{"id":20067,"date":"2022-12-29T16:30:47","date_gmt":"2022-12-29T21:30:47","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.zocdoc.com\/blog\/?p=20067"},"modified":"2024-05-21T15:35:47","modified_gmt":"2024-05-21T20:35:47","slug":"how-to-teach-your-kid-about-animal-safety","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.zocdoc.com\/blog\/guides\/how-to-teach-your-kid-about-animal-safety\/","title":{"rendered":"How to Teach Your Kid About Animal Safety"},"content":{"rendered":"<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">As a child, a big part of growing up is learning to navigate relationships, including handling emotions and learning social boundaries. Parents, teachers and playmates all have major roles in this development, but so do the pets in a child\u2019s life.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Some of the most important relationships for children can be their connections with animals. Household pets provide comfort and companionship, and they can help children learn very important life lessons. Some of the many <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.aacap.org\/AACAP\/Families_and_Youth\/Facts_for_Families\/FFF-Guide\/Pets-And-Children-075.aspx\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">benefits of furry friends for kids<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> include:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Feelings of love and affection<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Comforting physical contact and a sense of security<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Motivation to exercise and spend time in nature<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Development of empathy and respect for others<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The responsibility of caring for an animal<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Experiences with major events, like birth, illness, death or loss<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">These benefits are not automatic, however, and <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.chp.edu\/injury-prevention\/safety\/home-and-yard\/dog-bites\/aftermath\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">one bad experience in a child\u2019s early years could instill fear<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> or poor habits for years to come. That\u2019s why it\u2019s important to learn safe behavior early on. Kids should be able to play lovingly with animals throughout their childhood and enjoy <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.zocdoc.com\/blog\/guides\/health-benefits-of-having-a-pet\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">all the emotional benefits that come from having pets<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">.<\/span><\/p>\n<hr \/>\n<h3>Playing safely with pets<\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Most children naturally want to play with dogs, cats and any other pets. However, kids may not know without being told that actions like squeezing tightly or pulling on a tail are not okay, and they don\u2019t immediately understand the consequences of an animal lashing out when it feels uncomfortable. To keep your pets and your children safe, take the time to demonstrate these simple rules about playing with animals:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">It\u2019s okay to pet gently, but never to hit or squeeze animals.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Do not pull on ears, tail, feet or fur.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Never put fingers into an animal\u2019s mouth, ears or eyes.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Don\u2019t do anything to purposely annoy or tease your pet.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Stay away from animals while they are eating or playing with their toys.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Only play with pets under adult supervision.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">All of these guidelines apply to any pets your child might meet. Because your child is also likely to encounter other pets in less controlled environments, such as on the sidewalk or in the park, it is also important to teach some additional rules that apply to unfamiliar animals.<\/span><\/p>\n<hr \/>\n<h3>Safety around unknown animals<\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">When your pets and your children get accustomed to playing nicely with one another, a child\u2019s confidence is very likely to extend to other animals as well. They may think that every dog or cat will play just like their own at home. This won\u2019t always be the case, however, so it\u2019s good to <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.cdph.ca.gov\/Programs\/CID\/DCDC\/CDPH%20Document%20Library\/DontLettheDogsBiteActivityBook.pdf\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">teach kids about safety around pets they don\u2019t know<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Here are some helpful guidelines for interacting with other people\u2019s pets and dogs, in particular:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Never try to pet or play with an unattended animal, even if it runs up to you and seems friendly.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">If a pet is with an owner, it is okay to ask permission to pet the animal, but make sure the owner says yes first.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Never pet a dog or any other animal through a fence, because it might act in defense of the territory.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Do not approach any animal with babies. Mothers are known to be ferocious in defense of their young.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">If an unknown dog runs up to you, just stand very still and let it examine you; do not immediately reach out to it or run away. These actions could make the dog excited or agitated.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Don\u2019t stare a dog directly in the eyes. This communicates a challenge in dog language and could make the animal fearful or aggressive.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The above rules are important for avoiding injury from animals, but germs pose another risk for children playing with pets. That\u2019s why healthy hygiene makes another set of good habits for children to learn.<\/span><\/p>\n<hr \/>\n<h3>Your child\u2019s health and pets<\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">A big part of healthy interaction with animals is practicing healthy hygiene. That\u2019s because <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.health.state.mn.us\/diseases\/animal\/zoo\/index.html\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">animals can carry a variety of germs like salmonella<\/span> <span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">and E. coli<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> that make people sick. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, children under the age of five are most vulnerable to animal-borne diseases, but anyone can be at risk.