There are a lot of great reasons for a child to have a relationship with a companion pet. A child who learns to show compassion for a pet at an early age is likely to be an all-around compassionate adult. Caring for a pet teaches responsibility, how to plan, and is good for social development, all important in forming the kind of person a child will grow up to be.
Together, kids and pets make great friends with a special bond. However, many child injuries occur with pets within the home. Many times an animal will be put down for biting and nearly always when a death occurs. It’s also the other way around; death or injury of a pet. However, such events can be avoided with clear boundaries and rules for both child and pet.
This is a sponsored post on behalf of Admiral Veterinary Hospital.
Supervise
Kids are notoriously playfully rough with pets which can lead to a normally sweet and docile pet snapping at fingers and faces or an excited pet jumping and knocking a child down. For this reason, never leave small children alone with pets, not just dogs, no matter how well behaved they appear to be. Any animal has the potential to cause harm whether a dog, cat, rabbit, reptile, or bird, and on the other side, it is not okay to leave pets alone in the clutches of an overly excited child.
Don’t Let Them Get Too Physical
Pets are not playgrounds and therefore should not be played on by children. Do not let children climb all over or ride on the backs of any pet. Any physical attacks by a child on a pet like pinching, punching, kicking, and slapping needs to be corrected immediately. It goes the other way too as you would never permit your dog or cat to bite or scratch your kid.
Provide Training for Dogs and Other Pets
Even if your dog is already well-behaved, invest in some extra training or dog behavior classes specifically for being around small children. Better yet, find a training program that will involve children in the training process. You can also give your dog a refresher course at home of the simple commands: sit, stay, down, and come. Reward pets with small healthy treats for good play behavior!
Thinking about adopting a new pet? Then this is a great time to teach your children beforehand how to treat and respect pets and to read up on information about how to be a fantastic pet parent.
If you are looking for your new best friend or are want to go to a family friendly event (that you can take your pet too as well!), please join us at Admiral Veterinary Hospital’s Open House and Community Fair. Free and Open to the Public on April 25th from 10am-2pm. Parking provided at Two Rivers Church with shuttle service free all day. There will be free food, bounce house, face painting, pets for adoption, tours of the hospital, educational exhibits, teddy bear surgery, vendors, pet photos and more!! Come join us and have a wonderful time with your family!
