Children And Pets: Essential Tips For Safety With Animals
Having pets is a gift for both adults and children. However, it’s essential to teach kids essential safety skills with animals to keep both children and pets safe. Here are my top animal safety tips with children and pets.
Raising children alongside pets can be an incredibly rewarding experience for the entire family. It teaches kids important values such as responsibility, compassion, and empathy and helps them develop a lifelong bond with their furry friends.
However, ensuring a safe and pleasant environment for children and pets is paramount. Today, we’re delving into the essential safety tips parents should remember while nurturing this special relationship.
Pet ownership is recommended in households with children as pets improve cognitive development, build self-esteem, and reduce anxiety. One study found that just 12% of children with dogs had anxiety, whereas 21% of children without dogs had anxiety.
But when there’s an animal living in your child’s home, one of the most important things to do is teach your child about pet safety. Tania Lanfer, owner of Cannon Dog Training says “Pets who share our homes are typically incredibly tolerant to young children’s pokes and prods.” Despite this, there’s always a chance that a child could push an animal too far. So, what does your child need to know?
Understanding the Importance of Safety Between Children and Pets
Young children, in particular, may not know how to safely interact with animals, leading to situations that could put the child or the pet at risk. It is crucial to educate children about the proper way to approach pets and set boundaries to prevent potential accidents.
For example, be it a dog, cat, or any other animal, teach your child not to startle them while they sleep, avoid disturbing them during mealtime, and resist the urge to tease them.
Additionally, awareness of a pet’s behavior and identification of potential triggers can go a long way in maintaining a harmonious household. By laying out ground rules for both children and pets, parents can create a safe space where these special bonds can flourish without compromising the well-being of all members involved.
One of the primary rules in maintaining a safe environment is teaching children not to approach or pet unfamiliar animals. This includes dogs behind fences, inside cars, or stray animals and wildlife. Respecting an animal’s territory and personal space minimizes the risk of bites or other aggressive behavior.
Further, setting clear boundaries regarding how and when children can interact with pets is crucial. For example, they should be taught to avoid disturbing pets while they are eating, sleeping, playing with a toy, or caring for their young.
Identifying Potential Risks
Disease Transmission
Children can be at risk of contracting diseases from pets, especially if the animals are not well-kept, and proper hygiene practices are not followed.
Dogs and cats, in particular, have the potential to transmit rabies through bites or scratches. Reptiles, such as snakes and lizards, can carry salmonella, which can cause serious illness if not treated promptly.
It’s essential for both the pet and the child to maintain good hygiene and keep the pet’s living environment clean to minimize the risk of disease transmission.
Physical Injuries
Physical injuries can occur when children are interacting with pets, especially puppies or kittens, that are still learning to control their play behavior. Bites and scratches are common and can potentially lead to skin infections if not treated properly.
Supervision during playtime is crucial, especially with younger children who may not understand how to handle animals gently.
Additionally, when encountering a strange dog, children should be taught not to approach the animal without the owner’s permission to avoid unexpected injuries.
Aggressive Behaviors
Some pets may exhibit aggressive behaviors due to various factors, such as territorial disputes or fear. Children should be educated on how to interact with animals calmly and respectfully to avoid triggering negative reactions.
It’s important to remember that even the most well-behaved pet can become defensive or aggressive when feeling threatened. Monitoring the body language of the animal during interactions is essential, and steps should be taken to establish and maintain a safe, trusting environment for both the child and the pet.
Preventing dog bites
The Humane Society reports that children are the victims of 51% of all dog bites. You might think that unknown dogs are more likely to bite a child, but this isn’t always true.
The study Companion Animals and Child/Adolescent Development found that between 72% and 80% of children are bitten by a dog known to them. The same study also found that young children under five years old were more likely to be bitten by animals due to provocation.
Meanwhile, the journal, Injury Prevention, notes there are three main reasons why dogs bite the children they live with:
- The dog feels threatened by the child trying to take its toys or food
- The child invades the dog’s personal space
- A dog is guarding its food
Of course, unknown dogs bite children, too. When this is the case, it’s typically boys with a median age of 6.8 years who are bitten. A bite to the head is most likely, occurring in 62.1% of cases, followed by the upper arm in 25.1% of cases.
When a child gets a personal injury from an unknown dog, legal representation will help secure evidence and establish the dog’s owner. This will help identify the responsible parties so that you and your child can move on from the incident.
