Creating a Good Relationship Between Your Pet and Your Child
For many people, pets are important members of the family and, in many cases, families have pets in the home before they have children. But, once kids come along, this relationship can change. Unfortunately, even the friendliest pet can be a safety risk for an infant or toddler. In order to maintain a happy environment it’s imperative that some rules be established for the interaction between your pet and your child.
- Pets can be jealous: watch animals closely if you have a new baby in the house.
- Don’t leave your pet’s food down on the floor. Not only could your pet become aggressive if your baby goes near their food but it also poses a choking hazard for your baby.
- Keep your pet’s toys away from your child and his or her toys away from your pet.
- Teach your child not to tease your pet, pull your pet’s tail or put his face or fingers near your pet’s mouth.
- Be sure that your child does not disturb your pet when he’s sleeping.
- Never leave a baby or young child alone with a pet.
Above all, teach children to…
- Treat animals with respect and kindness.
- Handle pets gently.
- Wash their hands well after handling pets.