Most dog bites happen at home, usually from a dog your child knows- often even your own family pet. Children aged 0–5 are most at risk.

Even the gentlest dog can bite if they feel scared, surprised, or threatened. It doesn’t mean they’re a “bad” dog- it’s just how they react in certain situations.

The good news is there’s a lot you can do to keep everyone safe. With a few simple steps, you can help prevent bites and make sure your child and your furry friend stay happy and safe together.

Remember to:

• always supervise your child when they’re near dogs
• show your child how to pat gently and calmly. Use soft, slow movements rather than quick or rough ones
• help your child understand that dogs need space sometime. Encourage them to stay back if a dog is:
  • growling or backing away
  • sleeping
  • eating
  • playing with a toy
  • caring for puppies
  • raising their fur
• remind them never to pull a dog’s tail, fur, or ears
• always check with the owner before patting someone else’s dog
• never let your child get involved if dogs are fighting
• avoid rough play with dogs
• train your dog early. Teach simple commands like “sit”, “stay”, and “come”, and make sure everyone in the family uses the same words
• choose the right dog for your family. Think about your family’s space, activity level, and lifestyle before bringing a dog home.

Cats make wonderful pets and are usually gentle and safe if treated kindly. But even the calmest cat might scratch or bite if they feel scared, surprised, or trapped.

Remember to:

• keep cats out of your baby’s sleeping and play areas. Babies are vulnerable and can’t protect themselves
• teach your child to give cats space. Remind them not to chase or grab the cat, and to let the cat come to them
• show them not to touch the litter tray. It can carry germs that make children sick, so play should stay far away from it.

Pet birds can be lots of fun to watch and care for, especially for school-aged children. But birds can bite or scratch if handled the wrong way. It’s important to teach your child how to interact with them safely.

Remember to:

• keep bird cages locked, raised, and out of reach of young children
• always supervise your child around birds- especially around wild birds outside
• teach your child not to put their fingers inside bird cages
• show them how to handle birds gently when taking them out of cages
• remind them not to hold birds too close to their face
• be aware of Parrot fever risks.