But the best thing you can do is teach your child how to behave around unknown dogs to reduce the risk of a dog bite. Dog trainer Gregg Flowers says, “Kids should be taught never to approach a dog they don’t know, even if he seems friendly, because even the most docile dog can snap defensively if a child isn’t calm. It’s always better to allow an unknown dog to come to you. This goes for us grown-ups as well.”
Establishing Safety Rules and Guidelines
Supervision and Handling
It’s essential always to supervise young children when they are around pets, whether they are sleeping, eating, or playing. Accidents can happen, even with the most trustworthy children and animals.
Teach children to approach pets gently and never pull or tug on their tail, ears, or fur. Also, remind them not to disturb pets when they are sleeping or eating.
Encourage gentle petting without any rough play to create a positive bond between the child and the pet.
Feeding and Exercise Rules
Feeding time is an important aspect of pet safety. Children should be taught not to bother a pet while it’s eating or to pull its food or water away. They should never tease a pet with food or try to take away its toys or bones.
Regarding exercise, ensure that children understand the need for pets to have regular playtime and exercise. This helps pets stay healthy and prevents boredom. Involving children in activities like walking the dog or engaging in play sessions with them can help reinforce proper pet care practices.
- Never disturb an animal during feeding time
- Teach children to respect a pet’s toys and bones
- Encourage regular play and exercise routines
Understanding Pet Body Language
It’s crucial for children to learn how to read their pet’s body language. This helps them understand when the animal feels uncomfortable or threatened, potentially avoiding bites or aggressive behavior.
Teach them that wagging tails for dogs can signal happiness or agitation, while it can indicate annoyance or excitement for cats. Dogs may also show discomfort by growling, while hissing is a warning sign for cats.
It’s essential that children learn to recognize these cues and give pets space when necessary, especially when caring for puppies or kittens, still learning to navigate their environment.
- Teach the difference between positive and negative body language cues
- Encourage space and respect for pets, especially puppies and kittens
By following these safety guidelines, children and pets can form strong bonds and coexist harmoniously in a safe and nurturing environment.
Positive interactions
Did you know that how your child looks at your dog could affect the relationship between them? Veterinarian, Catherine Tannert, warns that “A child who innocently wants to hug a dog, or even just look closely into its eyes, may make the dog feel threatened”.
For this reason, your child should wait for their dog or other pet to come over to them for a fuss. Your child may find this difficult to begin with, especially if they’re young, but animals need to be able to seek out affection on their own terms. According to behavioral biologist Roland Maurer, children shouldn’t worry, though, as all animals want affection.
“For social mammals, it’s very simple. Physical contact leads to the production of certain hormones, especially oxytocin, that nurture attachment and that are linked to a form of well-being,” he says.
Preventing Disease Transmission
Proper Handwashing
One of the most crucial safety tips for children and pets is emphasizing proper handwashing. Children should always wash their hands with soap and water after touching, feeding, or caring for animals. Handwashing helps remove potential germs and reduces the risk of disease transmission. Adults should supervise handwashing for young children and remind them to also wash their hands before eating or preparing food.
Avoiding Contaminated Objects
Children should be educated on identifying and avoiding contaminated objects that may harbor germs. Objects like pet toys, feeding bowls, and crates can become contaminated with feces and other germs. Children can significantly reduce their risk of contracting diseases or infections by not handling these objects without proper precautions.
Teach them to notify an adult if they notice signs of contamination, so that the items can be thoroughly cleaned and disinfected.
Preventing Zoonotic Diseases
Zoonotic diseases are those that can be transmitted from animals to humans. Some examples include toxoplasmosis, which can be contracted from handling gerbil feces. Children with weaker immune systems may be more susceptible to these diseases. To reduce the risk of zoonotic diseases, encourage children to:
- Avoid direct contact with animal feces
- Wear gloves while cleaning pet habitats or handling potentially contaminated objects
- Report any signs of illness that their pets may exhibit, as it might indicate the presence of a zoonotic disease
By following these essential safety tips, children and their pets can enjoy a healthy, happy relationship while minimizing the risk of disease transmission.
Appropriate Games and Interactions
When it comes to children and pets, ensuring that interactions are safe and enjoyable is essential. One way to achieve this is by encouraging appropriate games and interactions between them. Engaging in fun activities allows them to bond and teaches children valuable skills regarding pet care and safety.
Fetch
Fetch is a classic game for children and dogs, offering both exercise and entertainment. It’s especially suitable for small dogs, as it doesn’t require physical contact between the child and the pet. When playing fetch, ensure the area is safe, and use a toy designed for dogs to prevent injuries.
