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My Toddler Won't Leave Our Pet Alone!
Keeping Children and Pets Safe
By Keath Castelloe Low
Dr. Feinman notes that cats are less likely to purposely hurt a baby or toddler, unless they are defending themselves. "Even gentle cats and dogs can be provoked by toddlers and young children," Dr. Feinman says. "When your baby becomes a toddler, take time to reassure your pet during supervised interaction. Remain watchful and teach your child to respect your pet."
Sometimes pets need to be protected from children. A child can unintentionally injure a pet with his or her gung-ho playful or curious behaviors. Children may not fully understand how hurtful their rough play can be to a pet, especially a small pet.
"A child should be taught to interact appropriately with pets from the time he or she begins to crawl and walk," says Dr. Feinman, who refers to this as training a child to be "pet-wise." Talk with your child. Teach him what not to do, but more importantly teach him what to do and how to interact in a safe manner. Demonstrate the correct way to gently pet the animal with your hand. Speak softly. Convey the importance of easy, loving touches.
Dr. Feinman notes that it is also important to teach your child the parts of your pet's body that are appropriate to touch. He reminds parents to teach children "not to disturb an animal while it is resting or sleeping, eating a meal or playing with or chewing on a favorite toy or object." Additionally, Dr. Feinman recommends teaching your child not to chase a pet that runs away from them or to restrain a pet that is trying to get away. "A child must be made to understand its own physical strength and the consequences of its behavior," Dr. Feinman says.
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