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Oct. 6, 2008 -- Parents considering getting a "nontraditional" pet, such as an iguana, chick, or monkey, should weigh the risks those pets may pose to kids.
The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) and the CDC issued that advice today.
The AAP recommends that kids younger than 5 avoid contact with reptiles, amphibians, rodents, ferrets, chicks, and ducklings. And the CDC urges parents to talk to a veterinarian or pediatrician to ensure that kids have "safe and enjoyable" experiences with pets, either at home or at petting zoos.
Nontraditional pets are becoming increasingly popular, and they can carry health risks, including these noted in the AAP's journal, Pediatrics:
Then there's the risk of getting bitten or injured, especially if an animal grows up to be bigger and more aggressive than the family expected.
"For example, iguanas sold shortly after birth measure less than 8 inches but grow to several feet in two to three years," states the AAP.
The CDC, which has warned about those risks in the past, issued a fact sheet that includes these tips for keeping kids healthy around any animals:
If you do choose to get a reptile, amphibian, rodent, chick, or duckling, the AAP recommends not letting that pet roam freely throughout your home and keeping it out of the kitchen.
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