Toddler and Pets - Animals

Whether or not you have a pet at home, toddlers should be pet-proofed as early on as possible. Teach your toddler the following rules for safety's sake:

Let sleeping (and eating) dogs (and cats) lie. Don't touch or go near them when they're napping or dining. And never touch their food: curious fingers can easily be perceived as a threat - retaliation is likely even in a mellow animal.

Never poke an animal's eyes, pull his tail, or tug in its ears. Always pet gently under the chin rather than on top of the head - which implies domination (Show you toddler how to do this).

Don't tease an animal. Don't offer a bone and then withdraw it, block its way to the water bowl, pretend you are going to hit it, and so on.

Stay away from dogs, cats, squirrels, raccoons, or other animals you don't know.

Stay away from animals that are sick or behaving strangely. This will have to be your call for now. The signs of rabies in an animal include one or more of the following: limping or staggering (because of paralysis of the hind legs); frothing or foaming at the mouth (due to paralysis of the throat and stiffness of the jaw); aggressive behaviors (attacking people, other animals, even objects); behavior changes (a nocturnal animal may come out during the day, a diurnal one at night); dis-orientation and lack inhibition. Some infected animals, however, may not have any noticeable symptoms.

Stay away from dogs or cats when they're fighting.

Stay way from a new mother dog or cat who is with her babies: she will fight to protect her offspring.

Never go near any animal without a grown-up around.

Always move slowly when approaching an animal. Don't run toward or ride a riding toy up to an animal: don't make sudden movement or jump around in front of it. (Cats are likely to run from a young child at play, but because toddlers can't necessarily differentiate between dogs and cats - and just to be on the safe side - this rule should apply to both species).

If a dog growls or is angry, don't run away (the dog might give chase): instead, roll up into a little ball on the ground and cover your face with your arms.

Never put your face near a dog's face. (Because toddlers are small, they are most likely to be bitten in danger areas - face, head, neck) the same goes for cats. (Since a feline's claws can do a lot of harm to tender young skin, too).