Pet Safety

"Babies love animals, but too much excitement can be harmful to them and pets..."

Here are some guidelines to follow when dealing with kiddos around pets:

Unkas & my little guy (at 6 months)

Pet Safety

• Always ask the owner's permission before touching their pet.
• Teach your child to approach animals quietly and calmly, with arms down, and to pet gently.
• Inform your child to never put his hand through a fence to pet a dog and to ask permission prior to entering someone's yard.
• Do not let your child put their face against an animal's face.
• You can allow a toddler to help a parent fill food and water dishes, groom your pet, walk your pet, or go along to the veterinarian.
• Make sure your pet is completely up-to-date on shots, especially rabies, and checked for worms of any kind.
• Keep your pet flea- and tick-free, but only use a flea collar that you're sure doesn't carry chemicals poisonous to babies.
• Your pet's feeding station should be in a location that a crawling baby can be kept out of because even a pleasant pet can become hostile when its food is threatened.

"It is important to teach children to respect pets, making children and pets happier."

I was nervous about these two meeting and getting along,
but so far, the BIG guy and the little guy have gotten along great. :)

Source: Publix Newsletter & Nestle Purina PetCare Company