Getting Your Child A Frog

Has your little one been asking for a pet? This can be a difficult decision. It’s unfortunately very common for kids to beg for an animal companion, only to lose interest in them. Pocket pets are often top contenders for children’s pets, because they’re small, cute, and easy to care for. However, there’s another little critter that may just fit the bill: the frog! A Middletown, DE vet goes over some pros and cons of getting your child a frog below.

Care

One good thing about frogs is the fact that they are pretty easy keepers. They don’t need any training or toys. In fact, they really don’t do much at all, aside from sitting around contemplating things. The hard part of caring for them is really just getting their habitat set up properly. Then, it’s just a matter of feeding them and keeping their home clean. Ask your vet for care tips.

Commitment

One thing to consider when adopting a pet is longevity. Some frogs can live over 15 years with good care. That’s a pretty long-term commitment!

Salmonella

This is a big one. Many frogs can carry salmonella. Your child will need to thoroughly wash their hands before and after handling their pet and/or their belongings. If your little one is too young to be trusted to remember this, a frog may not be the best choice.

Food

While frogs’ diets vary a bit, depending on their species, most of these guys eat bugs. That’s definitely something to keep in mind! If you aren’t up to regularly purchasing and handling creepy-crawlies, or monitoring your child with them, you may be better off with a gerbil or hamster.

Noise

This is another area where frogs may lose some points. Many frogs are nocturnal. If you put your little buddy in your child’s room, the croaking may keep your child awake. (Then again, some kids may like going to sleep to froggy lullabies. It really just depends.)

Type

Choosing the right type of frog is also important. Some are just better options for kids than others! Some good options are the Dwarf Clawed frog, Oriental Fire-Bellied toad, White’s Tree frog, African Clawed frog, American Green Tree frog, and Pacman frog. Ask your vet for specific recommendations.

Do you have questions about frog care? Contact us, your Middletown, DE animal clinic. We’re hoppy to help!