Children need to learn how to interact safely with pets in order to gain the emotional benefits they offer. Teach them to pet gently, never grab or squeeze animals and to let go if they demonstrate unhappy body language.
Children under five are more likely to get sick from germs that animals carry because they often touch contaminated surfaces and put their hands in their mouths. They also have developing immune systems.
Dogs
Dogs and children are a natural combination, but the relationship can pose some dangers. Children should be taught to respect animals, and to gently handle them. Kids should also learn to recognize a pet's behavior signals, such as barking, growling, crouching and showing teeth. They should never bother a pet when it is eating, or wake a sleeping animal. They should also not pet strange dogs or wild animals, and should be immunized against rabies to protect themselves.
Some pets may exhibit resource guarding, which means that they are protective of their food, chew bones or toys. This type of behavior can be dangerous for children, as they may be tempted to steal food from the dog's mouth or hands. They should also not pet or feed a dog while it is eating, as this can encourage begging behaviors.
Kids should also avoid pulling on a dog's ears or tail, as this can cause injuries. Finally, kids should always wash their hands after petting or playing with an animal. This is especially important for infants and young children, who are more likely to get sick from germs that animals can carry than older children. Germs that animals can carry can include salmonella and E coli, which can make people very sick.
Cats
Cats and dogs are often described as being dangerous around babies and toddlers, but do they really pose any serious danger to children? We spoke with a veterinarian, mom, and animal advocate to find out what the facts are.
The main risks associated with cats and kids are bites and scratches. A cat’s teeth and claws can cause puncture wounds, which can lead to infection if not properly cleaned and disinfected. Cat scratch disease, a bacterial infection that causes swollen and tender lymph nodes and fever, is another potential risk from cat bites or scratches.
Rough handling of pets by young children is stressful for animals, especially kittens, who have delicate bones and innards that can’t withstand much stress. Rough handling can also trigger defensive behaviors like spitting and clawing, which can hurt children and injure pets.
Almost every type of pet carries germs that can make people sick, including salmonella bacteria from reptiles and amphibians, which can cause diarrhea. Infants, children under 5, pregnant women, and people with weak immune systems are more likely to get a serious illness from germs pets carry. Kids can also become infected with tick-borne diseases, such as ringworm and toxocariasis, by touching contaminated soil where they play with pets. Practicing safe-play habits can help prevent these illnesses.
Rabbits
Rabbits are prey animals and hide signs of illness to avoid being killed by predators. This makes them very difficult to tell if they are feeling sick, especially for children who may not understand their subtle body language. If a rabbit is startled or picked up by a child their digestive system will stop working and they can get into a state called “GI stasis”. If not treated within 24 hours this can be fatal.
Rabbits also have fragile bones and can be injured by a child who squeezes them too hard or drops them. They also need a very clean environment and lots of attention including daily checking and refilling of their water and food. This can be a big commitment for some families and is one reason that rabbits and guinea pigs are often given up to shelters after their owners move house or become busy with other things.
It is very important to teach children about animal safety. They should never touch a pet’s faeces or litter and should only handle rabbits with an adult. They should also avoid reptiles, amphibians, rodents and baby chicks and ducklings as they can carry germs that can cause infection or disease. Children should always wash their hands after touching animals and should not lick their face, particularly after petting a pet.
