20 Best Pets for Children with Anxiety

Getty Images

Anxiety in children can be challenging. And there is nothing as comforting for them as the companionship of a pet. Here are 20 pets that are known to help reduce anxiety in kids, offering a sense of calm and joy.

Dogs

Vincent Van Zalinge – Unsplash

Dogs, especially breeds like golden retrievers and labradors, are great for reducing anxiety. A lot of people only consider them for adults, but that is not the case. They work beautifully well for children too. They can sense the mood and provide comfort to your child. Regular walks and playtime with a dog can also help your child stay active and reduce stress.

Cats

Jari Hytonen – Unsplash

Cats are known for their calming purrs, and they can be very affectionate, especially towards children. Petting a cat can release stress-relieving hormones, and breeds like Ragdolls and Persians are the best breeds known for their gentle demeanor. Having a cat around can provide your child with a sense of companionship and security.

Guinea Pigs

Jaroslaw Slodkiewicz – Unsplash

Guinea pigs are social animals. They can bond with your child and are also very sensitive to their emotions. These pets are easy to care for, and when interacting with them and caring for them, your child will also learn empathy and responsibility. Their playful nature can also be both a joy and distraction.

Hamsters

Kim Green – Unsplash

Hamsters are low-maintenance pets. They can provide comfort and also help establish a routine for your child. They are nocturnal, so they can be quiet companions at night as well. Just remember that they have a shorter lifespan, so you have to be prepared for that conversation with your child.

Rabbits

Aswathy n – Unsplash

A lot of people do not like rabbits as pets. But the truth is, rabbits can be very affectionate towards both adults and children alike. And they love being petted. Breeds like the Mini Rex are known for their friendliness. Just keep in mind that rabbits require a bit more space and can live up to 14 years, so it is a long-term commitment.

Fish

David Clode – Unsplash

Watching fish swim in an aquarium can be incredibly soothing for your child. Also, imagine how fun it will be to set up a fish tank for you and your child. They are low-maintenance pets, but obviously they do require regular feeding and tank cleaning. It will help your child develop a sense of responsibility and routine.

Horses

Helena Lopes – Unsplash

Horses have a calming nature when treated well. Both you and your child will love activities like grooming, feeding, and leading horses because they love their owners and are quite extroverts too. Moreover, these activities can help your child focus and feel more relaxed. But if owning a horse does not sound feasible, or you do not have enough space, you can go for equine therapy sessions too.

Crickets

Usgs – Unsplash

Keeping crickets might sound unusual, but their chirping can be soothing, almost like bird songs. They do not demand a lot of attention and take up very little space. Just know that they are nocturnal, so their chirping might be more active at night. Be prepared for it, but otherwise, they can be excellent companions for children. 

Rats

Annemarie Horne – Unsplash

Rats are intelligent and can form strong bonds with their owners. You can train them too. A lot of us do not feel it is true, but rats are known to be very empathetic. So, they can be comforting for your child. But remember, rats do require regular social interaction and mental stimulation.

Chinchillas

Nyusha Svoboda – Unsplash

Chinchillas are soft, gentle animals that can be a calming presence for your child. Their quiet nature and soft fur will not only provide them comfort but also help reduce stress significantly. But chinchillas do require a specific environment and diet, so make sure to research their care needs.

Parrots

Ilona fey – Unsplash

We all love parrots. But did you know that they are great as therapy birds? Parrots, especially parakeets, are social birds that enjoy interacting with their owners. You can teach them to speak and mimic sounds, which can be both entertaining and engaging for your child. Trust us, your child will love the company of a bird. 

Bearded Dragons

Pierre Bamin – Unsplash

If you do not know about bearded dragons, the name might scare you away. But no, bearded dragons are extremely friendly reptiles that even children can handle pretty safely. They are low-maintenance and can provide a sense of companionship to your child. Just make sure you provide the right habitat and diet for their well-being.

Hedgehogs

Alexas Fotos – Unsplash

Hedgehogs can be fascinating pets for children. They are known to respond well to their owners and holding one can be soothing. When you handle a hedgehog, be gentle and make sure their environment is comfortable. They need a quiet space and like to hide, so provide them with a suitable habitat.

Miniature Horses

Donald Teel – Unsplash

Miniature horses are gentle and can form strong bonds with you. If you have enough space, they can be great companions and help reduce anxiety through activities like grooming and interaction. But they do require regular exercise and a proper diet, so be prepared to meet their needs.

Turtles

Randall Ruiz – Unsplash

Watching small turtles can be extremely calming for your child. They are quiet and gentle, but they do require specific living conditions, such as a tank with clean water and a basking area. So make sure you are prepared to provide the right environment for them. Because otherwise, they will not survive. 

Hermit Crabs

David Clode – Unsplash

Hermit crabs are interesting and low-maintenance pets. You can watch them explore and change shells, which can be a fun and calming activity for your child too. They need a humid environment and a variety of shells to choose from, so make sure to provide these for them.

Chickens

James Wainscoat – Unsplash

Yes, chickens make fantastic pets too. But they can be a little messy. They can be friendly and provide a sense of routine with daily feeding and egg collection activities for your child. Watching them roam and interact can be relaxing. Make sure you have a secure coop and enough space for them to roam.

Geckos

Verdian Chua – Unsplash

Geckos are small reptiles that are easy to care for, making them a good option for you if you are interested in reptiles. They are quite fascinating to watch and require a warm, humid environment with places to hide and climb. Unless you have sufficient room to provide geckos with a good environment, these may not be a great choice. 

Ferrets

Steve Tsang – Unsplash

Ferrets are playful and curious animals. Your child will love the entertainment and companionship ferrets can provide. All you need is a spacious cage, and a diet that is high in protein. Also, let them have their regular playtime and interaction to make sure they stay happy and have fun. 

Butterflies

Ana Martinuzzi – Unsplash

Raising butterflies from caterpillars can be a magical experience for your child. It can teach your child about nature and provide a sense of wonder and relaxation as they watch the butterflies emerge and flutter around. Make sure to provide the right plants for caterpillars to feed on and for butterflies to lay their eggs.

Comments

Leave a Reply

Loading…

0