Holidays With Kids And Pets

The holidays are coming up fast! We always love seeing cute photos of kids and pets. However, you will want to take a few precautions to make sure things go smoothly between your little ones and your furry pals. An Oconomowoc, WI vet offers some tips on this below.

Food

Food is always a hazard with pets at this time of year. Be extra vigilant if you have little kids around. Children sometimes try to share things with their furry friends, not knowing what is and isn’t safe for them. Some of the more dangerous foods include garlic, onions, grapes and raisins, chocolate, macadamia nuts, avocado, caffeiend, chocolate, and xylitol. Of course, you don’t want your toddler snacking on Fido’s kibble, either!

Roughhousing

Pets can be very beneficial for children: they provide comfort, companionship, and friendship, and teach kids about the importance of empathy. Just remember that all of our furry pals are different. Some dogs won’t blink an eye if a toddler literally sits on them, while others get agitated very quickly. Plus, many pets frighten easily, or get quite unnerved by young kids’ loud or high-pitched voices. Keep a close eye on things. Make sure that your child knows to be gentle with their four-legged buddy. Don’t let them pull Fluffy’s tail or take Fido’s toys or food!

Gifts

We know, it’s always super cute seeing a little kid get excited because they got a puppy or kitten as a gift. Tread carefully here, though. Animals are precious gifts, but they are not presents. They are living, breathing creatures that feel pain and emotions. Adopting a pet is a lifelong commitment, and something to think very carefully about. If your child is begging for a pet, and you think they’re ready for one, pick something that’s small and easy to care for, like a goldfish, and be prepared to carefully monitor care and interactions. That all said, if you’re ready to adopt a new family pet, there’s absolutely nothing wrong with timing things out so that your four-legged buddy comes home on Christmas morning.

Photos

If you have kids and pets getting together over the holidays, you’re almost obligated to take some cute pics. We want to see them!



Are you looking for a great animal clinic that will treat your beloved pet like their own? Call us, your Oconomowoc, WI pet hospital!