Purr-fect Pets

Having Fun, Staying Safe

By Alex Powell

Children and pets may seem like a natural combination. But this happy relationship is one that shouldn't be taken for granted, says Dr. Wayne Hunthausen, a veterinarian and pet behavior consultant at Westwood Animal Hospital in Westwood, Kan., and the co-creator of Dogs, Cats & Kids: Learning to be Safe with Animals (Tapeworm Studios, 1996).

"Pets aren't born knowing what children are like, and the same thing with kids," Dr. Hunthausen says. "They aren't born knowing how to interact with a pet."

According to the Humane Society of the United States, more than half of the 4.7 million people bitten by dogs every year are children. Fortunately, many of these incidents can be prevented with proper supervision and education. Here's how to keep kids and pets safe together.

Kids can learn to recognize when a pet wants attention, and when he doesn't. A friendly dog has a wagging tail and relaxed ears, while a friendly cat may be purring and may rub against you. An angry or aggressive animal will growl and stare. An aggressive dog may bark, while an aggressive cat may have raised fur and a twitching tail.

It's also important for kids to recognize when an animal is afraid. Frightened dogs may be trembling or crouching, with ears down and tails tucked. Frightened cats may be hissing, have raised fur and rapidly twitching tails. "You probably see more kids bitten by fearful dogs than by dogs exhibiting overt aggressive behavior," Dr. Hunthausen says.

Pets love playtime, but they need private time, too. Animals who are eating, sleeping or chewing on their toys should be left alone.

Ann McDonald, a mom from Southern California, had two cats when her daughter, now 3 years old, was born. "From a very early age, we taught our daughter to respect the kitties, and one of her first words was gentle," she says. "We would say it while stroking something very softly with her hand in ours – first stuffed animals, then the real cats."

Want to see more?

• My Toddler Won't Leave Our Pet Alone! Keeping Children and Pets Safe
• A Walk in the Park: Teach Your Child About Animal Behavior to Prevent Dog Bites
• Can Pets and the New Baby Get Along? Preparing Furry Friends for the New Baby
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