Pets & Kids

By Dr. Norma Guy, BSc, MSc, DVM

As a responsible pet owner and parent, it’s your job to protect your children, but it’s also your job to be aware of what bothers your pet and not put them in situations that make them uncomfortable.

The key to safety is adult supervision

Pet and kids can mix successfully with some care and preparation.  Be sensible. Most problems between pets and children occur when there is a lack of adult supervision or when the pet is startled, concerned or overwhelmed by the child.  A few pets seem to have a natural affinity for children, and are tolerant of the increased noise and activity level.  But the majority of dogs and cats will have difficulty knowing just how they should react if an infant wails or a toddler suddenly grabs them around the neck.

Pets don’t usually pose much of a risk to infants because they don’t have a lot of interaction with them.  Toddlers are much more likely to get injured because they are more aggressive and don’t realize their actions may be hurting an animal.  They haven’t yet developed empathy.  They also don’t pick up on warning signs an animal may give.  That’s why adult supervision at this stage is critical.  Ideally all dogs and cats should be socialized to children, but even the best socialization and training can’t completely eliminate the risk of a pet injuring a child.

Introducing a new baby to your pet

If you’re bringing home a new baby, it’s important to understand and be understanding of normal dog and cat behavior.  Get the dog ready for the idea that he (or she) is not going to be the centre of attention anymore.  If possible, make changes in your routine before you bring the baby home.  You need to teach the dog that it can’t be underfoot all the time and he needs to accept that it’s okay to be on the other side of the baby gate sometimes.

Introduce the baby’s smell to the pet before bringing home the baby.  It’s a good idea to bring home an article of clothing belonging to the baby, so that your dog can investigate it freely.  When it’s time for the baby to come home, mom should go in the house first to greet the dog.  Once things settle down, you can bring the baby in.  Don’t scold your dog for being curious about the baby.  Punishment will only make him more nervous or unruly.  You don’t want to make him afraid of the baby.  A dog that isn’t afraid is less likely to be aggressive.  Most cats will want to do a little investigating of the new baby by smelling it, unless the whole situation has sent the cat scurrying under a bed.

Your pet needs your attention too

New parents are less likely to pay as much attention to their pets as before and pets will miss that.  Dogs and cats that suddenly start misbehaving after a new baby arrives are not jealous.  They are worried and disturbed about the changes in their routines.  Just like children, pets benefit from a certain predictability in their lives, as well as an understanding of their needs.

TIPS for families with kids and pets

Manners: Teaching your dog a few basic manners makes life easier for everyone.  For example, using treats, you can teach your dog to go lie on a special mat on command.  This gets him out from underfoot when you’re busy.  Walking ~ A head halter instead of a regular collar improves control when pushing a stroller.

Baby gates/ x pens: Can be very helpful keeping pets and small children separated, especially once the child starts crawling.

Exercise: Make sure your dog gets enough exercise.  Exercise will reduce your dog’s anxiety about the changes in the household and how you interact with him.

Hugging: It’s normal for a dog to become agitated when he sees someone carrying a child or another pet, or when he sees two adults hugging.  Hugging looks dangerous to a dog and he may feel he has to do something about it to keep everybody safe.  If your dog is agitated (jumping up, barking, restless) when you carry your child, teach him to sit for a treat instead.  This helps him learn there is no need to worry.