Living in Harmony: 5 Ways to Keep Kids and Senior Dogs Safe

Children and dogs are two of life’s most precious gifts. Yet sometimes, they don’t always mix well. A toddler yanking on an ear could cause a pup to snap, while heavy play could hurt your dog. Of course, kids and senior dogs can make a wonderful team, but taking precautions can ensure all stay safe, healthy, and happy. Whether you are adopting an older pet, welcoming a new baby, or introducing fur kids to any young humans, consider the following tips to ensure children and senior pets enjoy a pleasant experience free from harm.

Establish General Rules

Kids should know the basics of how to meet, greet, and behave around all dogs. Since every pet is different, establishing ground rules for children is essential in keeping all parties safe and secure.

• Be gentle. Quickly approaching a dog can lead them to feel threatened, which could result in unpredictable—and unpleasant—behavior. Senior dogs may feel especially uneasy as they may not be able to escape a perceived threat as swiftly as a younger, more agile dog. Older dogs may also be less likely to hear or see an oncoming greeter, so it’s especially important for kids to approach them gently.
• Never attempt to remove food or toys. Resource guarding is a common canine behavior that stems from their wild descendants. Animals who are successful at guarding food, mates, and territory have better chances at survival in the wild. In dogs, these behaviors can range from benign to aggressive, so it’s best to never invade personal space. While many senior dogs become immensely patient as they age, others become less tolerant, so help children understand this fact.
• Avoid eye contact. Staring into a dog’s eyes can spark aggressive behaviors. If a dog feels vulnerable or under attack, they may resort to physical assault—and a “hard stare” is often their first warning sign.

For an engaging and informative way to teach children about general canine body language and how to interact with dogs, consider these downloadable posters from renowned veterinary behaviorist, Dr. Sophia Yin.

Always inquire about unfamiliar dogs.

If the dog isn’t yours, ask its owner if there are any specific situations you should know about for your child. For instance, some pets thoroughly enjoy a good belly rub, but detest having their ears touched. Other dogs love taking treats from strangers, while some prefer a little more distance from unfamiliar faces. Senior dogs require a few additional considerations. Many are particularly sensitive in the hindquarters, back, or limbs, so children should avoid putting pressure on these areas. If vision or hearing loss is a concern, tell kids to avoid quick movements and loud noises. Above all, children need to learn patience around senior pups as this age group may not be as spry as the children who want to play with them.

Involve kids in senior pet care.

Giving children opportunities to care for a senior pet offers them a sense of responsibility and pride. Not to mention, the time they’ll spend bonding with their companion will no doubt lead to long-lasting memories. Provide age-appropriate tasks for children that can help strengthen their relationship with a senior dog, such as feeding, walking, or delicate play.

If the dog pet suffers from arthritis or another painful musculoskeletal condition, you could even instruct an older child how to give a gentle dog massage. As pets age, it’s likely they will require medications or supplements at some point, but avoid allowing children to administer these for safety reasons. Additionally, due to the risk of parasite transmission, leave the feces removal to an adult.

Give your senior dog a break.

One of the most endearing qualities of senior dogs is their incredible patience, making them great companions for children. However, even the most tolerant older pets need a break from play, along with plenty of relaxation. Encourage kids to let senior dogs have the rest they need.

Instruct children how to protect themselves.  

No matter how gentle your senior pup may be, they could snap under the right (or rather, wrong) circumstances. According to a study in the Journal of the American Medical Association, dog bites account for the second-most frequent cause of emergency room visits in children, many of which could likely be avoided with protective measures in place. Teach children to calmly walk away or stand like a tree with their hands at their sides if confronted by a nervous or barking dog. If knocked down, instruct kids to curl into a ball, protecting their head and neck.

Consider obedience training.

Whoever said, “you can’t teach an old dog new tricks” may not have known what motivated their pet. With the right reward, you can certainly teach an older dog good manners, basic commands, and even fun new skills. Obedience training later in life can help strengthen your pet’s confidence and their relationship with family members, too. Allow children to participate in this unique experience by bringing them along to training. Your senior pet will love having a job to do, and the mental stimulation provides an excellent way to keep his brain keen and sharp.

Supervise interactions.

While kids and senior pets can go hand-in-paw, their interactions should be supervised at all times. Younger children are less capable of reading canine body language and may not understand the concept of gentle handling. And, while older kids are more apt to understand the proper way to interact with dogs, aging pets can become unpredictable if cognitive changes arise—a common development in senior dogs. Generally speaking, though, with proper guidance, kids and senior pets can be the best of friends.

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Sources:

Weiss HB, Friedman DI, Coben JH “Incidence of dog bite injuries treated in emergency departments,” in the JAMA 1998;279:53.

https://drsophiayin.com/blog/entry/free-downloads-posters-handouts-and-more/

https://www.avma.org/about/dog-bite-prevention.aspx/teaching-children-how-prevent-dog-bites

https://www.petmd.com/dog/behavior/dog-staring-everything-you-want-know