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Aisha
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What some children said about pets
"When I was going on holiday I had to bring my dogs down to my Pop and Ma.
When we came back from our trip, Pop told me that one of my dogs had been eating a poisonous plant in the garden. He was very sick and we had to take him to the vet. Look around your garden to see if there are poisonous plants that could hurt your pet."
"When you are getting a new dog or cat you should clap your hands in front of them to find out if they are blind or deaf."
"You should dry your pet if it has been in water or in the rain, or it could catch a cold."
"Make sure that your dog has had his injections before you take him out on a walk."
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Aisha
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Before you get your new pet, you need to find out all you can about it - what kind of food, when to feed, when to go to the vet, where is the nearest dog training centre (only if you are getting a dog of course - I don't think they train spiders or mice or even crocodiles!)
A well-behaved and trained dog is easier to handle and much more pleasant to have around than a dog which jumps up, pulls on a lead and is a total embarrassment when other people are around.
Young animals like to check out anything new to them with their eyes, claws, tongues and teeth.
It's a bit like having a baby around. You have to think for them and make sure that they can't get at anything which could harm them. Make sure that electric cords are out of their reach, or cover any cords that are near the ground with something they can't chew through.
Don't give them human medicines. If your pet has a cough, your cough mixture could make it ill.
Keep all medicines - human or pet - out of your pet's reach. Like babies, they will taste everything they see, and they can't read the label either.
Only give your pets treats that are specially made for them. Yes, I know pets think they should share your treats but chocolates and chewing gum can make them ill.
Look around your yard for danger to your pet. Are there any holes, gaps in concrete, drains or swimming pools that your pet could fall into or get stuck in? (If you have a compost heap, it's a good idea to cover it up, as some pets I have known just love rolling in anything smelly!)
Make sure there are no poisons, like snail bait, where your pet could go. Snail bait is very poisonous for dogs and cats.
Be careful to keep your toys away from your pet, as small pieces could get stuck in your pet's throat.
Don't let your pets wander around the district without you. They could get hurt or catch diseases from other animals.
Teach pets to 'do the right things'. If you let your cute puppy jump onto the furniture, will you be happy for him to do the same when he's a fully-grown dog? I don't think so!
Don't leave your dog in a car when the weather is hot.
Give your pet lots of exercise.
As you can see, there are lots of things to think about before you bring a pet into your home.
A well-behaved and trained dog is easier to handle and much more pleasant to have around than a dog which jumps up, pulls on a lead and is a total embarrassment when other people are around.
Young animals like to check out anything new to them with their eyes, claws, tongues and teeth.
It's a bit like having a baby around. You have to think for them and make sure that they can't get at anything which could harm them. Make sure that electric cords are out of their reach, or cover any cords that are near the ground with something they can't chew through.
Don't give them human medicines. If your pet has a cough, your cough mixture could make it ill.
Keep all medicines - human or pet - out of your pet's reach. Like babies, they will taste everything they see, and they can't read the label either.
Only give your pets treats that are specially made for them. Yes, I know pets think they should share your treats but chocolates and chewing gum can make them ill.
Look around your yard for danger to your pet. Are there any holes, gaps in concrete, drains or swimming pools that your pet could fall into or get stuck in? (If you have a compost heap, it's a good idea to cover it up, as some pets I have known just love rolling in anything smelly!)
Make sure there are no poisons, like snail bait, where your pet could go. Snail bait is very poisonous for dogs and cats.
Be careful to keep your toys away from your pet, as small pieces could get stuck in your pet's throat.
Don't let your pets wander around the district without you. They could get hurt or catch diseases from other animals.
Teach pets to 'do the right things'. If you let your cute puppy jump onto the furniture, will you be happy for him to do the same when he's a fully-grown dog? I don't think so!
Don't leave your dog in a car when the weather is hot.
Give your pet lots of exercise.
As you can see, there are lots of things to think about before you bring a pet into your home.
