Child Safety Week: organisations develop truth sheet to help avoid dog bites

Last year 1,700 kids were confessed to medical facility after being bitten by a dog – however such occurrences are avoidable with close guidance and understanding dog body movement, state dog and kid safety professionals. The message comes as a group of animal and kid safety professionals sign up with forces to highlight how to avoid dog biting occurrences on kids for Child Safety Week, which ranges from 5th-11th June.

The RSPCA, Child Accident Prevention Trust, Dogs Trust and Defra have actually created truth sheets which moms and dads can utilize to keep kids safe and dogs happy by comprehending dog body movement and motivating both to be carefully monitored when together.

“A small amount of research could stop countless accidents every single year”

Dr Samantha Gaines, head of buddy animals at the RSPCA, said, “We don’t ever anticipate our own dogs to bite, however all dogs can – it doesn’t matter what size or breed they are. Parents and guardians naturally enjoy the concept of their kid having a close bond with the family dog, and in most cases they do, however having a close bond doesn’t indicate that the dog will never ever bite.

“1,700 kids were confessed to medical facility in 2015 due to the fact that of a dog biting occurrence – which is extremely distressing. But luckily numerous bites are avoidable and as moms and dads and guardians, we can play a crucial function in securing our kids and keeping our dog happy.

“Dog body language can tell you so much about how your dog is feeling and when they want to be left alone. A small amount of research could stop countless accidents every single year.”

Maria Kyle, Intervention Development Manager at Dogs Trust, said, “Whilst there are numerous examples of kids and dogs living gladly together and delighting in the shared advantages of a caring bond, it is necessary that grownups carefully monitor all interactions to avoid the threat of injury to either celebration.

“Many reported occurrences including dogs and kids might well have actually been avoided by following some easy yet reliable actions. These consist of comprehending your dog’s interaction and guaranteeing they constantly have space when they require it, identifying kid behaviours that dogs can frequently have a hard time to manage, also constantly carefully monitoring kids and dogs when they are together.

“We are pleased to have teamed up with Defra, RSPCA and the Child Accident Prevention Trust to share our advice with parents and carers during this Child Safety Week.”

Katrina Phillips OBE, president of the Child Accident Prevention Trust, said, “The summer season vacations bring a boost in dog bites, as kids and dogs spend more time together at home.

“Give your dog a safe space they can go to when they need time out from children’s exuberance. Watch, listen and stay close when your dog and child are together. And learn dog body language so you can spot the early warning signs and separate them before the worst happens. Even a much-loved family pet can bite if they feel they have no other option.”

Parents can discover info factsheets about dog body movement, plus pointers on how to keep kids safe around dogs, at capt.org.uk/dogs-and-children. There is likewise info on the website about how to prepare your dog if you have a new baby.