Few things are sweeter than a child and their pet. Health agencies agree that pets can be great for families. They also point out that young children are more likely to get sick from germs spread between animals and people, partly because little hands go everywhere, including mouths.
7 habits worth teaching early
- Wash hands after playing with pets and before eating. The CDC recommends that adults supervise handwashing for children under 5.
- No face licks. NSW Health advises supervising children so animals don't lick their faces or hands.
- Keep babies away from pet zones. NSW Health recommends that children under one shouldn't touch animals or their enclosures.
- Litter boxes and poop are grown-up jobs. Keep litter trays out of reach and pick up dog waste in the yard daily.
- Pet food and bowls stay separate from family food and kitchen benches.
- Keep pets healthy: up-to-date vaccinations and regular vet checks protect everyone (NSW Health).
- Cover cuts and scrapes before playing with pets.
Keep play areas fur-free
Toddlers spend a lot of time on floors, rugs and couches, which are exactly where loose fur and dander settle. A few easy routines help:
- Groom your pet regularly, ideally outdoors, so less fur ends up indoors.
- Clean rugs and play mats often. A fabric scraper lifts embedded fur that vacuums leave behind.
- Wash pet bedding, throws and kids' play blankets regularly.
Turn grooming into a family activity. Older kids often love using a grooming glove because it's just like petting. Supervise, keep it gentle, and finish with a hand wash.
One kit for a fur-free family home
The Complete Fur-Free Kit covers grooming, furniture, car and laundry.
See the Complete KitIf your child develops a fever, rash, diarrhea or vomiting after contact with an animal, see your doctor. In Australia you can call healthdirect on 1800 022 222.
Sources
This article is general information only and isn't a substitute for advice from your doctor or veterinarian.