Keeping Kids Safe with Pets

CEBU, Philippines - Having a pet at home brings a great deal of joy, especially to the children. A pet gives excitement; like when the family watches their dog successfully catching a ball or their aquarium fishes eating their pellets.

Outdoors, kids feel great upon spotting a familiar species of bird or in knowing the breed of the dog nearby. But no matter how wonderful the experience with animals,  it is also important to know how to keep the kids safe from the pets.

Though pets can make us feel unconditionally loved or even protected, pets can also turn bad at us, especially if they are not given proper care. So, just like humans, domesticated animals such as cats, dogs, and fishes need to be treated kindly and cared for all the time. Otherwise, pets can pose danger to the family, especially to the kids. 

According to studies, pets have a positive impact on their owners' physical and mental health. Pets can boost their owners' self-esteem, provide them company to prevent loneliness, and help owners develop a sense of responsibility. Yet, selecting the right pet is an important decision that family members should discuss thoroughly about. Parents, for instance, cannot just introduce a pet to the house because it is cute or cheap.

A full understanding on what pets can do and bring to your family - like diseases, for example - is very necessary. The Ramon Aboitiz Foundation Inc.-Dolores Aboitiz Children's Fund, which advocates Early Child Care and Development, recommends a thorough research before getting a home pet. One important aspect of preparing the family for a pet is for every member to know how to stay safe when around pets.

Following are some pointers in handling pets at home:

.Never bother a pet when it is eating. Do not pull its food or water container away.

. Never pull a cat's or dog's ears or tail.

. Never bother or disturb a pet when it is soundly sleeping.

.Never try to carry or get  near a pet with its babies (like a dog with newborn puppies). They are   very protective of their young and would surely bite to keep you away.

. Do not take a bone or toy away from the animal

. They might scratch or bite you. When holding a bone or a toy, make sure it is out of the pet's reach.

. When getting a lizard or iguana from its tank, do it with caution.

Do it slowly.                                                       

Wash your hands right away because they can   have salmonella bacteria on their skin.

.Never put your bare hand  into a fish tank. A few types of fish can bite and hurt. There are even some that release a kind of sting, especially when they are upset or bothered.

.If a pet looks sick, stay far away. When they are ill, they easily get upset no matter how friendly they can be.

.Never touch a stray dog, even if it seems friendly to you. You never know what  it can do to strangers.

.If a stray dog runs toward you, don't run; try to stand very still. Running away will just provoke the dog to chase after you. It is an instinctive with them to feel  that you might be a danger   to them. You can walk after a minute after it sniffs you.

.Do not expose your pets to scary and dangerous situations. If you know your dog does not want to play with other kids except your child, put the dog in another room, especially during events and parties.

.Teach the kids how to properly handle pets. It is recommended that they never    hold the pets too tightly, squeeze them,    fall on them, or drop and then pick them up too fast.

.Close supervision is a must, especially when the kids are near the pet or playing     with them. Never leave the kids alone with a pet.

. Do not make undomesticated animals    as home pets.

.Make the pets understand and follow a few commands, like "come," "stay," or "up." Dogs, for example, easily learn to follow strict commands like these.

.Be consistent in your behavior towards    your pets. Do not lose your temper by   kicking or squeezing your pet. If your dog is hurt or threatened by your actions, he might scratch or bite you.

.When visiting the home of a friend who has a pet, always ask for permission if    it is okay to touch or hold the pet. If   okay, slowly move your hand to the pet  so it can sniff your hands first. Never put too much effort when touching pets.

.Be patient. See your pet as the youngest member of the family.

. Wash hands with soap and water after handling pets.

Always remember that pets, too, have feelings that must also be respected.  Dogs and cats are not just pets - they are the kids' siblings at home. When a good and healthy relationship with home pets is established, there is a safe environment for both the family and the pets. 

(Reference: http://kidshealth.org )