Tug
Tug is another enjoyable game suitable for dogs of all sizes. However, teaching children the correct way to play tug is important, ensuring that the game doesn’t become too rough or competitive. As a friendly activity, when the pet grabs a toy, the child can gently pull back, being mindful of the pet’s strength and size.
Chase
In the case of cats, activities can be geared towards their natural hunting instincts. Encouraging a cat to chase a toy on a string or a laser pointer not only provides mental stimulation but also allows the child to maintain a safe distance from their pet.
When interacting with dogs, it’s important to establish clear communication between the child and the pet. For example, teaching children to request a dog’s permission to pet them by reading their body language helps prevent misunderstandings and negative incidents.
Allowing children to feed their pets is also a great way to teach responsibility in pet care. By having the child give a treat or a toy to their dog only after the pet has performed a basic command, like sit or stay, they learn to establish a proper social hierarchy within the household.
Choosing Appropriate Pets for Children
Considerations for Dogs and Cats
When choosing a pet for your family, it’s important to consider the needs and personality of dogs and cats, as they are the most common pets. For cats, consider whether a kitten or an adult cat is best suited for your child’s age and personality. For dogs, small dogs like puppies may be a better choice for younger children. Keep in mind that both puppies and kittens can be playful and may require more supervision with children. It’s important to teach children to wash their hands after playing with pets, especially before eating or drinking, to prevent the spread of diseases like rabies.
Petting Small Animals
Small animals such as hamsters, guinea pigs, and rodents can be a good fit for children, as they are generally less demanding and can be kept in a contained space. It’s important for children to be gentle with these animals, as they can become stressed or injured if handled roughly. If your child is interested in reptiles or amphibians, such as lizards, frogs, or toads, you should be aware that they can require specialized care, including appropriate habitat, temperature, and diet. Fish can also be a good low-maintenance option for a child’s first pet.
Avoiding High-Risk Animals
Children younger than 5 years old should avoid contact with backyard poultry, such as chickens or ducks, due to the risk of diseases like Salmonella. Similarly, children should avoid interacting with wild animals like raccoons or bats, as they may carry rabies. When considering birds as a pet, ensure that the cage and environment provided are appropriate and that the bird is handled with care to reduce the risk of injury or stress.
By considering the needs and potential risks of different pets, parents can help ensure that the pet they choose will be a safe and happy addition to their family while teaching children valuable lessons in responsible pet ownership.
You won’t regret introducing a pet into your family. However, you must work hard to educate your child on the dos and don’ts of pet ownership so that everyone is happy and safe. There are some great online courses, such as Family Paws, that can help you to cover all bases. So if you’re considering a new pet, make sure you contact a company like them first.
Frequently Asked Questions
It’s essential to teach your child proper interaction skills with pets. Start by supervising their interactions and guiding their behavior. Explain to them how to approach a pet gently, stroke them carefully, and show respect for their space. Additionally, teach them to observe a pet’s body language to better understand their mood and reactions.
When introducing a new pet to your child, ensure that both are comfortable with the situation. Allow them to meet in a supervised and calm environment. Encourage your child to approach the pet slowly, offer their hand for the pet to sniff, and gradually establish physical contact. Moreover, discuss the importance of respecting the pet’s boundaries and providing proper care.
To minimize the risk of pet-related injuries, always supervise your child’s interactions with pets, especially with unfamiliar animals. Teach your child not to approach animals that are eating, sleeping, or caring for their offspring. Furthermore, educate them on signs that indicate when a pet may be feeling threatened or aggressive.
Developing respect for animals begins with setting a positive example. Show your child how to treat pets humanely and with kindness. Discuss the importance of understanding an animal’s needs, such as proper feeding, exercise, and grooming. Encourage empathy by asking your child to imagine how they would feel in specific situations involving the pet.
A safe home environment requires setting clear boundaries and designating separate spaces for children and pets. Ensure that your child’s play area is pet-free and that their toys are stored safely away from the pet. Similarly, provide a designated space for your pet that is off-limits to your child. Constantly monitor their interactions and intervene when necessary.
When encountering unfamiliar animals, children should be taught to avoid making sudden movements or loud noises. They should always ask the animal’s owner for permission before approaching. Teach your child to offer their hand for the animal to sniff first and then gently pet them if given the green light. Moreover, remind them never to approach stray animals or wildlife.
