Children and pets, safely together

A child who grows up with a cat or dog learns kindness and responsibility. But children are also the most common victims of dog bites, and their injuries are often worse because their faces are close to the animal. A few rules protect both.

The most important rule: adults supervise

• Never leave a young child alone with any dog or cat, however "gentle" it is. Any animal may bite when startled or in pain.
• If you can't watch, separate them: the pet in another room, or behind a baby gate.

Teach your children

• Leave animals alone when they're eating or sleeping, holding a toy, or a cat is with her kittens.
• No pulling tails or ears, no riding on the dog, and no tight hugs around the neck. Most dogs dislike being hugged.
• Ask the owner before touching any dog, and let it sniff first.
• If a strange dog comes close in the street: stand still and calm, don't run or scream, don't stare into its eyes, and back away slowly.
• A pet isn't a toy: if it walks away, let it go.

Signs a pet is uncomfortable

• Dogs: turning the head away, lip licking, lots of yawning, showing the whites of the eyes, freezing, growling.
• Cats: a lashing tail, ears flat back, hissing.

If you see these, calmly move the child away. A growl is a useful warning, so instead of punishing it, move the child and work out what upset the animal.

Before a new baby arrives

• Change the dog's routine gradually, weeks before the birth, not suddenly afterwards.
• Get it used to baby sounds and the smell of baby things.
• Keep the first meeting calm, with the dog on a leash, and reward it for staying relaxed.

Hygiene

• Wash hands with soap and water after playing with pets, after cleaning a litter box or cage, and before eating.
• Young children shouldn't kiss pets on the mouth or hold hamsters or turtles close to their face.
• Keeping up vaccines and worming at the vet protects the whole family.