Kids and pets go together like peanut butter and jelly, but sometimes that combo results in a messy accident. Mixed signals, miscommunication, and inappropriate interactions can result in warning growls or hisses, nips or swats, or serious bites or injuries. To help your child and pet enjoy each other’s company safely, follow our Williamsburg Animal Clinic team’s five lessons for safe interactions.

#1: Ask the owner for permission to play with their pet

The lesson: Always ask a pet owner’s permission to approach and pet their dog or cat.

Getting the owner’s go-ahead to approach and pet their dog or cat is essential for avoiding bites. Children with pets at home often assume all pets are just as friendly and welcoming as their own, so they often approach unfamiliar pets without hesitation or permission. However, children often make pets nervous, especially if that pet is unaccustomed to children’s sounds, movements, and appearances.

Before letting your child approach a pet who isn’t part of your family, ask the owner’s permission. If you see a pet on the other side of a fence, but no owner, do not approach. Many pets are territorial or can become aggressive when a stranger approaches a fence or other barrier.

#2: Don’t take what your pet is playing with or eating

The lesson: Whether food, toys, or a spot on the sofa, your child should not take things from your pet and vice versa.

Children and pets are not always the best at sharing and may become possessive of their toys, food, or favorite spots. If a child tries to take a chew toy from a dog, or shove a cat off “their” spot on the sofa, an altercation is likely to occur, with the child on the losing end. On the other hand, if a dog lunges at a child to steal a favorite stuffed animal, or a cat tries to grab the piece of bacon a child is holding, a scratch, bite, or other injury can result.

To avoid injuries, ensure pets and children do not take things that belong to others. Teach them to ask their pet politely to share, and, if the answer is “no,” your child needs to respect that response. 

#3: Let sleeping dogs lie

The lesson: Avoid startling a sleeping pet.

Nobody likes to be woken from a peaceful slumber, whether from an alarm’s blare or a beloved family member’s touch. Prevent your child from running up to a sleeping pet or poking them awake.

Give your child options on how to wake their pet safely from a distance. Have your child call their pet’s name softly with increasing volume, to walk with exaggerated steps, or to toss a strong-smelling treat under their nose, so your dog or cat is woken with a pleasant surprise. If your pet refuses to wake up, instruct your child to leave them alone until they’re ready to interact.

#4: Your pet does not want to be best friends all the time

The lesson: If someone wants to be left alone, let them.

Everyone needs a little downtime to themselves, pets and children included. If your pet is resting quietly on their bed or favorite spot on the sofa, tell your child to leave them be. In addition, if your kid is focusing on their homework, keep up the good work by entertaining your pet in another room rather than letting them paw at your child.

Ideally, pets should initiate interactions, but either party should be allowed to leave without restraint. For example, if your child is done playing fetch with your rambunctious dog and tries to walk away, your dog should not leap on their back to continue playing. In addition, if your cat is done being pampered and petted and wants to lounge at the top of their climbing tower, your kid should let them walk peacefully away without holding them down for more snuggles.

#5: Pets’ actions—and body language—speak louder than words

The lesson: Understanding canine and feline body language can prevent a great deal of miscommunication.

Unfortunately, we aren’t all Dr. Dolittle with the ability to talk to animals, but we can teach children to read basic canine and feline body language. Educate your child on signals a stressed or fearful pet may exhibit, and instruct them to give their pet the space they need. 

When a cat does not feel like interacting, their body language is fairly clear. Teach your child to leave their feline friend alone when your cat exhibits the following:

  • Dilated pupils
  • Ears pointed down and back
  • A wagging or flicking tail
  • Tightly curled position
  • Hissing

Dogs’ body language is different from that of cats. Stressed or fearful dogs may exhibit the following:

  • Whale eye that shows the whites of the eyes
  • Flattened ears
  • Tucked tail
  • Lip licking
  • Yawning
  • Panting
  • Raised hackles
  • Eye contact avoidance

Protecting your pets and children from each other is easier said than done, but when both parties are respectful of one another, their bond will last a lifetime—and so will the happy memories. Set up an appointment with our Williamsburg Animal Clinic team to keep your furry pal current on vaccinations and parasite prevention.