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Luckily, the <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.cdc.gov\/healthypets\/specific-groups\/high-risk\/children.html\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">guidelines for hygiene around animals<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> are not much different than the everyday healthy habits we teach our kids, but the timing after handling a pet is what matters. Remember the following tips to keep your children healthy:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Always wash your hands after playing with or feeding any animal.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Don\u2019t put your hands or any objects into your mouth while playing with pets.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Never kiss animals or let them lick your face.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Do not let children under age five handle reptiles, amphibians, poultry or rodents as these are more likely to carry salmonella.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Practicing all of these safe-play habits can go a long way in fostering healthy relationships with animals, but learning more about different pets\u2019 unique behaviors can help even more in keeping your children and the animals safe.<\/span><\/p>\n<hr \/>\n<h3>Safety around dogs<\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Kids and dogs are an inseparable combination, as they are usually two little balls of energy that are practically made for each other\u2019s company. As adults looking back at childhood, many of us find it hard to even imagine growing up without a dog. A dog can truly be a child\u2019s best friend, but dogs can pose real risks as well.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3>Potential risks for children and dogs<\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">According to the American Veterinary Medical Association, <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.avma.org\/resources-tools\/pet-owners\/dog-bite-prevention\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">more than 4.5 million people in the United States are bitten by dogs each year<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, and the majority of victims are children. Although not all of these bites are considered serious, children are more likely than adults to suffer serious injuries from dog bites.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Dogs can also suffer harm from children playing too roughly or handling them incorrectly. Risks include damage to a dog\u2019s ears or eyes from poking or pulling and to the limbs or tail from being pulled or stepped on. Although these injuries are usually accidental and are rarely serious, they can create fear and mistrust that make the dog more likely to lash out aggressively, in turn, putting the child at greater risk.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">To minimize the danger for both playmates and to ensure the happiest possible relationship with these loyal companions, teach children to be gentle when playing with dogs and to learn the possible signs of a dog becoming agitated.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3>Understanding canine body language<\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Even if your family doesn\u2019t have a dog at home, kids are almost guaranteed to interact with them frequently, whether at friends\u2019 houses or out in public. Because not all dogs are friendly and because <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.avma.org\/resources\/pet-owners\/recognizing-risky-situations-helps-prevent-dog-bites\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">even the nicest animals can turn aggressive<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> in certain situations, it\u2019s important to combine safe-play habits with an understanding of canine body language. This will make children well prepared for interacting with dogs in any setting.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Any of the following signs may <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/resources.bestfriends.org\/article\/dog-body-language\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">indicate fear or aggression in a dog<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, meaning it\u2019s time to back off or leave them alone:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Ears up and forward, or ears laid back against the head<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Eyes narrowed or darting and looking away<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Mouth closed, slightly open, or baring teeth<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Tail sticking straight up or out and not wagging<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Tail between legs<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Stiff or trembling body, arched back or hair on back raised<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Loud whining, yelping or grunting<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Loud, aggressive barking or a long and low growl<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">In contrast to the above signs of danger, there are a few signs that typically indicate a dog is feeling friendly or ready to play:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Eyes wide open<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Ears perked up<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Mouth open and \u201csmiling\u201d<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Relaxed or wagging tail<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Playful bouncing or lowering the front body with the rear end up<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Short, excited barking<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Panting, whimpering or soft growling along with other playful postures<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">If you see none of the warning signs of fear or aggression and see the signs of friendliness instead, it might be okay to approach and pet the dog. Of course, it\u2019s still necessary to get permission from the owner and smart to use extra caution around any dog that\u2019s unfamiliar.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3>What to do if a dog bites<\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Even when taking all the necessary precautions, some dogs can be unpredictable and injuries can happen. Parents can take some comfort in the fact that <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.nationalcanineresearchcouncil.com\/injurious-dog-bites\/medically-attended-dog-bites\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">4 out of 5 dog bites do not require medical attention<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, meaning the victims choose not to get care from a doctor. However, in the event of an animal bite that breaks the skin, it is safest to <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.zocdoc.com\/doctors\/immediate-care\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">see a doctor as soon as possible<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> due to the risk of unseen damage or infection.