Kids & Pet Safety

We are so lucky to start each day with our pets. The cold, wet nose on the palm before the alarm goes off, the incessant meowing before the food hits the bowl, the woofing coming from the backyard when the paper hits the front porch… We adore our pets’ consistent, everyday behaviors – perhaps because they reflect our own human ways. But where did our affinity for animals come from?

You may have heard that special little squeal or giggle that result from the very first touch of a whisker or floppy ear. Pet owners and families delight in the fact that babies are captivated by animals. The scores of stuffed animals that arrive for each birthday or holiday may perpetuate that fascination or the stories about animal characters kids naturally identify with.

Or perhaps it is the unpredictable way animals move, interact or their variety of sounds that tickle little ears. As children grow and develop the first words ever spoken and mastered may be “cat”, “dog”, “meow”, or “woof”.

With all this positive information about animals, families may wonder how to foster safe approaches between little ones and our animal friends without squashing big curiosity. Invest in your child’s future as an animal lover by teaching how to care for, respect, nurture and stay safe.

Safe Kids, Safe Pets

Initially, children and pets will need a great deal of the following:

Supervision — Curiosity and impulse drive a child’s actions, and there is a common tendency to touch too hard, pull, yank, twist, or pinch anything that captures their attention. Watch kids closely and do not leave them alone or let them sleep with pets. Lead by example and do not make any loud noises around your pet. Teach your child the basics of animal body language and how they can tell if the pet is happy, agitated or aggressive. In time, a pet will learn that your child is approachable and can be trusted not to startle or accidentally injure them.

Participation — Teach your child to understand the needs of your pet. Taking an active role will foster responsibility in your child. Allow them to participate in feeding, brushing, and picking up after your pet. Make sure your child understands never to interrupt a pet’s meal or snack by taking it away, and teach what the signs of an illness might be. A sick or injured pet can become aggressive and adults should be involved immediately. Giving kids opportunities to participate in their pets’ well being will allow them to have even more fun when it’s time to play or snuggle. Increase responsibilities as they grow and revel in the dynamic relationship between your child and his furry friend.

Unfamiliar Animals

As a general rule, children should learn to exercise caution when a strange or unknown animal is around.

We never truly know how an animal will react to a new person and kids can be equally unpredictable at times. Advise your child to always ask for approval from the pet’s owner and, once received, enforce that the animal come to your child’s extended hand instead of your child approaching the animal. Again, make sure your child understands certain signs of aggression and when it is time to keep some distance.

Pets Love Kids Who Get It

There really isn’t anything more endearing than to see a family’s pet in the middle of everything…the pup who goes camping or the kitty that snuggles during cartoons. Truly, the friendship between a child and a family pet will endure for a lifetime. Make sure your child knows the importance of proper care, respect and safety for all the years to come.