Animal safety tips for kids

• Avoid the face and head area when petting dogs and cats. Stroke along the neck, back, and sides. Cats, unlike dogs, may bite or scratch when rubbed on the belly.
• Leave animals alone when eating, sleeping, chewing on a toy, or caring for its babies.
• Pay attention to warning signs – an animal that is growling or hissing wants to be left alone!
• Explain to your child that animals may be startled by loud, high-pitched screams or noises and sudden movements.
• Never approach an animal you do not know. Animals in vehicles and yards may behave aggressive and territorial and are likely to bite. Always ask permission from an animal’s owner before approaching a friend, neighbor, or acquaintance’s animal – even if you have played with the animal in the past.
• Never approach an animal that appears injured or sick.
• Never approach stray animals.
• Teach your child not to run when approached by a strange dog. Running may provoke the dog to chase and attack. Teach your child to act like a “tree” by standing still and staring straight ahead until the dog leaves or acting like a “rock” if sitting or knocked to the ground by curling up in a ball keeping his/her hands over his/her ears. If a dog attacks teach your child to throw something like a backpack or coat for the dog to bite.
• If your child is responsible for cleaning animal cages, litter boxes, or cleaning up the yard after a dog have him/her wear rubber gloves and always wash his/her hands when done.
• Keep food dishes and litter boxes out of reach of babies and toddlers.

Source : www.mychildsafety.net