Episode 15 - Children and pets

Dr. Erik Strunck of Grace Park Animal Hospital in Morrisville, NC visits the podcast to discuss pets in homes with preschoolers and toddlers.

CHILDREN AND PETS

Episode 15

Our guest is veterinarian, Erick Strunck of Grace Park Animal Hospital. Dr. Strunck opened Grace Park Animal hospital in 2008 and lives in Cary, North Carolina.

Topics Discussed Include:

Issues to consider before getting a pet
- make sure lifestyle fits with a pet
- Do you travel a lot? Gone for long stretches
- Consider the costs for food and vaccines
- Do you have the time for a pet?
Selecting the right pet for your family
- Do you want a more active dog
- Make sure pet matches with your family
- Right temperament and lifestyle
- Temperament is often listed by adopting agencies
- Child first or pet first?
- Can make either work - puppies are adaptable
- Adult dogs can be trickier
- Sounds can be stressful for some dogs
Pet related chores for toddlers and preschoolers
- Can help grooming
- Feeding the dog
- Come along for walks
- Preschoolers can help clean up after dog
Keeping children and pets safe
Loss of pets
- Preschoolers and under usually bounce back quicker
- Allow for grieving time
- Be honest with them
Helping children who are scared of pets

Links:
Grace Park Animal Hospital - 11010 Lake Grove Blvd. Ste 104, Morrisville, NC
Pet and Puppy Training Classes
Family Paws - An organization based in Cary, North Carolina dedicated to supporting families with dogs.