How to Involve Children With Pet Care

Pets are a wonderful addition to a child's growing-up experience. Aside from learning about unconditional love, they also learn responsibility and respect. The following are some ways to teach your child to be a responsible and loving pet guardian.

Difficulty:

Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need

• Leash
• Food & water bowls

1. Measure out the pet's food portion yourself and have your child place it in the bowl and feed it to the pet. If it's an older child you can teach her how to measure out the food or exactly what foods to feed without under or overfeeding.

2. Tell your child to check periodically and make sure there is enough water in your pet's bowl.

3. Have your child accompany you when walking the dog. If your child is old enough and your dog is easy enough to handle, show your child how to hold the leash and let him take a turn.

4. Show your child how to scoop out the litter box and dispose of the waste. Also show your child how to change out the litter box and add new litter when necessary.

5. Let your child assist you with bathing and grooming your pet. For instance, you could apply the shampoo and your child could scrub and help hold the pet. Your child can also help hold the pet during grooming and while you administer medication.

6. Teach your child how to play safely with your pet and to never be rough. Also show your child how to properly handle your pet, and if the child is old enough, how to properly pick the pet up if necessary.

7. Take your child shopping at the pet supply store and explain the differences between certain pet supplies and products. For instance, explain which toys are safe for dogs and why certain toys (such as rawhide) are not.

Tips & Warnings

• Work out a treat-feeding schedule. Children tend to overfeed treats if they don't know the limit.

• Never allow your child to feed your pet human food or table scraps, unless it's OK'd by you. Explain to the child that certain food items such as chocolate and grapes can be poisonous to pets, as well as certain plants and household cleaning products.

• Warn your child never to put your pet in a closet or in an area where the pet could suffocate or in any other situation where the pet could be endangered.

Resources

• Read this Article in Portuguese