It's a common sight to see children enjoying the company of family dogs. Young kids often pet, hug, or play with the dogs, which can become dangerous once the animals feel agitated. When that happens, dogs would snap, attack, or bite a child -- resulting to injuries or bites bad enough that it warrants hospitalization.
A new study by researchers at the University of Veterinary Medicine in Vienna, Austria found that dog bites suffered by children are often caused by the family dogs despite adult supervision. Approximately 50 percent of the families surveyed in the study underestimate the risks of child-dog interactions, Science Daily reported.
Christine Arhant, the study's director from the Institute of Animal Husbandry and Animal Protection at Vetmeduni Vienna, said parents are aware of the repercussions of child-dog interactions, but their distrust is often reserved for unfamiliar dogs. When it comes to the family dog, they think that there are less risk and danger and there's no need for parental intervention.
Dog owners also assume that their pet is more tolerant and more patient to close interactions with humans than other dogs. Arhant, however, said it's important to recognize dogs' need for undisturbed rest and its own resting and feeding place. When a dog isn't provided with adequate resting areas and periods, there's a chance that it would get agitated and bite.
Young children don't yet have the capacity to comprehend that a dog doesn't always like being touched, petted, or followed everywhere it goes. A dog that feels harassed or restricted would communicate its feelings via body language such as growling, body tension, yawning, repeated licking of the snout, or baring the teeth. Young children are often incapable of interpreting these animal behaviors.
This is why it's important for parents to learn a dog's body language and impart that knowledge to their children. Kids should learn to avoid the dog's personal space when it's eating, sleeping, injured, or if it has puppies. Kissing, hugging, or any action that puts children's faces close to the dog's face should be avoided as well, Positively.com advised.
Before getting a dog, families should ask for advice from veterinarians and pet care professionals. Surprising or sneaking on a dog can also lead to undesirable results. It's better to let the animal know when you are approaching them.
For dogs, owners should teach them basic commands such as sit, lie down, and coming to their owners when called. Give the dog treats when it obeys these commands so a friendly and polite behavior can be learned by the animal.
