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Sonja Brownlee, MD.
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Last Updated 3/2011
The information contained on this web site is not a substitute for direct examination and treatment by a physician. If any of this material is unclear or confusing, or if you have additional questions or concerns, please call the office at 778-6762.
Disclaimer:Sonja Brownlee,M.D. cannot endorse all links presented on the website as they may link to unrelated third-party websites.
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Animal Safety
0-11 Month Olds
1-5 Year Olds
Animal Safety (0-11 months)
- Never leave your baby alone with your pet . S/he may inadvertently provoke a bite or scratch by t reating your pet like a toy: pulling ears or tails, hugging too tight, putting their face in your pet's face, etc.
- Keep your dog in good health and vaccinated for rabies.
- Obey local ordinances about licensing and leashing your pet. Be sure your pet is under your control at all times.
Animal Safety (1-5 years old)
- Never leave your toddler or preschooler alone with your pet . They may inadvertently provoke a bite or scratch by t reating your pet like a toy: pulling ears or tails, hugging too tight, putting their face in your pet's face, etc.
- Keep your dog in good health and vaccinated for rabies.
- Obey local ordinances about licensing and leashing your pet. Be sure your pet is under your control at all times.
- Be sure your older child can manage your dog before you allow him/her to walk it on a leash.
- Treat your pet humanely so s/he will enjoy human company. Don’t keep your dog tied on a short rope or chain, since extreme confinement may make him anxious and aggressive.
- Teach your child to never approach an animal without your permission.
- Teach your child how to greet a dog: stand still while the dog sniffs him/her then slowly extend a hand to pet the dog. But remind your child to ask your permission first.
- Try to have your child meet your neighbor’s dogs . Warn him/her to stay away from yards in which dogs seem high-strung or unfriendly.
- Teach your older child the signs of an unsafe dog : rigid body, stiff tail at “half mast,” hysterical barking, crouched position, staring expression.
- Teach your child to stand still if approached or chased by a strange dog: do not run, ride the bike, kick, or make threatening gestures. Your child should face the dog and back away slowly until out of reach.
- Teach your child not to try to catch or pick up any animal: wild or tame, hurt or dead .
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