Are Your Children Safe Around Pets?

September 15, 2014

by h m 200

Pets are a wonderful part of a child’s life. They are great playmates and are a great way to learn the intricacies of life. However it’s important that you teach your child about the behavior that causes aggression among pets. Pets are not like humans so it’s important to teach your kids how to understand pets. In the United States, 50 percent of children below 12 years of age get bitten every year. Children between the ages of 5 and 9 are more likely to fall prey to such accidents.

It is indeed immense fun to watch fish swimming in a tank or a dog catching a ball in its mouth. Most children love the outdoors; they can definitely tell you how exciting it is for them to spot their favorite pets. You will see lots of different animals once you step outside your house such as migrating birds and squirrels in the trees. At night you can see snakes, raccoons, skunks and bats. Many people keep some tame and wild animals as pets in their houses, but you must ensure safety against wild animals in the great outdoors. Children often fall prey to pets that do not seem as harmful as they might be. The simple rule is to never let your children go near them or touch them. These animals are very different from regular pets. They do not have close exposure to people and might attack you in the worst form if you try to get close to them.

Moreover, don’t let your children feed a wild animal. It is safe to feed birds but not other animals even if they look hungry. The jaws of an adult dog can release 200 pounds of pressure, while the sharp and pointed teeth of a cat can spread bacteria to deep lying tissues. Often children become too obsessive while playing and do not realize that they can hurt animals by pulling or squeezing them. Children should never snatch a toy or any other object from an animal unless it surrenders the object itself. If your child is extremely fond of animals, then you can take them to the zoo. You will also find lots of useful literature and colorful illustrations on the internet, T.V and encyclopedias.

Safety tips to observe with pets

Pets can easily convey you if they are tensed, unhappy or scared of anything. They can do this by biting or scratching. Here are some rules that you must teach your children to avoid those bites and scratches.

1. Even a well disciplined child can disrupt a pet’s meal. Ask your children never to pull away the pet’s food or water.

2. Never try to pull pet’s ear or tail, especially with cats and dogs. If they are sleeping, do not disturb them.

3. Never try to snatch any object away from the pet’s mouth or hold any object out of its reach.

4. Stay away from pets when they are with their children; they tend to be very defensive with them.

5. If you want to pick up a reptile from its tank, make sure you handle it steadily and cautiously.

6. If the pet is injured or sick, do not maintain any physical contact with it. Even the happiest animal can turn aggressive and attack you if it’s ill.

Wash your child’s hands immediately after he/she pulls them back from the reptile tank. These reptiles might not bite your child but they carry germs and bacteria that are harmful for your child’s health. Try to keep your baby’s unwashed hands from going into his/her mouth just after he has touched an animal.

Text links:

http://kidshealth.org/kid/watch/house/animals.html# http://www.howtowala.com/how-to-keep-children-safe-around-pets

Picture links:

http://t0.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcS-rWaOAfPh3i_v0-OatARPivFTzCjbnzp9AZcPqFWS_4BiHUm3 http://www.howtowala.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/05/safe-pets-for-children.jpg http://www.babyexpert.com/cm/primababyuk/images/uk/dog_safety-small_new.jpg