Posted by
Aisha
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There are some people who have pets like snakes, spiders, crocodiles and other 'wild' animals. (Thank goodness my kids aren't into anything like that - I don't think I would be too good at sticking tablets down a crocodile's throat!)
Most people have more traditional pets like dogs, cats, birds, fish, mice, guinea pigs, tortoises and rabbits. Some people may have larger pets like donkeys and horses.
Before you choose a pet you have to think about: where you live - do you have a garden or do you live in a flat?
how much time you and your parents have to look after a pet
where the pet will live
how big it will grow up to be - puppies and kittens are really cute when they're small but they could grow up to be quite huge!
who is going to look after the pet?
how much it will cost - food, injections to stop your pet from getting diseases, licences, vet's bills, holiday care, as well as any damage which might be done to homes and gardens by pets which are curious or bored. You need to think about all these things
what other pets are in your neighbourhood - walking a dog that is new to the area can be rather noisy and a bit scary, as other dogs will want to check out the new dog.
what kind of pet will suit your lifestyle - it is a good idea to have a talk with your local vet who can advise you on the kind of pet that would fit in well with you and your family.
Most people have more traditional pets like dogs, cats, birds, fish, mice, guinea pigs, tortoises and rabbits. Some people may have larger pets like donkeys and horses.
Before you choose a pet you have to think about: where you live - do you have a garden or do you live in a flat?
how much time you and your parents have to look after a pet
where the pet will live
how big it will grow up to be - puppies and kittens are really cute when they're small but they could grow up to be quite huge!
who is going to look after the pet?
how much it will cost - food, injections to stop your pet from getting diseases, licences, vet's bills, holiday care, as well as any damage which might be done to homes and gardens by pets which are curious or bored. You need to think about all these things
what other pets are in your neighbourhood - walking a dog that is new to the area can be rather noisy and a bit scary, as other dogs will want to check out the new dog.
what kind of pet will suit your lifestyle - it is a good idea to have a talk with your local vet who can advise you on the kind of pet that would fit in well with you and your family.
Posted by
Aisha
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Your pet can be a friend.
You can learn about sharing and caring for others by looking after your pet.
You can learn about responsibility by feeding, exercising and keeping your pet clean and happy.
You can learn about the kind of pet you have.
Your family can all enjoy the pet.
Playing with pets can help you feel happy...
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Aisha
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What's good about having a pet?
Choosing a pet
Keeping pets safe
Dr Sohan says
Did you know?
What some children said about pets
Pets/animals quiz
Do you or your family have a pet?
What kind of pet is it? Who chose it? Who looks after it?
Pets can be lots of fun if you have the right pet for you, your family and your lifestyle.
Choosing a pet
Keeping pets safe
Dr Sohan says
Did you know?
What some children said about pets
Pets/animals quiz
Do you or your family have a pet?
What kind of pet is it? Who chose it? Who looks after it?
Pets can be lots of fun if you have the right pet for you, your family and your lifestyle.
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Aisha
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What some children said about keeping safe with pets:
"Don't run away from dogs or they will chase you."
"Be kind to animals and they will be kind to you."
"Never go near a dog which is growling as it may be scared and it might bite."
"Be careful when you hold a rabbit, their back legs are strong and they have sharp claws."
"Any animal will bite to protect itself."
"Clean out cages or your birds or other animals will get sick. They stink too."
"Don't go near your pet when it is eating. It might think you're going to take the food away and then it could bite or scratch you."
"Don't go up to strange animals. You may scare them and they may try to defend themselves."
"Always ask before you pat someone else's pet."
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Aisha
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"Having a pet in your home is a big responsibility, and it can be a lot of work but can be a whole lot of fun for you and your family. Help your pet to have a happy life by giving it lots of attention, keeping it clean, fed and happy and training it to know how to behave."
Posted by
Aisha
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Sick pets
Some pets can get sick very easily, especially if they aren't natural to the place where they are living.
Birds [including chickens] can pass on an illness to people called psittacosis [say sitta-co-sis]. It is caused by breathing in dust which has dried bird droppings [poo] in it and causes people to feel like they have 'flu.
