Growing up with pets can be beneficial

Growing up with pets can be good for a child's health and development. Research has shown that interacting with pets can contribute to a child's self-esteem and selfconfidence. A positive relationship with a pet can help a child learn about responsibility.

Most children view pets as special friends and may share secrets and cares with their pets.

Pet ownership has been associated with better grades in school, and interacting with pets may help children develop better social skills.

A recent study at Pacific Lutheran University in Tacoma, Wash., found that children who helped care for a puppy in preschool were better able to understand other students' feelings.

There are some notsopositive aspects to growing up with pets, but parents can take steps to prevent and minimize the consequences. •Choose a pet that's right for the family. Before making a commitment, ask how hard the pet is to care for. How aggressive is the pet? For parents with small children, is the pet used to the roughhousing small children engage in? •Make sure children aren't playing too rough with or abusing the pet. While very young children may not know when behavior is too rough, children shouldn't be allowed to harm them. •There are five key parasites that pose a threat to a dog's health, and some of them can transmit disease to children. They are heartworms, roundworms, hookworms, whipworms and fleas.

However, with effective parasite preventives, good hygiene and common sense, owners can keep their pets and family safe and healthy. Ask a veterinarian about monthly topical or oral treatments that target flea eggs and larvae, and control common intestinal parasites as well.

This story is provided by North American Precis Syndicate Inc.