Reptile Care Books

We have the Reptile Care Books information that you are looking for below.

More Reptile Care Books Info Below

How To Decide what Pet To Buy and Does the One I’m Choosing Make Sense

(By Joe Cinova)

So your child has finally expressed an interest in getting a pet. With so many things to consider how do you choose the appropriate pet for them? There are many factors you need to concern yourself with before making that final decision.

 Although pets are a truly educational and playful way for your kids to spend their time, as the person “in charge†and the one ultimately responsible for the animal you need to ask yourself an important question? What am I willing to accept having in the house?

 You would like to think that whatever you decide the child will love it and take of it forever. Realistically though, they may get bored and are you going to tolerate the pet once they are being ignored by the child?

 The first and foremost concern is to look at the age of the child. Some people are convinced that getting a new pet with a young baby creates a certain bond over the life of the pet. This may be true. But if the child is 2 or 3 years old for example and you decide to buy a huge dog like let’s say Saint Bernard, who’s going to spend all their time making sure the shear size of the dog doesn’t hurt the child? You? Do you have the time?

 In a short period of time, this dog as well as others are going to weigh a lot and will tower over the child. A playful swipe of the paw can knock them down and hurt them. All the dog wanted to do is play. How about a cat? If like most people you don’t have them declawed, those claws can be really harmful. Again all the cat wanted to do is play.

How about when your child wants his own toy and the dog has it. The child wants it, grabs it and the dog shows their teeth and maybe even nips them. I realize that this act can happen with any pet but with a smaller pet it’s a lot safer around your kids.

 I’ve raised 8 dogs, (currently 3 Min Pins), and 6 cats. So I’m certainly not against them. I’m just passing along some good advice about what I’ve seen over the years. Pets are a lot of work around children and you need to be prepared for it as the parent.

 Next, determine the interests of the child. If they tend to be more “involved†in things then don’t get a pet that won’t keep their interest. For example, having the responsibility of cleaning out a birdcage, with you helping the child, keeps the child interested.

 Feeding them and playing with the pet stops the child from getting bored. Watching a goldfish in a bowl just might not cut it. And remember who gets to take care of the pet when they won’t. You do.

 If your child wants a pet that just doesn’t make sense, then you have to talk to them about it. We all know that a “no†in this instance won’t stop them from asking. Try to get them interested in an alternate pet. One good way may be to take them to a library. Bring out lots of pet books and let them look them over. A compromise may not be far off.

 How much time and effort are you willing to put into the care of whatever pet you want to buy? Reading up on the animal, fish, reptile or whatever is a smart thing to do before you buy it. Sometimes there are certain aspects of the pet care that may turn you off to owning them. Sometimes it’s just too much work.

 I used to raise freshwater and saltwater fish with my brother. We had over 20 tanks, with the largest being over 100 gallons. For us it was great fun. For someone else it may just be a lot of work. Cleaning the filters, feeding them, what happens when they have babies, is the heater working, etc, etc, etc. Again this isn’t meant to turn you off just enlighten your decision making process.

 How about a snake, I’ve raised them too. Just Garter snakes mind you but they still can be a lot of work to take care of them. How about getting them their food or watching them eat bugs? Is this something you and the child want to do and watch?

 You know common sense really is in order when buying a pet. Taking into consideration the dos and don’ts of pets can help make the decision easier. Do you have a small or big house? Do you live in an apartment? Who takes care of the pet when you want to go away on a trip? Is the pet noisy, like a hamster taking a 2am run on their cage wheel. Is this going to bother you or anyone else in the family?

 Take some time, write down some limits for what you will and will not do or accept when dealing with a particular pet. Know where they will stay once they are in the house. Assign each child or family member part of the overall pet care responsibility. Making the most out of the situation will not only keep the pet happy but the whole household as well.

 Remember, there is no one right or wrong answer. You need to spend time to determine what is right for you. The most important thing for you is consistency and patience. Pets are great. Don’t let the little things stop you from enjoying their company. You’ll be glad you did and so will they!

 Thanks For Reading!

About the Author

Joe is an on-line author and internet affiliate marketer. As an individual that's been involved with sports for years including martial arts (2nd Degree Black Belt in Tae Kwon Do), lacrosse, baseball, football, coaching and being a referee health and wellness are an important part of his life.

He has also spent years raising cats, dogs and birds. As an engineer he spends a great deal of time working on his house, designing and fixing things and developing his new business platforms.

With his experience he has written articles to share the information and experiences developed over the years.

Visit
www.PetsShopDirect.com
for all your pet supply needs.

Pick up all your brand name pet meds from
www.FleaAndTickControl-Shop.com
at up to 80% off.

Caring for Frogs & Reptiles : How to Care for Iguanas

Tagged as: corn-snakes, dogs, narrasti, pets, snake