Choose age-appropriate activities. Children are often eager to care for a beloved family pet, but it's important to supervise their involvement.
- A preschooler might not be old enough to fully understand the importance of pet nutrition, but she could help feed a pet by filling water bowls or measuring food.
- Children 5 to 7 years old will often begin to read a pet's body language and can even begin to play a part in training the family dog or cat.
- Kids 8 to 10 years old are most likely mature enough to gradually assume many of the day-to-day responsibilities of pet care.
Teach by example. Kids learn by watching their parents. Perhaps the best way to teach your child to respect and care for the family pet is to model the correct behaviour. Show your child by example how to pick up a cat, or pet a dog. Demonstrate the correct way to check for fleas, or how to give the dog a bath. The way you treat the family pet is the way your child will eventually treat it, too.
Walk the dog together. Get in the habit of taking your child along when you walk the dog. Help your child understand that, just like people, dogs need exercise. Explain the importance of curbing and keeping the dog off of the neighbours' lawns. After a few walks around the neighbourhood, let your child hold the leash.
Turn a trip to the vet into an inspiring experience. A trip to the vet is perhaps the best way to teach your children that, just like humans, animals need special care. Ask your vet if she can spend a few extra minutes with your child to answer any questions he might have, or to explain the purpose of frequent checkups.
Help your child understand pet nutrition. A young child may love the family pet so much that he insists on feeding it his favourite food — like cookies or ice cream. Help your child understand that people food does not contain the vitamins and nutrients pets need to grow up healthy. Introduce your child to pet nutrition in a hands-on way by allowing him to feed the family dog or cat. Gradually, feeding can become your child's responsibility.
Encourage your child. Find special ways to encourage your child. Let her know that you appreciate the good job she's doing with the family pet. Take pictures of her interacting with the dog or cat and keep them posted on the refrigerator. A little encouragement goes a long way toward building your child's confidence.
