Pet Safety Tips for Kids

Every year, dozens of children are injured-- or, rarely, killed-- by their own pets. From aggressive dogs to salmonella-carrying turtles, domesticated animals can pose a serious threat to the well-being of your child. My own preschool-age daughter has lived with several pets, from tropical fish to cats, but she understands all the rules of interacting with living animals.

Here are seven important tips to keep your child (and pet) safe.

1. Respect an animal's feelings.

Your child needs to know that it's unsafe (and cruel) to mistreat a living animal. Make sure that your child understands not to pull a dog's tail, dress up the family cat, or cram a gerbil into a sock drawer. Your child needs to respect an animal's feelings to avoid serious injury to the pet or the kid.

2. Read the animal's cues.

If a pet is growling, hissing or bristling its fur, your child needs to understand that this is a threat. Your child can stay safe by heeding these warnings and backing away if the animal displays these behaviors.

3. Do not harass an animal.

If an animal is eating or sleeping, your child should know to leave the animal alone. When bothered while eating or sleeping, many otherwise-docile animals will lash out and attack children.

4. Pet the right places.

Many children trigger an animal's aggression without meaning to do so. Teach your child to stroke the head, neck, back and sides of cats, dogs and rabbits. Although some dogs like to be rubbed on the belly, others do not. Most cats and rabbits will scratch or bite when stroked on the belly.

5. Avoid bacteria.

Do not buy a pet reptile for a a child under the age of twelve. Reptiles often carry salmonella, which is easily transmitted to young children. Some birds and amphibians can also carry salmonella. Teach your child to wash her hands after handling a pet, its bedding, or any used litter.

6. Avoid strangers.

Your child probably knows not to accept rides or candy from strangers. He should also know not to approach a dog or cat who he doesn't know. Teach your child that these animals may be sick or abused. They can either injure the child or transmit a disease. If your child does find a stray or injured animal, he should know to ask a grown-up for help before trying to "rescue" it.

7. Be responsible.

Teach your child the Golden Rule, even as it applies to animals. If she mistreats a pet, the animal is likely to remember and to retaliate, even later on. A pet will be a lasting, loving companion only if he is treated with respect and responsibility by the humans in his life.