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">If a child gets bitten by a dog, follow these <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/medlineplus.gov\/ency\/patientinstructions\/000734.htm\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">steps for basic bite-wound care<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> before seeing a doctor to reduce the pain and minimize the risk of infection:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Wash your hands or put on gloves.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Apply direct pressure to calm any bleeding.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Wash the wound thoroughly with soap and warm water.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Apply antibacterial ointment.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Cover the wound with dry, sterile bandages.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Although most bites do just superficial damage, punctures from an animal\u2019s teeth can go deceptively deep. Only a medical professional can properly assess the damage and determine if stitches are necessary. A tetanus shot and antibiotics are common precautions following a dog bite as well. In severe cases, a trip to the ER might be necessary, but a walk-in clinic or <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.zocdoc.com\/blog\/guides\/pediatric-urgent-care\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">pediatric urgent care<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> can handle the typical treatments for animal bites.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3>Safety with cats<\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Although less well-known for their companionship with children, cats make beloved pets in many people\u2019s homes, and kids tend to be fascinated by their aloof antics. Even though most cats like to keep their distance from children, kids must know the difference between how to play with a cat versus a dog.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Because cats are more fragile and often more temperamental than dogs, these pets provide an excellent learning opportunity for children. By <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.americanhumane.org\/blog\/benefits-of-cats-for-children\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">learning to play nicely with cats<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, kids gain experience with playing to another\u2019s comfort level, earning trust and respecting boundaries.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3>Potential risks for children and cats<\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">A cat can easily be hurt by children playing too rough or physically taunting them. Most adult cats can easily escape a young child when they want to, but kittens and older animals may not and are the most likely to suffer accidental harm.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">To help <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/allaboutcats.com\/cats-kids-rules-safe-play\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">avoid injury for both cats and kids<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, teach your children a few simple rules about safely playing with kitties:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Always be gentle with cats.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Never pull or step on a cat\u2019s tail or legs.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Young children should not try to pick up a cat unless an adult says it\u2019s okay.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Don\u2019t rub a cat&#8217;s belly because it might make them scratch or bite.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Only play with cats under adult supervision.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">If a cat does get cornered when it doesn\u2019t want to play, the animal may lash out aggressively toward a child. What\u2019s more, as all cat owners know, these mischievous animals can often be unpredictable, and a loving cuddle might still end with a painful scratch.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">That\u2019s why it is particularly important to teach kids about gentle play and responding to feelings, which are often signaled by a cat in its body language.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3>Understanding feline body language<\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">It is usually easy to tell when a cat is angry or acting aggressively. Hissing and growling are the telltale signs, but cats don\u2019t always give these warnings before they nip or scratch. There are other, more subtle <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.aspca.org\/pet-care\/cat-care\/common-cat-behavior-issues\/aggression-cats\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">signals in feline body language<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> that children should learn to interpret as well:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Body crouched or slinking low to the ground<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Tail curled around the body or tucked in<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Eyes open wide<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Ears laid flat, either sideways or back on the head<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Back arched<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Hair puffed out or standing straight up on the back of the neck<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Any of these signs may indicate that a cat is feeling stressed or fearful. Because cats are not likely to approach and attack a child, simply leaving them alone is usually enough to avoid a confrontation.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3>What to do if a cat scratches or bites<\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Although injuries from cats are usually less serious than bites from dogs, felines are capable of scratching or biting quite deeply. For any wound that breaks the skin, you should use the same steps for basic wound care described for dog bites above.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">After cleaning and bandaging the wound, it\u2019s advisable to <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.zocdoc.com\/primary-care-doctors\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">see a doctor<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> within a day or two so they can check for signs of infection. A condition known as <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.cdc.gov\/healthypets\/diseases\/cat-scratch.html\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">cat scratch fever<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, along with other bacterial diseases including <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">salmonella<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, can be spread by injury from a cat. These diseases are rarely life-threatening but still warrant treatment so they don\u2019t become more serious.