Doctors Warn Some Common Pets Unsafe For Kids

By Lynne Jones

Published: October 6, 2008

Doctors warn parents of young children against having some pets in the home because of the risk of disease.

A new report says young children should not keep pets such as hamsters, hedgehogs, baby chicks, lizards or turtles. The American Academy of Pediatrics says these exotic pets can carry germs which can be dangerous or potentially deadly.

The report says such pets may be more prone than cats and dogs to bite, scratch or claw which can put children younger than age 5 at risk.
Young children are especially vulnerable because they often put their hands in their mouths and their immune systems are still developing.

The pediatric group recommends families with children younger than age 5 should avoid owning “nontraditional” pets.  The report also says young children should avoid contact with these animals in petting zoos or other public places.

The report appears in the October edition of Pediatrics.