If your pet is not well, take it to the vet who will know how to make it better and can tell you if it has a disease that you could catch.
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Aisha
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Cleaning Up......
Regularly clean up after your pet in the garden, the cat litter tray or the area where your pet lives.
Keep your sandpit covered when you are not using it. Cats like to use sandpits as a toilet and leave nasty germs and other things.
To avoid getting germs, wear rubber gloves and make sure that you wash your hands well after cleaning up.
Have a look at the topic "Bites from animals".
Keep your sandpit covered when you are not using it. Cats like to use sandpits as a toilet and leave nasty germs and other things.
To avoid getting germs, wear rubber gloves and make sure that you wash your hands well after cleaning up.
Have a look at the topic "Bites from animals".
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Aisha
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Bites and scratches
Always wash any scratches and bites from animals with soap and water as soon as possible. If the bite or scratch bleeds, that means it is deep and you need to get mum or dad to check it.
Never go up to a strange animal. You don't know how it will act towards you.
Never try to play with an animal that is eating or sleeping. Even your own pet that you've had for ages may be startled and bite or scratch.
Keep an eye on younger brothers or sisters when they are playing with your pet. Young children haven't learned to treat animals with respect and they could be too rough.
Never go up to a strange animal. You don't know how it will act towards you.
Never try to play with an animal that is eating or sleeping. Even your own pet that you've had for ages may be startled and bite or scratch.
Keep an eye on younger brothers or sisters when they are playing with your pet. Young children haven't learned to treat animals with respect and they could be too rough.
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Aisha
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Germs (Rookie Readers)
Germs, worms and fleas Always wash your hands after playing with a pet, and be especially careful before eating, in case any germs have got onto your fingers.
Don't let pets lick your face - they may have been licking somewhere unmentionable just before they licked you! If they do lick your face, don't panic - soap and water will get rid of any nasty germs.
Pets get worms and fleas. They need to be treated regularly to keep them healthy. Animal fleas can bite you.
Some skin diseases such as ringworm can be spread to humans from dogs and cats. [Ringworm is not really a worm, it is a skin infection caused by tinea - see our topic "Fungal infections".]
Some people can be allergic to animal hair or dander[the dry skin that rubs off pets and sticks in the animal's fur.] They might get hay fever or asthma if they get too close to some pets - see our topic "Allergies - general".
It sounds like a lot of problems, doesn't it. But if you take care, pets can be great fun and not cause any problems!
Germs, worms and fleas Always wash your hands after playing with a pet, and be especially careful before eating, in case any germs have got onto your fingers. Don't let pets lick your face - they may have been licking somewhere unmentionable just before they licked you! If they do lick your face, don't panic - soap and water will get rid of any nasty germs.
Pets get worms and fleas. They need to be treated regularly to keep them healthy. Animal fleas can bite you.
Some skin diseases such as ringworm can be spread to humans from dogs and cats. [Ringworm is not really a worm, it is a skin infection caused by tinea - see our topic "Fungal infections".]
Some people can be allergic to animal hair or dander[the dry skin that rubs off pets and sticks in the animal's fur.] They might get hay fever or asthma if they get too close to some pets - see our topic "Allergies - general".
It sounds like a lot of problems, doesn't it. But if you take care, pets can be great fun and not cause any problems!
Posted by
Aisha
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Germs, worms and fleas
Bites and scratches
Cleaning up
Sick pets
Dr Kate says
Children say
Unusual pets
Jigsaw puzzle
There are lots of good things for children about having and caring for pets. Playing with and cuddling pets [yuk! not spiders] is part of the fun of having them, but there are some things to remember if you want to keep yourself safe.
Bites and scratches
Cleaning up
Sick pets
Dr Kate says
Children say
Unusual pets
Jigsaw puzzle
There are lots of good things for children about having and caring for pets. Playing with and cuddling pets [yuk! not spiders] is part of the fun of having them, but there are some things to remember if you want to keep yourself safe.