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3>Small animal safety<\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Small pets such as rodents, ferrets, lizards or birds can be helpful for children learning about responsibility in caring for a pet. Kids must practice <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/kidshealth.org\/en\/kids\/animals.html\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">safe handling and proper care of small animals<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> to keep these pets happy and healthy, and the risk of injury to the child is quite low because of the animals\u2019 small size.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Any pet with teeth can still bite, however, and <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.cdc.gov\/healthypets\/resources\/safety-around-small-pets-H.pdf\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">small animals can carry germs that cause disease<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> or infection in people. For any bite that breaks the skin, your precautions should be similar to those you would take for a wound from a cat or a dog. Clean the wound with soap and water, then treat with antibacterial ointment and bandage it. To minimize the risk of infection, it\u2019s always best to see your doctor or <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.zocdoc.com\/urgent-care\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">go to urgent care<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> following any bite or scratch that breaks the skin.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3>Safety around wildlife<\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Viewing animals in the wild can be a special experience for children, allowing you to <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.gardeningknowhow.com\/special\/children\/identifying-wildlife-with-kids.htm\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">teach them about nature and safe interaction with the world<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> outside of one\u2019s control. Young children may not immediately understand the difference between wild and domestic animals, however, so it\u2019s important to teach them how to recognize wildlife and how these animals can be dangerous.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">When you do spot an animal in a natural habitat, remember the following rules to keep yourself, your children, and the animals safe:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Do not try to approach wild animals, especially large animals or any mothers with their young.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Never try to feed animals. Wildlife can become sick or learn unhealthy habits by eating our food. Additionally, feeding might encourage them to approach people more often, increasing the likelihood of a dangerous encounter in the future.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Don\u2019t try to touch a wild animal, even if it approaches on its own. Wildlife might become aggressive and attack without notice, but <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.cdc.gov\/healthypets\/pets\/wildlife.html\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">animals can also carry germs that cause disease<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> in humans.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">By following these guidelines, it\u2019s unlikely that you or your child will ever suffer an injury from wildlife. If it does happen, however, you should <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.zocdoc.com\/blog\/guides\/when-to-go-to-urgent-care-vs-the-er\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">immediately seek emergency care<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> \u2014 even if the injury does not appear serious \u2014 because of the high risk for infection.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3>Additional resources related to child and animal safety<\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">As any parent knows, it is impossible to plan for every situation that you and your kids might encounter. This is no less true when it comes to pets and wildlife, but you can better prepare your children for unexpected and even dangerous situations through education and practice in spending time with animals. Here are some additional resources to help you learn more:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.parents.com\/parenting\/pets\/kids\/the-benefits-of-pets\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The benefits of pets for kids<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: explanations from doctors and scientists about how pets can help nurture children<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.avma.org\/resources\/pet-owners\/petcare\/selecting-pet-your-family\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Selecting the right pet for your family<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: helpful considerations from the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA)<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.thesprucepets.com\/tips-for-childproofing-a-dog-1117491\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Training tips for dogs<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: suggestions for \u201cchildproofing\u201d your dog and encouraging safe interaction<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.avma.org\/about\/dog-bite-prevention.aspx\/teaching-children-how-prevent-dog-bites\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Teaching your child to prevent dog bites<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: more helpful information from the AVMA<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><a href=\"https:\/\/healthblog.uofmhealth.org\/childrens-health\/your-child-ready-for-a-pet-6-questions-to-ask\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Is your child ready for a pet?<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: advice from a pediatrician about getting your child their own pet<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<hr \/>\n<h1 style=\"text-align: center;\">Need a doctor\u2019s appointment? Find one on\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.zocdoc.com\/\">Zocdoc<\/a>.<\/h1>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Playing with pets and viewing wildlife can be very beneficial for a child\u2019s emotional development, but not all encounters with animals are safe. <\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":82,"featured_media":20068,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[227],"tags":[12,201,81],"class_list":["post-20067","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-guides","tag-anxiety","tag-pediatric-care","tag-preventive-care","reviewer-dr-nassim-assefi"],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO plugin v25.5 - https:\/\/yoast.com\/wordpress\/plugins\/seo\/ -->\n<title>How to Teach Your Kid About Animal Safety - Guides<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"Playing with pets and viewing wildlife can be very beneficial for a child\u2019s emotional development, but not all encounters with animals are safe. 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