Young children are fearless. They treat
live animals as they would stuffed animals. Many times this leads to injuries
such as scratches and bites. Our dear friend, Mary Beth Kaeser, Public
Relations Coordinator at the Bolton Veterinary Hospital gave us some tips
when teaching children to safely handle pets.
Guinea Pigs and Rabbits
Guinea pigs and rabbits should be held on the child's lap while the
child is sitting down on the floor or the couch.
Have the child hold the animal with one hand under the belly of the
animal and use the other hand to stroke in the direction of the fur
from the head to the middle of the back.
Rabbits have powerful hind legs. If the animal should kick and try to
get away, have the child with hold firmly or let go so he doesn't get
scratched.
Never put fingers in the bunny's ears, eyes or mouth.
Cats and Kittens
Cats and kittens should be held on the child's lap while the child is
sitting down on the floor or the couch.
Have the child stroke a cat in the direction of the fur on its head
and neck.
Most cats do not like being pet on their tummies.
Never corner a cat.
When playing, use a long toy like ones available in pet stores or toys
with long string so little hands are protected.
Don't pull Kitty's tail.
Cats do not like fingers in their ears, eyes or mouth.
Dogs and Puppies
Dogs should never be approached without first asking the owner if it
is ok. Then approach the dog with the child's hand extended. Let
the dog smell the hand and pet the dog under the neck/chin first.
Dogs consider a hand extended over their head a dominant gesture.
Dogs consider eye contact a threatening gesture.
Teach children to stroke a dog in the direction of the fur from the
shoulder down to the mid section.
Never bother a dog when he's eating.
Never bother a dog when he's sleeping.
Play lots of games, but remember to play safe games that don't involve
biting such as tug-o-war.
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Articles:Guinea pigs and rabbits should be held on the child's lap while the child is sitting down on the floor or the couch.
Cats and kittens should be held on the child's lap while the child is sitting down on the floor or the couch.
