without Salmonella, because Salmonella exists in many places in the environment, it is difficult if not impossible to keep a turtle free of Salmonella,” Harris added.

It happens all too often: An unsuspecting person pays a visit to a neighborhood pet store. Once inside, they round a corner to find themselves face to face with a beautiful, vividly colored Macaw who greets them with a boisterous “Hello!” Instantly, the person is smitten, and minutes later they are driving home with their new parrot.

Many people that find themselves in this situation are unaware that Macaws can live for close to 100 years. Some have no idea that these birds have special dietary requirements, or that they need to be handled and let out daily. Often, situations like these lead to unhappy owners and unwanted birds. Make sure that this does not happen to your family by reviewing these tips on choosing the right bird for you!

As a rule, the bigger the bird, the bigger the commitments involved with keeping it. Large birds can make exceptional companions, but are often louder, messier, and more demanding than smaller species. For these reasons, it is generally recommended that novice bird owners start out with a small to medium sized bird.

Do you want a bird that will be eager to come out of his cage and socialize, or would you prefer a pet that likes to be seen but not touched? The way your bird relates to you will be an important factor in the quality of your ownership experience. Keeping this in mind, it is important to note that different species of birds exhibit various behavior patterns and dispositions. An African Grey will behave quite differently from a Canary, for example. Those in the market for a pet bird should make sure to research the species that they are interested in so they can choose the bird whose personality will be most compatible with their own.

Some bird species, particularly the hookbills, require daily exercise, interaction, and time out of their cages. Are you able to spare at least two hours a day to socialize with your bird and supervise his out of cage activities? If not, a Finch, Canary, or other more independent species may be best for you. To ensure that your pet stays healthy and happy, you should consider how much time you have available to spend with your bird when deciding which kind you would like to own.

For those that put a little effort into selecting a pet that will be compatible with their lifestyle, bird ownership can be a tremendously enriching experience. A little research and careful thought can go a long way in making sure that your relationship with your pet is destined to be a good one. By resisting the urge to buy a bird on impulse and keeping these important tips in mind, you are sure to make the right decision about which species will be best for your family.

Let’s start the discussion of dog adoption vs breeders on a positive note. When adopting an adult or mature dog from the dog pound, rescue group or local dog kennel/shelter, certain positive things happen that will NOT happen if you buy a puppy from a breeder:

• Your new dog will not ask to be taken out to potty at 2 and 5 in the morning, rain or snow.  

   

• The size, temperament and appearance of your new dog will be obvious.  

   

• The new dog will probably be potty trained (housebroken)  

   

• The terrible “puppy chewing stage” will have passed so your new dog will settle for a Kong toy or a rawhide bone and be content.  
• The “rambunctious” puppy stage will have passed.  

   

• The new dog will have already been spayed or neutered, saving you that expense.  

   

• The new dog has most likely had some form of training and will be ready to advance. This is a huge plus for you, saving you a LOT of time and frustration and a positive note for the adoption vs breeders discussion.  

   

   

• You will likely have paid the SPCA, ASPCA or Humane Society or any average dog pound something like $150 for their service to house and feed the dog, spay or neuter the dog, give it a health check and a temperament evaluation plus any medication necessary. Not bad at today’s rates. This is a major item for the adoption vs breeders list.  

   

• You will leave knowing your new dog has no aggression and is people friendly because you’ve already tested him/her at the kennel. (We teach you how at this website)  

   

• Many hereditary health issues show up in dogs 3 months to 2 years of age. If you adopt a 2 or 3 year old dog, that time period will have passed and the dog you get will be healthier and less likely to need medical care.  

   

• The kennel staff are usually knowledgeable about their stock of dogs and willing to help you make a good selection. In addition, we have a page you might like to visit before you adopt a dog with good tricks for avoiding selection problems.  

   

• In the event you do happen to pick a “lemon” and the dog doesn’t work out, just take the dog back to the dog pound or kennel or wherever. You may not be able to do that with a breeder.  

   

• When you adopt a dog you will come away with a GOOD feeling about yourself, knowing you have just saved a dog’s life and done a good thing for a helpless, lonely dog just wanting a second chance in life. I know first hand—it does give you a proud, wonderful feeling. It doesn’t happen when you lay down $1000 for a puppy. There’s the adoption vs breeder argument right there!  

   

• You walk out of the kennel or pound with your new mutt prancing proudly at your side and it’s like a breath of fresh air. Your anticipation of the future with your new dog is great and you can’t wait to get home and begin your new adventures. Your new dog is experienced and good to go.

Most cats are lactose (which are sugars in milk) intolerant & drinking milk may result in an upset tummy & cause diarrhoea.

Nutritionally it is not necessary to give your cat milk. A bowl of water is adequate.

Not all cats are lactose intolerant & a little milk as a treat is fine, however the only real way to find out if your cat is lactose intolerant is to try it on a bowl of milk & see if it causes diarrhoea. If you find your cat is okay with cow’s milk then the occasional bowl is fine, but this should be given as a treat only.

Exceptions:

Young kittens MUST have milk in order to survive. The weaning process begins around 4 weeks of age but prior to that their only source of nutrition is milk. However, it is of great importance that you do not give a kitten cow’s milk. The best possible milk is from the kitten’s own mother. If the kitten is orphaned & a foster cat can’t be found for the kitten then the kitten will have to be given a specially designed “kitten formula” which can be purchased from your veterinarian. This formula is specifically designed for kittens (cow’s milk is made for baby cows whom have different nutritional requirements to baby cats).

Alternatives:

If you want to give your cat milk the safest bet is to purchase special lactose free “cat milk” from your supermarket or pet store. This is far better than giving ordinary cow’s milk.

Fresh water should always be available to your cat.