Posts Tagged: kids and pets

National Kids and Pets Day is a fun day to celebrate the special bond that is held between our pets and kids.  It also reminds us what pets can teach our children as they grow up.

RESPONSIBILITY:   If your child is old enough to get involved with activities taking care of your pet, let her help!  She can fill the water bowl, brush the fur, or help pick up the pet toys.  As she grows older, she can assist with the feeding schedule, clean up feces from the yard, and even help with training.

COMPASSION: The compassion and nurturing that a child can learn from a pet will extend to other people as they grow, and even to their own kids one day.

HEALTH: In a world where technology is king, having pets can be a positive distraction from our devices.  It’s also a great way to encourage the kids to get outside more!

SOCIAL: A pet can help teach a child social skills and build their confidence.  Is your child learning how to read?  Have her read a story to the cat!  What’s better than having a best friend to talk to who will never judge you?

SAFETY: A pet helps teach our kids how to be safe with animals.  As parents, it’s our responsibility to teach our kids how to interact with animals appropriately and always supervise their interactions.  If you meet a new dog on a walk, does your child know to ask permission first before petting?

Thinking about adding a furry companion to your family?  Consider adoption first.

School has officially begun!  Whether you are pushing your kids out the front door or still wishing summer could last a little longer, the change in our schedule is inevitable.  A change in routine can cause some stress on our furry companions, so it’s our responsibility to help them adjust.  Here are a few tips to make things easier for them while they wait by the door for the family to get home!

1.  Establish Play Times.  Schedule play times before school and after school with the kids to ensure your pets are getting enough activity.  If you have a dog, plan an evening walk with the whole family.  Walks are great for both exercise and stimulation for your dog.

2. Turn On Some Tunes.  Play some slow and soothing music for your pet while you are gone.  This will take away the quiet and help them feel more at ease.

3.  Enroll In A Training Class.  When things get busy, it’s easy to get lax on the rules.  A training class is both good for our pup and us, as well.  It helps us establish boundaries with our pets and reminds them what they can and can’t do.

4. Use Adaptil (for dogs) and Feliway (for cats).  These are synthetic pheromones designed to mimic those released by a mother to her offspring to help them feel more comfortable in potential stress situations.  These products are available in diffuser form and a spray for your convenience.

5.  Purchase A New Toy For Your Pet.  Your pet deserves to be spoiled every once and a while, right?  While the kids are getting school supplies and new sneakers, pick up a new interactive toy for your pet to spice things up!  Your pet will thank you!