Kids love pets and pets typically love kids! The bond between a child and their pet is something very special. This bond can be broken easily if your child doesn’t understand how to behave around animals. Take some time to go over basic pet safety with your children. When bringing in a new pet into the family the topic of pet safety around kids is an important one that deserves some focused attention for the smoothest transition possible.
Pet Safety Around Kids
Ask Permission to Pet
Kids love to run up to animals especially dogs and pet them. This can often scare an animal and cause it to bite or scratch. Even nice animals can get scared and react. Teach children to ask for permission before petting any animal. The owner knows the pets personality the best and will let you know if it is okay for your child to pet.
Do Not Leave Children Alone
Never leave a child alone with animals. You should even avoid leaving your family pets alone with children. Anytime a child is around animals they need to be properly supervised. Young children are not responsible enough to be in charge of a pet while alone. Use a crate, put the pet in another room or outdoors if you are leaving the room the child and pet is in.
Teach Proper Pet Etiquette
Teaching children of all ages proper pet etiquette can prevent accidents from happening. Children should know not to put their fingers in an animals face, pull on their tail or ears. Children should also know not to disturb an animal that is sleeping or eating. Animals need their space and children should be able to respect that. Also teach children that teasing an animal is never allowed.
Picking the Right Pet
If you are thinking about bringing a pet into your home, make sure to do some research. There are breeds of animals that do better with children than others. With this said even the most docile animal can hurt a child if they feel threatened. Prior to bringing a pet home spend some time at the local shelter getting a feel for how your child interacts with the animals.
Do Not Stick Fingers in Cages
Children love to touch animals and that is perfectly fine. However, if an animal is in a cage do not allow the child to stick his or her fingers in the cage. Teach children to ask an adult if the animal can come out of the cage to play. Make sure your child knows never to take an animal out of its cage without adult supervision.
Teach Your Kids Pet Discipline
Children should not be in charge of disciplining pets but they should not how to give commands. Teach your children to talk to your pet in a stern voice when they want the pet to stop doing something. They should know the commands for sit, stay, stop and come. Teaching your kids basic commands and how to speak to them in an authoritative manner will help build a mutual respect between the pet and child.
We hope these tips are helpful for you when introducing a new pet to your kids. Let us know if you have any more tips in the comments below!
Don’t forget to get your pet insurance to keep them safe when the unexpected happens. Just like you care for your own children’s health, you need to make your pet’s health a priority too.
See also:
- Traveling With Pets? Road Trip With Dog or Cat Tips
- Do I Need Pet Insurance? Yes! Here’s Why.
- How to Choose a Dog: Tips and Resources to Help
The views expressed across the blog are the opinion of the author and not necessarily endorsed by Pet Insurance Fast. Always consult your veterinarian for professional advice.
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