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Kids love animals, and when a pet is part of the family, a beautiful friendship can blossom. For children and pets to build a good relationship, they need to interact safely. Young kids often don’t know any better and may end up hurting or provoking your furry friend. To ensure the safety of both, pet care experts offer the following tips to help your child learn to play nicely.

Pet Care Tips for Safe Play

1. Teach Them Respect

The first step is to make sure your child treats your pet with respect. Cats and dogs may be cute and cuddly, but when they show signs of wanting to be left alone, it’s essential that your child recognizes them. Let them know that hitting, yanking tails, pulling ears, climbing, and general roughness is a big no-no.

2. Enforce Boundaries

Even when pets are receptive to petting and play, there are a few rules that should be followed. Supervise interactions as often as possible. If playtime starts getting out of hand, separate your pet and child immediately. When you’re grooming, clipping nails, or handling other sensitive pet care treatments, make sure young children are occupied in another room.

pet care3. Leave Busy Pets Alone

There are specific situations when pets should not be bothered. Explain to your child that if your pet is eating, drinking, or sleeping, they should leave them alone. Pets with babies are extremely protective and may snap at anyone who gets too close. Although it may be tempting for them to pick up a kitten or puppy, be sure your child knows to stay away.

4. Describe Warning Signs

In most cases, some trial-and-error interactions will be necessary. As a precaution, describe the warning behaviors and body language your child should look out for when playing. Pet care specialists warn to watch for growling, barking, baring teeth, sudden stiffness, and snapping in dogs. Raised hackles, hissing, constricted pupils, a rigid tail, and a raised rear end with stiff back legs are signs of aggression in cats.

5. Train Pets Together

The bonding power of training between pets and owners is often underestimated. While training your cat or dog to be gentle around kids, get your child involved. They’ll become familiar with your pet’s mannerisms and form a deeper connection with them, resulting in greater mutual respect.

 

Are the interactions between your child and pet a little shaky? If you’re in the Bullitt County, KY, area, come to Mt Washington Animal Clinic for professional pet care advice. Whether you need routine pet health exams, behavior counseling, or surgery for your furry friend, this full-service vet office uses the latest medical treatments and equipment to keep your pet healthy. Schedule a clinic tour by calling (502) 955-6822. For information about their services, visit them online.

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