Is there anything more heartwarming than your cat curled up next to your child, or your dog frolicking in the yard with your kids? Kids and pets can be perfect together, but they must all know the ground rules for safety. While many kids are naturally drawn to animals, they do not instinctively know how to safely handle, play with, or care for pets. Set up your kids and pets for success by implementing the following safe-interaction tips from our LaGrange Veterinary Hospital team.

#1: Teach children to respect a pet’s personal space

Although your pet may not seem to mind a small child who is always in their business—parents know this is true of toddlers—teaching your children to respect a pet’s personal space is extremely important. Similar to teaching your child to respect other people’s boundaries, they must learn to consider their pet’s “bubble.” 

Teach your child that they must not run full tilt at their pet but allow your cat or dog to come to them, which shows that your pet is willing and eager for interaction. Your child should know that they must never force unwanted attention on their pet. Then, when your pet is done playing or being petted, your child must let them leave and not tug them back for more playing or cuddling.

#2: Supervise interactions between pets and children

While older children typically can be left alone with pets, especially if they’ve had a lifetime of instruction on safe interactions, young children need guidance and a helping hand to ensure they do not inadvertently hurt or startle a pet. Ideally, supervise all interactions between pets and small children, or separate them when you cannot be present.

Without supervision, accidents can happen, such as a running child falling on a resting pet, or playing kids riling up a dog and ignoring the dog’s warning signals that they are distressed. As the guardian, you are the one to step in to prevent mishaps and miscommunication until your child is old enough to interact safely with their pet.

#3: Instruct children to always leave pets alone when sleeping, eating, or chewing on a toy

The majority of pet-related injuries occur because a child startles the pet or tries to take the pet’s resources and ignores the pet’s warning signals. A sleeping cat curled up in a tight ball may look extra cuddly, but let sleeping pets lie, especially if they are older or have vision or hearing problems. 

Additionally, ensure your child knows to leave pets alone while they are eating, drinking, playing with a toy, or using their litter box. Many pets are territorial over food and belongings or feel vulnerable when drinking or eliminating, and they may overreact to warn off pint-sized intruders.

#4: Provide a safe space for your pet

Children are often loud and create chaos, which can unsettle the most laid-back pets. Ensure your four-legged friend has a safe retreat when the kids are being crazy—you may want to make it large enough for you, too! All joking aside, your pet needs a quiet sanctuary that your children know is off-limits, where your pet can eat a valued treat, chew on a favorite toy, or sleep, without fear of interruption.

#5: Practice good hygiene around pets

Pets have some habits that humans consider gross but are perfectly normal for them. However, after your dog grooms their hind end, you certainly don’t want them giving your kid a full-face slurp. Instruct your child on using good hygiene around pets, such as washing their hands after feeding and cleaning, avoiding licks, and picking up poop as soon as it hits the ground.

#6: Schedule regular preventive care for your pet

Pets carry a plethora of pathogens that can infect people, especially children, who often interact closely with pets and have less-than-stellar hygiene habits. Regular preventive care ensures your pet receives vaccinations against infectious diseases and preventives for species-hopping parasites and the infections they cause. 

Preventive care also helps detect conditions that can alter your pet’s behavior. For example, if your pet is suffering from severe arthritis pain, they may be more likely to snap or scratch when they are handled. Endocrine disorders, such as hypothyroidism, can change your pet’s behavior, making them irritable and potentially aggressive. Wellness screening tests can pick up on these health issues before they cause a problem.

Keeping up to date on preventive care protects not only your pet from disease and behavior-altering conditions but also your family. Give our LaGrange Veterinary Hospital team a call to schedule your furry pal’s next wellness visit.