May 18, 2025

Aarushi Bhadury

A Parent’s Guide To Pets: Important Points To Consider For Your Child’s Health

​Pets are Like Family for Many​

A lot of families have pets. People often see these animals as part of the family because they feel a special connection with them. But before you make the addition, here are some points to consider, according to the Journal of Advanced Pediatrics and Child Health

Credit: Canva

​Pets Can Make People Feel Less Lonely Impacts Mood​

Studies have shown that having pets at home can help people feel less alone and can quickly make them feel happier and better mentally.

Credit: Canva

​Pets Can Help Kids Grow in Many Ways​

New research is showing that having a pet can be good for kids. It might help them with their feelings, how they think, how they act, how they learn, and how they get along with others.

Credit: Canva

​But Pets Can Carry Germs​

Even though pets are great, they can also carry illnesses that can make people sick. This is a downside to having animals in the house.

Credit: Canva

You may also like

Food Anxiety Is Real – How Your Food Int...
World Osteoporosis Month: Ways To Streng...

​Kids Are More Likely to Get Sick from Pets​

Compared to grown-ups, kids have a higher chance of getting sick from germs that pets carry. This is because their bodies might not have all their shots yet, and their germ-fighting system isn't as strong.

Credit: Canva

​Kids Might Get Bitten Easier​

Kids also have a higher risk of being bitten by a pet they know. This can happen because they are very active and have lots of energy, which might make some animals feel like they need to protect themselves.

Credit: Canva

​Dogs Can Spread Certain Germs​

Dogs can carry different kinds of germs that can make young kids sick. Some important ones that parents should know about are Campylobacter, Clostridium Difficile, and Pasteurella.

Credit: Canva

​Puppies Can Carry Stomach Bug Germs​

Young dogs, or puppies, are especially likely to carry Campylobacter germs. Sometimes, dogs get these germs from eating leftover food from the kitchen. Then, these dogs can pass the germs to kids.

Credit: Canva

​Dog Licks Can Spread Germs Too​

When dogs lick or "kiss" kids, they can easily spread Clostridium Difficile germs. These germs can cause diarrhea and stomach cramps in kids because they can make their insides get swollen.

Credit: Canva

​Scratches Can Also Spread Germs​

Both dogs and cats can have Pasteurella germs in their noses and throats. If they scratch a child, these germs can get into the skin and cause infections like redness and swelling. Sometimes, it can even cause more serious problems.

Credit: Canva

Thanks For Reading !

Next: Food Anxiety Is Real – How Your Food Intake Affects Your Anxiety

See more stories