Health Tip: On Kids and Pets

How to prepare children for furry friends

(HealthDay News) -- Selecting a family pet should not be a quick decision. The safety of your children should be a priority, so it's important to find the right match for your family.

The American Academy of Pediatrics suggests:

  • Find a pet with a gentle disposition. An older animal often is a good choice for a child, because a puppy or kitten may bite out of sheer friskiness. But avoid older pets raised in homes without children.
  • Never leave a young child alone with an animal.
  • Teach your child not to put his or her face close to an animal.
  • Don't let your child tease the pet, or disturb the animal while it's eating or sleeping.

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