Animal Safety

Hi,

Today I went to a local school to help out with a safety fair. A co-worker and myself did a run down on animal safety with dogs and cats that are unfamiliar to you. I brought in my 12wk old dog Chewie and the other lady brought in her 12 yr old cat. The following information is what we went over with the kids, you may find it useful:

Dogs

Dogs that are afraid or anxious can be mean or aggressive. They will show signs if they are under stress, such as excessive nose licking, panting, or holding really still and watching you. If they are mean they will growl, show their teeth, raise their hackles (which is the fur on their back), and bark.

If a dog approaches you and is showing any of the signs above, do not run! Dogs have a natural urge to run after you and may try to jump or bite you. What you want to do is freeze, stand still, put your arms/hands at your side, and don't stare into the dogs eyes, as they may think you are challenging them. Do not put your hands in your pockets as they will think you are getting something and may try to attack sooner. They should loose interest in you at this point. If an angry dog jumps on you, you want to slowly fall to the ground, curl up into a ball, and cover your face with your arms. Be careful of your fingers, curl them into a fist so they don't get bitten. Hold still until the dog goes away or help arrives.

Dogs also do not like to be hugged, which makes them feel confined. Picking up strange dogs also makes them feel stressed. Do not pick up their food, toys, or treats as they will think you are taking it away from them and may bite your arm or hand to get you to drop it. Do not interrupt a dog while it is eating, if you are giving him more food, wait until he is done eating and then pour it into his bowl.

If you want to pet a strangers dog, you need to 1) make sure it's ok with your parents, 2) ask the owner of the pet if it's ok to pet their dog, but be careful as the dog doesn't know you and make be afraid of you. 3) put your hand out towards the dog palm up and let it sniff your hand. The reaction of the dog will help you know whether you should go ahead an pet him or back away slowly.

Dogs are territorial and will be aggressive and bite to protect it. Do not stick your hand through a fence, over a fence, in a cage, or in a car window to pet a dog. This is there territory and they may feel threatened by you.

Never try to break up a dog fight. If you put your hands or body between the dogs they will bite you. Let it play out and if one is injured let an adult know. Do not get close or touch an injured dog as most dogs will bite when they are in pain.

Cats

Cats that are upset will hiss, lay their ears back, growl, lash their tail, and/or arch their back. It's important to back away slowly from the cat if these signs are observed. If a cat wants to be petted or played with they will rub against your legs, purr, or jump on your lap.

Cats don't care to be picked up and may try to get push against you with their paws to get out of your arms, and may scratch you. If a cat runs under a bed or couch, it is best to leave it alone. If you need the cat, have someone help you get it out by moving the furniture or luring it out with a treat or toy. Talking softly to the cat will also soothe it.

Some cats that are playing will sometime get a little to excited and may scratch or bite, if they do this it's time to take a break. Avoid teaching your own cat to play roughly with you.

First Aid

If you are bitten or scratched by a dog or cat it is important to immediately wash your hands with soap and water to wash out any germs. You can then put ointment and a band aid on it. Make sure you tell an adult about the scratch or bite so they can make sure the animal was vaccinated.