The commotion, strange faces and altered schedules can make pets anxious or scared. Even the most docile pet may become standoffish or even aggressive. The holidays become a common time for dog bites in children.
So far this year, Dayton Children’s Hospital treated more than 230 kids in the emergency department for bites from dogs. Statistically, kids who are 5 to 9 years old have the highest rate of dog bites, but all ages are at risk.
“Most young children are about the same size as dogs and the dogs may see these children as a threat,” says Thomas Krzmarzick MD, medical director of the emergency department at Dayton Children’s. That’s also why many dog bites are to a child’s face. Often the dog and the child see each other eye to eye.
Most children are bitten by dogs that live in their home and are considered members of their family. “It’s critical that parents teach their children how to interact with dogs to prevent injuries,” says Dr. Krzmarzick. “Just because a dog has never bitten does not mean that it won’t get scared and bite in defense. Eighty-five percent of dogs who bite have never bitten before.”
So as the holidays approach, take these steps to avoid potential dog bites:
Keep the routine. Kids and pets thrive on routine – knowing what to expect and when to expect it. Even as events pull you away or push more people into your home, try to keep the schedule as close to normal as possible. This will lessen anxiety in your pet, and your child.
Exercise. Again, both kids and dogs benefit from burning off nervous energy in play. Take them both for a walk as often as you can or play in a yard when possible.
Train. Not just the dog, your kids, too! First children should ask the owner if it alright to pet the dog. Then they should hold out their hand, low with the palm up and open, allowing the dog to sniff. If the dog turns away or shows any sign of anxiety — stiff body, pulled-back ears, bared teeth or a growl — leave it alone. Teach children never to pull a dog's tail or ears.
Respect special toys. Some dogs have strong feelings for their chew toys, just like kids do with their favorite toys. Even if your child always plays ball with Spot or Fido, they need to watch for signs that the dog is not enjoying play time as much as usual and leave the toys alone for awhile.
Supervise. Even if dogs are used to children, they may become startled and behave aggressively during stressful events. Never leave a baby alone with a dog and always have someone watching older kids around the dog.
Pets are members of the family. They shouldn’t be shunned from holiday gatherings if they enjoy them, but a little extra attention and training will make sure that everyone enjoys the holidays without injury.
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