Growing up with a pet can be a wonderful experience for children. A pet will provide hours of fun and entertainment as well as an opportunity for children to learn to love.
By far the majority of family pets are dogs and cats. Some other pets include rabbits, guinea pigs, fish, birds, horses and reptiles. Whether the animal is big or small has fur, gills or scales, the best way for children to learn how to properly care for it is by following the right example.
Children do not always appreciate that animals do not follow 'human rules' of behaviour, therefore the more you understand animal behaviour and habits, the better you can model the correct ways to care for your pet.
Most children who are injured as a result of dog bites are under the age of five years.Whilst some dog bites occur in public places the majority of children injured by dogs are bitten by their own dog or another familiar dog in someone's home. It is important to remember that all dogs irrespective of breed can bite.
Health risk to children:
Bites and scratches from cats and small mammals, e.g. rabbits, guinea pigs, rodents.
Handling of birds, particularly those from the parrot family.
Children eating dirt that contains animal faeces.
Although less likely, a cat curled up beside a sleeping baby in a cot could potentially result in the child being smothered. Children have been known to drown in fishponds that have not been secured with wire netting and children who live on farms are at a higher risk of injury when not supervised around farm animals.
Reduce the risk of dog bites by:
Always supervising children near dogs.
Ensuring your dog is properly trained to sit, stay, drop and come.
Choose a breed that is suited to your families lifestyle and environment
Remember irrrespective of breed all dogs have the potential to bite.
Teach your child to:
Always ask permission from the owner before approaching an unfamiliar dog.
Avoid approaching dogs that are sleeping or eating
Stand still like a statue if approached by a strange dog and do not squeal or jump.
Avoid eye contact with a dog by looking at their own feet.
Be prepared
Clean litter trays daily and keep out of reach of children.
Keep the cat out of the nursery.
Install firm wire mesh over a fishpond.
If visiting or staying on a farm, closely supervise children. Provide a safe play area that is separated from work areas.
Choose an older horse ( over 5 years) for a child or beginner.
Have children wash their hand after handling animals and before eating.
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