Pet safety

Family pets are welcome company. Familiar and affectionate as they are, our furry friends can sometimes be the cause of accidental injury to your child.

We can help you teach your child appropriate behaviors around pets including how to avoid bites or scratches that may require a visit to urgent care.

Recognize situations and act accordingly

Most of the time, interactions between pets and children go fine. Here are some things you can keep in mind to ensure your child’s safety around pets in their lives.

• When encountering a pet you don’t know, first look for the pet’s owner. Never pet an animal if its owner isn’t present. If they’re not there, it’s best to keep your distance.
• If you want to pet an animal that’s not yours, first ask their owner if it’s OK. If the owner says it’s all right, slowly hold out your hand so the animal can smell you and learn that you’re not a threat.
• Always be gentle and calm when petting an animal. Pet the animal’s fur in the same direction it grows.

Try to sense when things aren’t right

Just like people, animals can become uncomfortable in certain situations. Use caution if things don’t feel right.

• Never corner an animal. If you see one in a tight space, leave it alone.
• Try not to bother an animal when it's sleeping, eating or caring for its babies.

Be calm if you’re chased or feel threatened

It’s rare for an animal to act out against you or your child. If it does happen, you can diffuse the situation by staying in control.

• If you’re ever chased by an animal, stop, stand like a tree and look at the ground.
• Should you get attacked or knocked down by an animal, curl up face down. Cover your neck and stay as still as possible.

These cautionary tips are valuable. But we also want you to remember the warmth, company and bonds we and animals enjoy together.

Visit KidsHealth and the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals for more information.

How to care for an animal bite

If your child ever suffers an animal bite, depending on the severity of the wound, do the following:

For minor wound care

• Wash the wound thoroughly with soap and water.
• Apply an antibiotic cream.
• Cover the wound with a clean bandage.
• See a doctor if the wound becomes red, painful, warm or swollen or your child develops a fever.

For major wound care

• Apply pressure with a clean, dry cloth to stop any bleeding.
• If bleeding doesn't stop or your child feels faint or dizzy, call 911 and seek immediate medical attention.

All animal bites carry a risk of rabies: Consider contacting your local police department or animal control agency to report a bite, especially if the animal appears sick or you don't know its vaccination history.

Any time your child is injured, talk to your doctor about it and get direct instructions about the best care for your child.