If you’re considering bringing a pet home, your child needs to learn how to behave around it. When a child knows how to treat an animal properly, they can form a lasting friendship. The following are some pet care tips your little one should utilize with any animal they meet.

3 Tips to Teach Your Child How to Treat Animals

1. Be Gentle

An essential part of pet care is knowing how to properly touch an animal. Before you let your child pet cats or dogs, have them practice petting a stuffed animal. Teach your child how to pet the animal slowly and gently. Explain that squeezing, pulling, or poking can hurt an animal and should never be done. Teach your child to let an animal smell them first before trying to pet them. That way, the animal can become familiar with your child and will be more comfortable with receiving attention. 

2. Discuss a Pet’s Body Language

Animals communicate what they like and don’t like through their body language. Teach your child how to interpret a pet’s body language, so they get along safely. For example, a dog that yawns, licks its lips, or looks away doesn’t want to be bothered. On the other hand, if a dog has its ears up, head held high and a slightly open mouth, it’s relaxed and can be safely approached. Teach your child to pay attention to a pet’s body language to keep themselves and the animal safe. 

3. Have a Zero Tolerance Policy for Misbehavior

Small children can sometimes be too rough with pets because they equate them to their toys. If you see your child mistreating a pet, like pulling their tail, separate them immediately. Give your child a timeout and remind them that mistreating pets won’t be tolerated. Explain that pets are sensitive creatures and must be treated with respect. If your child understands that there are consequences for improper pet care, they won’t do it again. 

If you’re looking for a reliable veterinarian in Liberty Township, OH, turn to Liberty Veterinary Hospital. Founded by Dr. Amy Johnstone and Dr. Robyn Collins, the pet hospital offers a wide range of services for animals of all ages and sizes. In addition to standard veterinary services, like animal vaccinations and exams, the animal hospital facilitates pet adoption and reunites lost pets with their owners. For more information about their pet care services, call (513) 755-9700 or visit their website.