Social Media, Your Kids & Your Pets

Penny Lancaster joins Emma Barton and Blue Cross Animal Behaviorist, Claire Haynes, to discuss modern family life with pets and why it’s important to read animal behaviour within a family environment. 

From tips on how to get your children stuck into caring for dogs and cats, to advice on when it’s right to introduce your young family members to new furry friends, this episode has it covered!

Delving deeper into the impact that social media trends are having on our pets, Claire, Penny and Emma discuss why it is essential for parents to educate their children on the importance of responsible pet ownership – to ensuring all our four-legged friends are happy and safe.

Blue Cross’s Animal Behaviorist Claire Haynes speaks about how positive trends should be more of a focus for viral videos:

“Not all animals are suitable to do what you might see online…sometimes it can feel like the social media presence is more important than our relationship with our pets, [but] trust is the most important thing. 

“What we'd really like to see is content that promotes the trust we have with our animals, that shows examples of happy animals or dogs doing cool things that make them happy – showing what can be achieved through a positive rewards-based relationship with your dog.”

Useful Links:

• Owning a pet is a fabulous and rewarding experience, but every animal and their needs are different. Blue Cross’s tops on how to choose the right pet are here to help: https://www.bluecross.org.uk/pet-advice/finding-right-pet 

• It’s wonderful to see children and dogs grow up together and the benefits for both can be huge. However it can be challenging at times trying to manage a puppy and very young children, check out some advice here: https://www.bluecross.org.uk/pet-advice/puppies-and-children 

• Children and cats can be best friends for life, but first impressions count. Blue Cross’s tips will help get their relationship off to the best start: https://www.bluecross.org.uk/pet-advice/introducing-your-kitten-to-your-children 

• Getting a new pet is really exciting for children. Encouraging your child to think ahead to what it will be like when their new pet arrives is a great way to get the relationship off to a good start. Channel that enthusiasm into some fun ways to plan for your new arrival with these top tips: https://www.bluecross.org.uk/pet-advice/how-get-your-children-ready-new-pet 

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