Greetings, friends! If you’re new here, it’s a pleasure to make your acquaintance. To help you better understand the context of this post, let me introduce myself. I’m Maggie, a mother to Violet (5 years old), Astrid (3 years old), Cooper (a 12-year-old pit mix), Newt (my black cat of around 10 years), Ripley (a 5-year-old tortoiseshell cat), and a few fish in a somewhat neglected tank.
My work revolves around topics like pets, children, and environmental sustainability. Frequently, I explore the delicate intersection of these aspects. In this role, I often encounter one crucial question from fellow parents: How can I ensure the safety of my kids and my pets when they interact with each other?
Indeed, it all boils down to the most fundamental concern shared by parents who share their homes with animals: How can I safeguard both my children and my pets when they are around each other?
Prioritizing Safety from the Start
Of course, you’re not the type of parent who allows their kids to mistreat or harass their beloved pets—far from it, I’m sure. (But if you are, please reconsider and stop any such behavior immediately.)
It’s essential to teach kids how to interact safely with animals, even if you don’t have pets in your home, as animals are a part of our lives everywhere. Basic rules of kindness and safety apply—no climbing on animals, no pulling tails or ears, no collar-grabbing, and never touching an unfamiliar animal without permission. These are fundamental principles that every child should grasp. Your responsibility is to educate your children on pet safety rules and to be a role model for proper conduct.
For families with pets at home, it’s unfair to assume that your pets will instinctively know how to navigate interactions with your children, especially if you have a pet uncomfortable around kids. As the adult and parent, you must take on this responsibility. So, here are three essential pet safety tips for kids that you can start implementing today!
Tip 1: Teach Your Kids about Animal Behavior and Body Language
Begin teaching your kids about animal behavior and body language from a young age. Help them observe and understand how your pets behave and what those behaviors signify. Point out instances when your dog wags its tail in excitement or when your cat swishes its tail in irritation. The more you narrate these observations, the more your children will absorb. Keep your comments informative yet neutral.
For example:
- “I’ve noticed Fluffy’s eyes look particularly wide, and her tail is swishing. This indicates she’s feeling uncomfortable, so let’s give her some space.”
- “Fido seemed really happy when I got home today! I could tell because his tail was wagging rapidly, and he was spinning in circles.”
- “I see Tiger hiding behind the bookshelf. That’s his way of telling us that playtime is over. Let’s head to the kitchen to color, allowing Tiger some time to recharge.”
A crucial note regarding growling: A growl is a warning sign. It signals discomfort, unhappiness, or pain. Never scold your dog for growling; instead, treat it as the warning it is. Swiftly intervene, then explain to your child what transpired. Correct your child’s behavior, not the growl.
For helpful resources on teaching kids about basic animal behavior, you can refer to “Dog Bite Prevention: Safety First for Kids and Pets.”
Tip 2: Ensure Your Pets Have Escape Routes
This advice is particularly vital for cats. Consider the layout of your living space. In our living room, we have two doorways. One doorway features a swinging baby gate that remains open for most of the day, except when we need to create a safe space for Cooper away from the kids. The second doorway has a closed baby gate with a small cat door in the middle that stays open. This allows Newt and Ripley to come and go freely, regardless of whether the other gate is open or closed.
Similarly, my office has a low baby gate that Newt and Ripley can easily jump over. My office serves as their safe zone, complete with a cat tree, a water dish, and a litter box. They can retreat here to escape the humans and the dog whenever they desire. We’ve taught Violet and Astrid that the gates are there to ensure everyone’s safety and that they mustn’t open them to reach the cats.
Cooper enjoys the run of the house and can choose where he wants to be—or not be—at any given time. However, he’s a Velcro dog who always wants to be with me, so he’s typically with us. When the girls were very young, I taught them a “follow me” command to ensure Cooper was never left alone with the babies.
In essence, your pets should never feel cornered or trapped. Ensure they have ample opportunities to exit any space freely. If, for any reason, they become stuck or need to be separated for safety, use a gate or employ a “follow me” command to guide them.
Tip 3: Don’t Compel Your Pets but Establish Boundaries for Your Kids
Remember, you are the adult human in this equation. You serve as the voice for the animals in your home and the voice of reason for your little humans.
I’ve witnessed parents coercing their pets into enduring unwelcome attention from their kids. I’ve seen them drag their pets by the collar or scoop them up, denying them the chance to escape. While we all hope our pets and kids will get along, it should never come at the expense of safety and autonomy.
Avoid forcing your pets into any situation they dislike. (Of course, this applies within the realm of reason and safety. If it’s necessary to isolate your dog in another room with the door closed for everyone’s safety, do so.) Instead, teach your children the boundaries of responsible pet interactions, such as not touching an animal while it’s eating, drinking, or playing with a toy. Instill a sense of responsibility in your kids to treat animals kindly.
In summary, nurturing a safe environment for both your kids and your pets hinges on educating your children about pet behavior, offering your pets escape routes, and setting boundaries for responsible interactions.
