Pets bring joy and companionship to a family, and their presence can benefit children in myriad ways. However, kids are also the most at risk for injuries from household pets, because they are small and unable to interpret a pet’s body language. The Stanton Pet Hospital team believes pet ownership can teach children valuable lessons, but parents must be responsible for protecting not only their children but also their pets from negative interactions. Here are the answers to frequently asked questions about kids and pets to help parents navigate this complex relationship.

Question: What are the basic guidelines for pet safety around children?

Answer: Pets can be stressed about a child in the house and may lash out. Although some pets love children and tolerate their presence, you should never assume your child and pet alone together will be safe. Always supervise interactions, and watch for your pet’s subtle body language cues that indicate discomfort, such as looking away, panting, or repeated yawning. Teach children to be gentle and respectful, and never allow them to tease or chase a pet. 

Q: How can I set up my home to prevent pet-related accidents?

A: Establishing a safe space where pets can retreat from children can keep everyone safe and happy. A series of baby gates around the house can be used to separate your child and pet if you need to step away for a few moments. Teach children to respect a pet’s space and especially to leave pets alone when they are eating, drinking, or resting in their designated area, such as a crate or back bedroom.

Q: Why do pets bite? How can I prevent this from happening?

A: Most bite incidents with children happen because of inter-species misunderstandings. Pet owners must understand that dogs and cats communicate in many ways, and they typically reserve biting as a last resort to defend themselves from a perceived threat. Dogs and cats don’t go from zero to bite, but many people miss the signs in between that indicate the interaction is escalating, so owners should pay close attention to cues. As children grow older, educate them on knowing when pets want attention and when they want to be left alone.

Q: How can I teach my child to be responsible for pet care?

A: Involving children in pet care can teach them important life lessons and skills, such as respect, responsibility, love, and loss. Assign your child age-appropriate pet-care tasks, such as feeding, grooming, or cleaning up. Supervise your child, remind them gently each day when it’s time to perform the task, and guide them as needed to ensure their safety. Over time, you can assign more tasks and involve your child more in the process of raising, training, and caring for a companion.

Q: Are pets a threat to my child’s health?

A: Children have immature immune systems, which makes them more susceptible to diseases that may be passed from pets to humans. Thankfully, this is an unlikely threat when you keep up with your pet’s vaccinations, deworming treatments, and parasite-preventive medications. Teach children to wash their hands after interacting with or cleaning up after pets and always pick up and dispose of pet waste immediately.

Children and pets can thrive together when pet owners closely supervise their interactions and foster a strong human-animal bond. Communication and education are key to developing positive relationships between kids and pets while keeping everyone safe. Contact the Stanton Pet Hospital team for help managing pet behavior or to schedule a preventive care visit to keep your pet and home healthy and parasite-free.