The best idea for a childs first pet is to give him or her hamster. They are adorable and fuzzy little creatures but nonetheless appealing. No matter what the size of an animal is, they all could be used as a means of teaching the value of love. The importance of finding the perfect pet is the experience that a child undergoes in taking care of it.
Differentiate Hamsters from Gerbils
Hamsters are different from gerbils in two very important ways. First, hamsters are more inclined to be solitary and that means they ideally live alone. Syrian hamsters should not be placed in just one cage together with the others. They cannot share their domain to others without constant fighting. Although, the Chinese and Russian breeds are able to live in pairs or groups, it should be done while they are still at a young age. On the other hand, gerbils must live in groups so it will be so unkind if you keep only one as a pet. If this is the case, the gerbil will be lonesome and miserable. Unlike hamsters, gerbils relish the idea of companions. When in a group, they will most probably spend a big part of their time cleaning one another and commonly sleep curled up together.
Hamsters are generally trouble free. Their need for care is very basic yet still a good way for children to learn the importance of responsibility and elicits affection from them. Mostly, caring for these little ones entail minimal chores. Naturally like any other living creature they need fresh food, water, and adequate air on a regular basis. Feed them well and provide them with potable water.
A good thing about them is that they you will have no problems with pungent odors since they do not have very overwhelming smell. Compared to other animals, they do not shed as much. Despite of them being rodents, these tiny ones are fairly sanitary animals. But of course their cage would still require cleaning one to two times a week to maintain their cleanliness.
In order to tame a new hamster, offering those treats is an excellent approach. Initially, they tend to be timid and nervous but their curiosity would lead them to you. Reach out your hand slowly inside the coop and allow them some time to sniff you at least twice day before you could actually start holding them in your hands. Speak to them with a gentle voice. Be calm and patient in dealing with them. Soon, they will get used to your presence and will most likely start climbing onto your hand.
Another great thing about them is that they can be acquired at a minimum cost and caring expenses is not pricey. All you need to buy is an appropriate cage together with an exercise wheel for them. This is also the only thing that would produce a bit of noise. Not to worry though, hamsters will not stay on the wheel all night long and even that is really inconsequential so they are usually quiet. Overall, whenever a child asks for a pet it is highly suggested that hamsters should be given to them. This will serve as a perfect pet for starting up. Let the child take one step at a time. Once the childs capacity to take on the task is established and they become very dependable that will be the time when you can start pondering on other possible animals that are suitable as pets.
Choosing the Perfect Pet for Your Kids
Being responsible is a very important quality of a person. This trait is not gained in just a snap of a finger though. Acceptance of responsibilities is a long and winding process that should be inculcated in an individual as early as possible. Childhood is the most appropriate time for kids to learn how to be responsible. Teaching your kids the value of being responsible could start by giving them a pet. Through this you will be able to achieve your goal while your kids are having an eventful experience as well. However, you do not just give them any animal you could think of. Bear in mind that the length of time the will be with you may range from months to years. It will never be easy that is why you really have to choose the perfect pet for your kids.
Benefits of Having a Pet
Having pets brings a lot of benefits. Aside from learning the value of being responsible, pets could in fact give their owners unconditional love. They are very reliant to human beings for love and affection but give it back to you too. Be sure to really take care of them and you will feel their warmth for you. They may just stay where they are but once you approach them you would soon find out that they are regaled with your presence. They may not be able to speak how they feel but you could sense that certain warmth through their body language. Jumping excitedly, running towards you, or just staying by your side is their way of communication.
Pets have a great way of comforting kids especially when they are sick or having a bad day. They comfort people during the times of need. They may not do it exactly the way another person does but in their own way they would achieve the same goal.
Factors to Consider
Choosing a pet for children depends largely on a number of factors. The childs current age is a key element in making the decision. Very young kids might unknowingly mishandle or hurt the pet. There is a possibility that they would pull, drop, or pick the pet improperly which would cause undue hurt or pain.
Health of all family members should also be considered. Some people have a hypersensitivity reaction to pets. Hairy animals will most probably exacerbate a persons asthma attacks. In some instances, contact dermatitis may ensue in various parts of the body especially on those areas that constantly touch or adhere to the pet. Assess your familys health status first to avoid them from happening. If you are not certain whether or not your children have allergies, allow them to spend some time at a pet owners house. This would help you gauge whether the pet is suitable for them and will not be detrimental to their health.
Another thing that you have to look into is the financial aspect. Determine how much can you allot for the pet and their care including food, vaccine, and grooming. Building an appropriate coop up for a particular animal might be more expensive than you think. Even animals require play pens too.
Apart from that, you have to consider how big your house is and how much space you could spare for the kids pet. Ample space will be needed in taking care of pets. If you have a rather small place, then choose an animal that would not require so much.
Having a pet would also entail apportioning the parents time. Even though the child promises to take on all the responsibilities, parents still end up helping out. It is important that you supervise your child while she performs the chores to make sure that everything is done right. It is only after a period of time when they could really manage.
Hopefully, the worst case scenario will not happen. Some kids get tired of the pet and the parents end up doing the chores or finding a pet sitter in some cases. In order to avoid this from happening it is important that you find the perfect pet for your kids.
The Perfect Pet on the Move
Moving to a new house or transferring to another place may be inevitable at times. And since your pet is already considered a member of your family, it is just natural to bring them along. Of course you would not have painstakingly taken care of it just to leave it behind. After all it is not easy to find the perfect pet for your kids. Here are some guidelines on how to safely move your beloved pets.Devise a Plan Ahead
Planning in advance on how to go about the move will make it less stressful for both you and the pet. Gradually pack your pets belongings and as much as possible maintain the daily routine your pet is used to.
Purchase a Safe Carrier
In moving your pets, be sure to keep them safe by purchasing the appropriate carriers for them. Prepare the carrier ahead of time even before a few days of the day when you will be moving. This will help the pet get accustomed to the carrier by letting it stay there for some time each day. Once the pet will a get the feel of it, fussing or being ballistic on the day of the move will be avoided. For pets that are especially in need of sturdy carriers such as dogs and cats, make sure that it will not be too confining for them.
Buy a New ID or Tag for Your Pet
Upon knowing your new address, have a new pet ID or tag wherein your new address is indicated including your contact numbers. If this is not possible for such short time, be sure to obtain a distinct form of pet identification like a collar with imprinted information on it. A band may also be attached to the collar just make sure it does not dangle like a traditional tag. An updated tag will help you find your pet in case it will be lost during the move. A recent photo of your pet will also be helpful in case it will be lost.
Secure Your Pet
On the day of the move, place your pet in its carrier safely or if this is not available keep it inside a safe and confined place such as a bathroom to prevent it from escaping. Be sure to put a large sign outside the door and inform the movers about this.
Ensure a Safe Car Trip
If you will be travelling by your car, it will be necessary to restrain your pet. Never place an animal inside your cars trunk. There wont be enough ventilation for them which might result to their death. Check on them from time to time and never leave on their own during stop over. Weather changes are quite unpredictable and leaving your pet alone in the parking lot when a change in temperature occurs might be detrimental to their health. Also, a pet left on its own will be most vulnerable to other people harming or stealing them.
Consult Your Veterinarian
Schedule a consultation with your veterinarian prior to your move. With a professional advice, you will be well guided in going about the move and you could also be offered choices on medication or behavior modification that would make it less stressful for you and your pet. You may also need to procure additional vaccinations and obtain your pets health certificates depending on the destination.
Set Up Their New Home
Be sure to take with you all the necessary belongings of your pets and other things that are familiar to them to make it easier for your perfect pet to adapt.
