With the warm weather here, my children and I enjoy visiting the park for some fresh air and quality play time. Lately, we have noticed many dogs and their owners are out and about.
I would like to teach my children how to safely approach someone else’s pet. Can you provide any tips to help reduce the risk of an animal bite?
It is important for everyone, those with pets and without, to learn how to share the outdoor space in a safe way to reduce the risk of animal bites.
The Health Unit, in partnership with the City of Thunder Bay Animal Services, the Thunder Bay and District Humane Society and the Thunder Bay Veterinary Clinic, is pleased to announce Animal Bite Prevention Week – May 28 to June 3.
It’s important to remember that animals can bite. Even the cuddliest, cutest puppy can bite, if provoked. But there are steps that can be taken to prevent the risk.
When approaching a pet, the following steps are recommended for everyone, including children:
* Ask the owner’s permission to pet the animal; children should ask their parents first
* Move toward the pet with a fist instead of an open hand.
* Wait to see if the pet moves toward the hand and sniffs it.
* Gently touch the pet.
* Explain that pets don’t like hugs.
If a strange dog approaches a child, experts recommend “be a tree:”
* Pull in your branches by folding your hands in front of your body.
* Plant your roots by firmly by placing your feet on the ground.
* Look away from the dog and count in your head to stay relaxed until the dog goes away.
Both Animal Services and the Humane Society recommend these final tips to reduce the risk of an animal bite:
* Keep pets on a leash when outside.
* Supervise children when they are near animals.
* Teach children to stay away from pets who are eating, chewing on a bone or toy, fenced in a yard or taking care of their young.
* Do not go near or pick up injured or stray animals. They could bite or scratch.
To learn more, visit the animal bite prevention display in Intercity Shopping Centre on Saturday, May 28.
You can also attend a free seminar entitled Understanding Dogs Through Their Behaviour at the Health Unit (999 Balmoral St.) on Tuesday, May 31 at 6:30 p.m.
For more information on all activities, visit tbdhu.com.
I would like to teach my children how to safely approach someone else’s pet. Can you provide any tips to help reduce the risk of an animal bite?
It is important for everyone, those with pets and without, to learn how to share the outdoor space in a safe way to reduce the risk of animal bites.
The Health Unit, in partnership with the City of Thunder Bay Animal Services, the Thunder Bay and District Humane Society and the Thunder Bay Veterinary Clinic, is pleased to announce Animal Bite Prevention Week – May 28 to June 3.
It’s important to remember that animals can bite. Even the cuddliest, cutest puppy can bite, if provoked. But there are steps that can be taken to prevent the risk.
When approaching a pet, the following steps are recommended for everyone, including children:
* Ask the owner’s permission to pet the animal; children should ask their parents first
* Move toward the pet with a fist instead of an open hand.
* Wait to see if the pet moves toward the hand and sniffs it.
* Gently touch the pet.
* Explain that pets don’t like hugs.
If a strange dog approaches a child, experts recommend “be a tree:”
* Pull in your branches by folding your hands in front of your body.
* Plant your roots by firmly by placing your feet on the ground.
* Look away from the dog and count in your head to stay relaxed until the dog goes away.
Both Animal Services and the Humane Society recommend these final tips to reduce the risk of an animal bite:
* Keep pets on a leash when outside.
* Supervise children when they are near animals.
* Teach children to stay away from pets who are eating, chewing on a bone or toy, fenced in a yard or taking care of their young.
* Do not go near or pick up injured or stray animals. They could bite or scratch.
To learn more, visit the animal bite prevention display in Intercity Shopping Centre on Saturday, May 28.
You can also attend a free seminar entitled Understanding Dogs Through Their Behaviour at the Health Unit (999 Balmoral St.) on Tuesday, May 31 at 6:30 p.m.
For more information on all activities, visit tbdhu.com.
