Tips for Safety Around Dogs

Every year we get a few calls from parents of children who have been bitten by dogs.  Most instances involve minor injuries and temporary dog anxiety.  But every now and then there is a tragic, serious case.  As parents, grandparents and good neighbors, we all want to do everything we can to keep kids safe and avoid them being hurt by a dog.  To help us all achieve this very important goal, we have compiled the following list of things that all children should be taught about dogs:

- don't chase or tease dogs
- wait to be introduced to the dog by the dog's adult owner
- ask the dog owner's permission to pet their dog first, before trying to pet the dog
- wait for a dog owner's permission to pet the dog and then teach your child to let the dog sniff the child's hand first before petting the dog
- pet the animal gently after the dog sniffs his/her hand
- never pet the dog while it is eating or sleeping
- never approach a dog that has puppies or is nursing puppies
- never pet a dog while it is playing with a toy
- never try to take a dog's toy away from the dog
- don't play rough with dogs
- if a child is outside and a stray dog approaches, then teach your child to not run away but to try backing away slowly.  The dog will always be able to run faster than the child and could chase your child and attack.

Please have a safe and happy summer!