According to the National Institutes of Health, “Pets are more common in households with children, yet there are more pets than children in American households.”
Perks of pet ownership include a decrease in blood pressure, cholesterol levels, triglyceride levels and feelings of loneliness. Pets may help increase physical activity outdoors and regular exercise, and increase opportunities for socialization. (Nancy D. Brown/Chicago Tribune)
You may think a pet snake or turtle would be less trouble than a dog, but how will your child(ren)’s health change? Find out the perks and warning signs of pet ownership with children. (Source: Infants and young children)
Be careful with cat claws, and make sure to monitor your child for cat scratches. Your child should wash his/her hands after touching a cat or cat feces to avoid cat-related diseases. (Brian Kersey/Chicago Tribune)
People who are more likely to get diseases from dogs include infants, children younger than 5 years old, organ transplant patients, people with HIV/AIDS and people being treated for cancer. Click here for dog-related diseases. Make sure your pet is properly groomed to avoid scratching a child. (Brian Cassella/Chicago Tribune)
Parakeets and parrots can carry the bacterium Chlamydia psittaci, which causes the disease psittacosis. However, since 1996, CDC reports that fewer than 50 confirmed cases were reported in the United States each year. Humans get it from inhaling dried secretions from infected birds. (Terry Harris/Chicago Tribune)
Pet reptiles and amphibians should not be allowed in the kitchen. Dishes, cages and aquariums should be not be washed in kitchen sinks, and bathtubs should be cleaned and disinfected if used to clean tanks. They should also not be allowed to roam freely in the home. (Abel Uribe/Chicago Tribune)
Children under five years old have an increased risk of salmonella infection. According to CDC, they should avoid contact with reptiles and amphibians, including items that have been in contact with reptiles and amphibians. A family with a reptile or amphibian should remove it before the child is brought home. (Heather Stone/Chicago Tribune)
Even if your child goes on a field trip to a petting zoo, make sure the teacher/guardian will: 1) find out where hand-washing stations are; 2) make sure children wash their hands after petting an animal; 3) use hand gels if running water is unavailable. (Alan Solomon/Chicago Tribune)
At petting zoos, make sure that children do not eat or drink raw (unpasteurized) dairy products, and make sure children do not put their hands in their mouths after touching farm animals. (Chuck Berman/Chicago Tribune)
