Best Pet Articles
Search

Dogs and Children - What Parents Need to Know to Prevent Dog Bites

Web Search

Dogs and children are a perfect fit. They are what fond memories are made of and part of a joyful childhood. But sometimes tragedy does strike. What should you do to prevent an accidental attack?

The first caution for parents is to NEVER leave very young children (pre-school age - under six) left unattended with a dog. If you trust your dog then you likely do not believe that the dog will suddenly choose to attack. However, the dog is not much different than a small child itself. If a dog is unintentionally harmed or feels threatened it may bite in self-defense, just as small children may push or scratch another child when they feel threatened. Do not subject your dog or child to possible harm by leaving them alone to play. Your dog is not an adult. Always supervise dogs and children and you will be preventing a problem from occurring.

Discourage your children from hugging and kissing their dog as most bites to the face happen this way.

Regardless of the age of your children you should discourage roughhousing with the dog. Some of the larger breeds can generally handle rougher play, such as Newfoundlands and Boxers, without becoming agitated. Other large breeds may become irritated by ear pulling, grabbing and other play and accidentally harm your child. Large breeds may even knock over a small child unintentionally.

On the other hand, smaller breeds sometimes hurt children because they feel threatened by overly affectionate mauling or fear being stepped on. In these cases they may bite or scratch in an effort to protect themselves from harm. It is recommended that roughhousing should be discouraged with all breeds.

You should seriously consider fully training any dog you choose as a family pet. While some trainers may feel that the owner is adequately qualified to take on this task, you may wish to consider having your dog professionally trained if possible.

Incorrect training can actually lead to behavior problems. Owning a fully-trained dog will give you the peace of mind you are looking for when selecting a pet for your children.

These are just some of the points to consider when bringing a dog home for your children. By taking the time to understand and learn about dogs before bringing one home, you are more likely to find the life-long friend your children deserve!

Shannon Emmanuel is a freelance writer and the author of 'How to Select the Best Dog or Puppy for Your Children'. Find tips and information on dogs for children at http://www.best-dog-breed-for-children.com


MORE RESOURCES:

Food Consumer

Exotic Pets Risky for Kids
WebMD - Oct 6, 2008
By Miranda Hitti Oct. 6, 2008 -- Parents considering getting a "nontraditional" pet, such as an iguana, chick, or monkey, should weigh the risks those pets ...
Kids and Pets: CDC Advice for Staying Healthy and Happy MarketWatch
For Some Animals, There's No Place at Home Washington Post
Exotic Pets Could Infect Children, Doctors Caution findingDulcinea
HealthNews - United Press International
all 23 news articles


Albuquerque helping people keep pets
Las Cruces Sun-News, NM - 7 hours ago
By SUE MAJOR HOLMES AP Writer ALBUQUERQUE, NM—Albuquerque is trying to prevent pets from being abandoned by families and senior citizens who are having a ...


Humane Society helping feed, spay pets
The State, SC - 2 hours ago
By NICK McCORMAC - Special to The State In some cases, those choices involve the extreme step of families having to give up family pets they can no longer ...
Animals seized in area's largest rescue now up for adoption News-Leader.com
all 2 news articles


Pets for Young Kids: Does Exotic Mean Toxic?
U.S. News & World Report, DC - 12 hours ago
Readers responded big-time to my blog yesterday on a new study that warns parents of young children against exotic pets. Several readers pointed out that I ...


Stuff.co.nz

Exotic pets pose health risks
Globe and Mail, Canada - 17 hours ago
So your son is begging for a pet turtle. Before you cave in, consider the salmonella it packs along with it. Reptiles, monkeys, rodents and other exotic ...
Keep Hamsters and Exotic Pets Away From Your Children eFluxMedia
Doctors Warn Some Common Pets Unsafe For Kids NBC13.com
Doctors Say Exotic Pets Pose Danger To Health Of Kids dBTechno
NY1 - WNDU-TV
all 421 news articles


Pets Displaced By Ike Go To Minnesota
Click 2 Houston.com, TX - 15 hours ago
HOUSTON -- More than 100 pets that were displaced during Hurricane Ike will find new homes in Minnesota, KPRC Local 2 reported Tuesday. ...


Police Rescue Pets from Vacant Apartment
WSAZ-TV, WV - 11 hours ago
HUNTINGTON, W.Va. (WSAZ) —Huntington police rescued 5 dogs and a cat from a vacant apartment in Huntington. The animals were in a 2nd floor apartment in the ...


Prickly pets
The South African Star, South Africa - 2 hours ago
Warning: young children should not keep hedgehogs as pets - or hamsters, baby chicks, lizards and turtles, for that matter - because of risks for disease. ...


Eating what comes naturally to pets
Lake Country Calendar, Canada - 4 hours ago
“The nutritional benefits to eating purely natural foods are not only good for humans, but also for pets,” says Senani Ratnayake, registered veterinary ...


Green Roof Homes for Pets
Riverwired, NY - 3 hours ago
While green pet homes are lacking, there’s one company you can turn to for all your sustainable pet home needs… Sustainable Pet Design an amazing company ...

Pets - Google News

home | site map | SubArticle
© 2008