SAFETY WITH ANIMALS

Animals make wonderful pets and can become part of the family, but in the wrong situation they can become dangerous to children. There is always risks involved when children are together with animals. Children should be taught the skills needed to play safely with animals and to recognise and try to prevent any problems that may arise.

DOGS

Dogs are the most likely to cause harm to a child and so must be treated with caution. Many children are admitted to hospital each year because of dog bites. Children under four years of age are most at risk and are often bitten around their head and face, often by the family dog at home. Always supervise your children when they are playing with or near dogs. The dog is not always the problem, children often tease and chase dogs or try to take food from them, causing the dog to become aggressive. Here are a few safety suggestions that might help keep your children safe when around dogs.

	Always look for a breed that suits both your lifestyle and your local environment.
	Always take the time to socialise the dog safely with your home and children.
	Try to postpone buying a dog until the children are at school or old enough to be cautious.
	Dogs trained as a working dog or guard dog do not get on well with children.
	Keep young children and babies away from dogs as they more prone to head and face injuries.
	Have your dog trained at an obedience school so that you can control the dog if needed.
	Teach your children about safety with dogs and also how to act with dogs in the park or street.
	Watch over your children if they are playing with dogs or other animals that may harm them.
	Never disturb a dog that is sleeping or eating.
	Always pat a dog in a gentle and calm manner.
	Never try to approach a strange dog.
	Always stand still If a strange dog approaches you.
	Never try and intervene between two dogs that are fighting.

If your child is bitten by a dog:

	Calm the child as much as possible.
	If any skin has been broken, thoroughly wash the bite wound under cold running water.
	Apply an antiseptic cream or solution and cover the bite wound with a sterile dressing or clean cloth.
	Take the child to your local doctor or medical centre - antibiotics or a tetanus booster and may be necessary.
	If the wound is severe or flesh has been bitten off, call an ambulance or 000.
	To control any bleeding apply firm pressure to the wound using a clean cloth or sterile dressing until the ambulance arrives.
	If your child appears drowsy or pale, lie them down and raise their legs on a folded blanket or pillow.
	Do not give your child any food or water - wait for the ambulance to arrive.

CATS

Always exercise caution when your child is playing with or near a cat. Cats must always be kept out of your child's nursery - a cat can easily suffocate a sleeping baby by lying on the baby's face. The main health risks from cats comes from children touching a cat's faeces.

	Children should never dig around in the area of your garden that the cat uses.
	Keep your cat litter tray where your child can't reach it.
	Any cat bites or scratches should be thoroughly washed and disinfected as soon as possible.
	Teach your child to always wash their hands after playing with a cat.