Navigating Kid and Pet Play: Essential Safety Tips

Watching children and pets play together is a heartwarming experience, but it can also be a bit nerve-wracking. When kids and pets are playing together, safety is the top priority. Today we are addressing the essential safety tips for peaceful playtimes between kids and pets. 

Because children are still growing, learning, and testing boundaries, they may unfortunately antagonize pets unintentionally. Since animals can't verbalize at all, it is common for them to react defensively when they want certain behaviors to stop or when they are in pain. As a parent, pet parent, or both, we want to help you bridge this communication gap and help the kids and pets in your life understand each other. 

Ensure Your Pet is Comfortable Around Kids 

Some animals simply aren't comfortable around children. When bringing home a new pet, always talk to the previous owner, shelter, or breeder to see if the animal is good with children, especially if it's older. Similarly, if you already have kids and kid-friendly pets, make sure to ask if the animal is also comfortable with other animals. Bringing a pet into a home where it feels uncomfortable will only increase its stress and is likely cause it to hurt someone or itself. 

Ensure Your Kids are Comfortable Around Your New Pet 

Sometimes, children may not be comfortable around certain animals or new pets. While it's important to help a child become comfortable with new experiences, don’t force a child to interact with an animal.  

Be aware of reactions from a child that may create anxiety for your pet. Crying, screaming, or physically pushing or hitting an animal out of fear can create a cycle of tension that will inevitably lead to the animal defending itself.  

Train Your Pet to be Kid-Friendly 

Pets, especially puppies and kittens, are typically responsive to behavior training. This will help them be more comfortable around children. Once they've been trained, you can intercede with appropriate commands for both the pet and the child. Sometimes, even pets that don't like kids can be trained to interact safely. This is crucial, especially if there is a child that doesn't live with you but visits often or for extended periods. Be sure to ask your veterinarian about training professionals near you! 

Teach Kids to Play Safely with Pets 

Of course, your pets aren't the only ones who need training. Kids need guidance too! Young children are still learning the right way to behave around animals. Teaching them the difference between being playful and being hurtful is imperative. Without being taught, kids won't understand that even though they think pulling on a pet's ear is funny, the pet doesn't like it. 

Additionally, there are things about different breeds that need to be taught. Certain pets, like gerbils or rabbits, require special handling. When interacting with pets, especially reptiles, kids should wash their hands immediately after. Also, the windows of a fish tank should not be tapped on. It's also important to instruct kids when to leave their pets alone, such as when they're eating, sleeping, or using the restroom. 

10 Quick Tips for Kid and Pet Playtime 

1. Supervise interactions: Ensure interactions are supervised by you or someone who understands the importance of child-animal safety. This allows you to intervene and redirect any poor behavior. 

2. Calm introductions: Keep initial introductions between the child and the pet calm and under your control. This will influence their behavior and enable a pleasant first interaction. 

3. Teach kids proper approach: Instruct children on the appropriate way to approach animals and to never try to approach or touch any animal that doesn't belong to your family. 

4. Train your pet: Train your pet not to jump on new arrivals, especially children. 

5. Use treats: Use treats to reinforce positive interactions and good behavior. 

6. Avoid roughhousing: It can be hard to know if the pet is becoming anxious or if the child is going too far. It can also be hard to ensure your pet won't get too rough during play. 

7. Recognize anxiety signs: Learn the signs of anxiety and agitation in your pet (e.g., panting without exercise, growling, bared teeth, defensive postures) so you can tell when to separate your child from the animal. 

8. Separate toys: To avoid territorial behavior, find ways to prevent pet toys and children's toys confused from becoming. 

9. Create safe spaces: Ensure your pet has a safe space to retreat to away from children, such as a crate or an elevated bed where the child cannot access them. 

If you have any questions, don't hesitate to give us a call at (503) 635-3573. Our veterinarians at Full Circle Veterinary Care proudly serve new and returning pets in the Lake Oswego area.