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Adding a Pet to the Family (page 2)
by Sheila Somerlock Ruth
http://www.mycinnamontoast.com

Allergies

Thankfully, my son doesn't seem to have an allergy to cats. But
on a recent sleepover visit, my niece woke up in the middle of
the night with red, swollen, itchy eyes, stuffy nose, and
wheezing. Allergies are no fun; kids with allergies can be
pretty miserable. And allergies can lead to more serious
conditions, like asthma. So you need to make sure that your
kids are not allergic before you get a pet. One thing that you
can do is to let your child spend time visiting someone with
the type of pet you plan to get. Even this is not foolproof,
however. Different breeds may produce different reactions. One
article I read even suggests that cats with dark color fur may
produce more allergic reaction than cats with light color fur!
If you want to be sure, an allergist can perform a skin test to
find out. Allergies can take up to two years to develop, so
even if your child is not allergic, there is always the
possibility that allergies can develop later.

If your children are allergic to dogs or cats, perhaps a small
animal will work out better. Hamsters, hermit crabs, or frogs
may produce less of an allergic reaction. But before you
purchase any pet, a consultation with an allergist may be
helpful.

Commitment

Caterpillars aren't too bad, as pets go. They are quiet and
don't require too much attention. Their food is free, and as
long as you keep them supplied with plenty of fresh Milkweed
leaves, and mist them occasionally with a plant mister, they
are content to munch along on their leaves and mind their own
business. And they don't require a long commitment; it takes
about a month to go from egg to butterfly, and then you release
them.

Dogs and cats, however, do require a long term commitment;
almost as much as a child. Dogs can live 10-14 years, and cats
can live 9-13 years or longer. If you adopt one of these
animals, and then find out that it isn't working out, you may
have difficulty finding a good home for it, especially if it is
full grown. Many animals are euthanized because their owners
don't want them anymore and drop them off at the animal
shelter. So before adopting an animal, especially a long-lived
one, make sure that you are ready to make the commitment! One
good way to find out what it is really like having an animal in
your home is to offer to take care of a friend's pet while they
are away on a trip. You will get a good idea of the level of
care required, and find out first hand how your children do
with an animal in the house.

Think carefully about your decision, and make sure that you and
your children are ready. If you decide not to adopt a pet, sit
down with your children and explain your reasons. Perhaps you
can find alternatives, such as a membership to a children's zoo
or regular visits with a friend's pet. If you do decide to
adopt a pet into your family, then I hope that you will enjoy
the relationship as much as I have. Having a pet can be one of
the most rewarding experiences, and your pet will soon become a
special part of the family.

back to page 1

Related Books:

The Complete Idiot's Guide to Choosing a Pet
by Betsy Sikora Siino, Audrey Pavia

ASPCA Pet Care Guides for Kids: Kitten
by Mark Evans

ASPCA Pet Care Guides for Kids: Puppy
by Mark Evans

ASPCA Pet Care Guides for Kids: Hamster
by Mark Evans


"Adding a Pet to the Family" is Copyright 2000 MyCinnamonToast
All Rights Reserved

Sheila Somerlock Ruth is the founder of MyCinnamonToast.com, a
web site devoted to strengthening family connections through
good parenting and genealogy.
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