The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) has released a new study, “Exposure to Nontraditional Pets at Home and to Animals in Public Settings: Risks to Children.”
According to the report published in the October edition of the group’s medical journal, Pediatrics, exposure to animals can provide many benefits during the growth and development of children. However, “nontraditional” exotic pets pose potential risks.
Evidence shows that exotic pets, such as hedgehogs, hamsters, baby chicks, lizards, turtles and other reptiles — can carry dangerous germs such as salmonella.
Also, they may be more prone than cats and dogs to bite, scratch or claw, putting children younger than 5 at risk because of their developing immune systems and their tendency to put their hands in their mouths!
With supervision and precautions like hand-washing, contact between children and “traditional” animals is beneficial, but families should wait until children are older before bringing home an exotic pet. Also, young kids should avoid contact with these animals in petting zoos or other public places.
For more information, or to read the entire report, click here.
