Pets play a big part in many children’s lives. Aside from the fun value pets add to any family, animals also teach children about nurturing, companionship, responsibility and even compassion.

As a parent, you want your child to reap the benefits of raising an animal without problems, the most obvious being biting.

“While all kinds of pets can bring children pleasure, it is important to choose a pet that is right for your family, your home, and your lifestyle, and one that your child can help care for,” says Dr. Andrew Madeiros, local vet and chairman of the SPCA shelter.

“Remember, even trained and domesticated animals can be aggressive,” he adds. “It’s best to ask advice before adopting a pet, especially an adult dog or cat. Just because they might have been good with children, does not mean they will be good with yours.”

Dr. Madeiros suggests asking your local vet, the SPCA, dog training club or the Bermuda Kennel Club for advice on what breed of dog would best suit your needs.

He says it would be unrealistic to, for example, get a Border Collie if you lived on small property and were not home that often: “They are very energetic dogs that need a lot of exercise and attention. The same can be said for the Jack Russell which is another popular breed.”

Dogs may bite because they are frightened, especially if they are being teased, or because they are protecting their beds, a toy, or their food. He suggests teaching your child “to be a tree” — to stand still with their hands at their sides and let a dog they don’t know sniff them.

Dr. Madeiros explains that it is important for children to realise that if they run away, the dog may think they are playing and chase them. Just as important, he adds, is to tell a child to curl up into a ball and protect their face or hands if a dog knocks them down.

Unlike dogs, cats typically run away when bothered by a child but there are a few tricks Dr. Madeiros suggests you teach your child to avoid being scratched.

[bul] “Teach your child that if a kitty flips its tail back and forth quickly it’s more likely to scratch or bite, so avoid it.”

[bul] “Teach them not to pick up a cat, but just to pet it gently on the back or behind the ears, and never to bother one that is sleeping or eating.”

[bul] “Do not let your child handle the litter box and if you are pregnant, avoid contact with cats because they can cause toxoplasmosis, a disease that may increase the risk of miscarriage or foetal deformities.”

As for smaller critters like hamsters, guinea pigs and rabbits, while they are gentle most of the time Dr. Madeiros points out that it is important to remember that hamsters are not suitable for smaller children: “They are nocturnal animals which means they are active at night, so they would be better suited to a teenager. They are also a little more aggressive than guinea pigs and rabbits.”

To keep risks of biting or scratching to a minimum, he points out the importance of handling the animal with your child for at least 15 minutes a day: “Teach your child to hold his pet securely, but gently and it might also be a good idea to let the child offer the animal a treat like a carrot or a blueberry, to ensure it’s a pleasurable experience.”

In the case of hamsters and guinea pigs, he insists you keep the cage in a place where you can supervise the animal and your child.

Dr. Madeiros warns that parents need to accept responsibility as primary care givers to their children’s pets as it would be unrealistic to depend solely on children to do this, especially younger children.

Tropical fish, on the other hand, are among the safest, most colourful and low-maintenance pets, but even they present problems.

“Tell your child never to put their hands in the tank. The water may contain salmonella, or other harmful bacteria,” he cautions. “As with all pet foods, store these out of your child’s reach and teach your child not to overfeed fish.”