Teaching Your Child Pet Safety

Are you looking for ways to teach your child pet safety? Here are a few tips to keep everyone safe, comfortable, and happy!

Why Are Some Pets Dangerous?

While most pets are cute, gentle, and fun to play with, it's still good to know some tips on interacting with pets.

When dogs or cats are startled or encounter a new person, they can be defensive or lash out. Sometimes, they can be unpredictable and potentially scratch or bite when frightened.

Teaching our kids to be respectful and gentle will help avoid mishaps and make pets feel relaxed and valued.

How To Stay Safe Around Pets

• Here are some good rules of thumb when interacting with pets.
• Greet dogs slowly
• Let them sniff your hand before you pet
• Use an indoor voice
• Never bother a pet while it's eating
• Don't pull it's food or water dish away
• Let a pet sleep – don't startle them while napping
• If the pet doesn't know you, do not try to get near their babies (Animal mothers are very protective of their young)
• Never pick up a pet by their legs, tail, or ears
• When lifting a small animal (kitten or puppy, for instance), do it slowly and carefully
• Stay away from pet waste
• Wash your hands after holding a pet

How To Stay Safe Around Strange Animals

While stray animals might look helpless or lost, touching, feeding, or comforting them is not a good idea. It's best to tell an adult and have them decide what to do with the strange pet. Sometimes, stray pets can have diseases that make us sick, so we want to be careful.

• Do not pet or touch a stray animal
• Don't panic and make a lot of noise
• Avoid looking at the animal in its eyes
• If a pet looks sick or injured, tell an adult

Pet Safety For Parents

As parents, we want what is best for our kids. Here are some pointers for ensuring your pet and child feel happy, healthy, and safe.

• Be aware and observant when having small children around pets
• Never leave them alone in a room with the pet
• Use tick, flea, and worm control programs
• Consider choosing flameless candles
• Don't allow your pet to lick your child's face or any cuts or scratches
• Don't allow your pets to sleep with your children
• Teach your kids to treat your pets gently with respect
• Keep your dog in a secure place
• Secure cabinets with medications, cleaners, etc, with locks or latches

That's A Wrap!

We hope you and your kids will find these tips helpful and your family can cultivate a safe environment for you and your pet. Remember to talk to your vet if you have any cautions or concerns about child pet safety.