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Toddlers: 24 Months+
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Pets and toddlers

my4pupsmy4pups member
in Toddlers: 24 Months+
I need some opinions/advise please. I have a 3 year old and a 2 year old and I'm pregnant with #3. We love animals and have 3 dogs. Yesterday I got my 3 year old a guinea pig (yes I made the decision before fully researching it, dopeslap.) and now I'm a little freaked out because everything I'm reading is that pregnant woman should not be around them and that children under 5 should not be around them either because their immune systems are not fully developed. 
Anyone have experience with guinea pigs and children??
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Re: Pets and toddlers

  • Emerald27Emerald27 member
    If children under age 5 couldn't be around guinea pigs, then no child with younger siblings could have one for a pet! Like PP said, care to link your research findings?

    I'd suggest using gloves when you change your pig's litterbox (they use those, right?), and having your kids wash their hands after petting and playing with their pet. That's just common sense and good hygiene anyway, but since they're so little and you're worried about them, that might help.

    It's always been my understanding that kids with pets actually end up having stronger immune systems and fewer allergies because of the early exposure to dander, etc. Not sure if this applies to guinea pigs or just dogs and cats, though.

    We have two cats and at some point in the future would love to get a dog, but DS and his siblings will not get pets of their own until they can be charged with the responsibility of caring for the pet. Getting a 3 year old a guinea pig seems a lot like getting yourself a guinea pig for DD to pet. No rodents in my house until my kids can be responsible for them. Lol
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