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Last Updated 1/2010
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Owning a Dog When you have Children
Most dogs do not bite. But ALL dogs - a stranger’s dog, your neighbor’s dog, even your own dog --- have the potential to bite. That’s especially true if a dog feels threatened or scared or becomes overly excited. Dog bites are the 2nd most common injury in children that lead to a hospital visit. More than half of all dog bite victims are children younger than 14 years with the highest rate among children 5-9 years old. Two facts about dog bites run contrary to popular belief:
- Most dog attacks happen at home or in a familiar place.
- The vast majority of dogs that bite belong to the victim’s family or to a friend.
The following rules for children can minimize the risk that they will get bitten. Most of these rules apply to adults, as well.
General rules:
- Never play with a dog unless an adult is present.
- Never go near an unfamiliar dog.
- Never pet a dog without first asking the owner’s permission.
- Never pet a dog without first letting it smell you.
- Don’t pat a dog on the top of its head. Pat it under the chin or on the back.
- Never move if a dog sniffs you. Stand still.
- Never scream around a dog.
- Never run past a dog.
- Don’t run up to a dog --- even one that you know.
- Never sneak up on a dog. Approach from the side or front.
Don’t “play rough”
- Never tease a dog, hit it, or pull its ears, tail, or feet.
- Never play rough games, such as wrestling, with a dog.
When to “stay away”
- Never disturb a dog that is eating or sleeping.
- Never approach a dog that is taking care of puppies. Never touch the puppies.
- Never go near a dog that is growling or showing teeth.
How to handle threatening situations
- Don’t turn and run if a dog threatens you; try to stay calm and do not scream. If a dog approaches, stand very still --- “like a tree.” Do not make eye contact. If you fall or are knocked to the ground, curl up into a ball and put your hands over your head and face.
- If you have been bitten or threatened by a dog, or if you see a dog acting strangely, tell an adult!
Preventing Parasitic Infections
Pets, especially dogs and cats, can be wonderful companions, but they may harbor parasites (worms) that can cause disease in people. Parasites spread from animals to people when people come into accidental contact with the parasite’s eggs or larvae. The following measures can help you protect your child, and yourself, from infection:
- Practice good hygiene. Wash you hands, and have your children wash their hands, regularly, especially after handling pets or cleaning up pet waste. Remove pet droppings from your yard at least 2-3 times a week. Daily removal is best. Wash all fruits and vegetables thoroughly before you or your children eat them. Do not allow children to go barefoot, sit, or lie in areas where they may be exposed to animal droppings. Remove fecal waste from cat litter boxes daily and wash your hands afterward. Do not drink water from streams or other sources that may be contaminated with animal feces. Deworm your pets on a regular schedule, as recommended by your veterinarian. Keep your pets free of fleas.
- Keep your pets clean. Bathe them after they have been dewormed.
Owning a Dog
If you are thinking of getting a dog . . .
- Consult with a professional (e.g., veterinarian, animal behaviorist, dog trainer, or reputable breeder) to learn about suitable breeds for your household. A dog known to have a history of aggression is inappropriate in a household with children. Be sensitive to cues that a child is fearful or apprehensive about a dog. If you observe such cues, reconsider (or delay) getting a dog.
- If possible, spend time with a dog before buying or adopting it. Try to find out where the dog originally came from and its background.
If you get a dog . . .
- Use caution when bringing a dog into the home of an infant or toddler. Never leave infants or young children alone with any dog. Spay or neuter your dog (this often reduces aggressive tendencies). Do not wrestle with or play aggressive games with your dog. Properly socialize and train the dog. Teach submissive behaviors (e.g., rolling over to expose abdomen, relinquishing food without growling). Be consistent with training and daily life --- just as you are with children.
- Immediately seek professional advice (e.g., veterinarian, animal behaviorist) if your dog develops aggressive or undesirable behaviors.
If your dog bites someone . . .
- Immediately restrain the dog, away from the scene. Check on the victim. Seek medical advice. Provide needed information to the authorities or the victim (e.g., your name and address, the date your dog was vaccinated against rabies). Report the incident to your homeowner’s insurance company and comply with all local reporting laws.
- Contact a veterinarian about the behavior of your dog and ask for suggestions.
Click here for links to more web resources about dogs and dog bites: Pets
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