Kids and dogs – keeping everyone safe

When it comes to kids and dogs, supervision alone may not always be the best way to prevent a dog bite.

Being able to recognise when a dog is feeling stressed or threatened is the key and it is essential people are able to pick up on the signs and intervene before it’s too late.

Parents, grandparents, friends and babysitters all need to be educated on what to look out for. No matter how “trustworthy” or safe you think a dog is, it always pays to take care and remember that kids can push dogs to new limits.

There are three really easy stress signals to watch out for in dogs:

1. Yawning
2. Lip licking (not in the context of food)
3. A half moon eye ( when the whites of the outer edges of the dog’s eye is visible)

If you notice any of these signs you should separate the child and the dog immediately. Other tips include never allowing a child to be around a dog when there is food involved and take care if a child is in a dog’s territory (such as his bed). These can all lead to increased stress for a dog.

If you have any questions about your pet’s behaviour please ask us.