With 45% of the population having a pet in the household, it seems many agree that pets are part of the family unit. They bring us joy, and help teach children how to be responsible, caring and animal-loving adults. Given 26% of pets are dogs and 18% cats, today they will be our focus.

Did you know four children a day are admitted to UK hospitals with a dog bite, and more than two-thirds of bites are in under 10 year-olds? Many dog bites can be prevented with improved dog training, but more importantly, improved child training on how to interact with dogs.

Whether your family owns a dog or not, 33% of children in the UK will encounter a dog every day. While dogs present a serious injury risk to children, we should also teach our children how to be gentle and kind to any pet.

 

But my dog would never bite anyone!

The majority of bites happen in the home with family or known dogs. Even if you think they would never bite, you still should take steps to ensure your children are safe at all times. A dog is a living creature that thinks, feels and gets frightened just like us. They may turn to aggression in response to being worried about a person, situation or a place, feeling trapped, feeling unwell or in pain, protective of a person or property, or out of surprise or even excitement.

 

Tips for safe and happy dog/child relationships:

 

What should be avoided?

Teach your child never to approach pets they don’t know. Always ask the owner IF they can stroke their dog and WHERE they can stroke their dog. If agreed, they should hold their hand out and let the dog move to them.

 

How do I know if my dog is uneasy?

It is important to recognise the emotional state your dog is in so you can intervene. They are trying to communicate with you in the only way they can. Share these tips with your children.

 

What about cats?

Cats can give nasty scratches or bites if placed under similar pressures. A stressed cat is also not a happy one.

 

Pets can be just as much part of the family as everyone else – but like with many families, if things go wrong they can go very wrong! So take reasonable precautions, and put the effort in to make sure that EVERYONE (dog, cat and human) is happy – then EVERYONE benefits!

 

Source: VetHelpDirect