Child and Animals: Simple Rules to Help Prevent Rabies and More
The best and simplest way for people to prevent rabies is to avoid contact with potentially dangerous animals and prevent bites (particularly from dogs).
- Avoid encounters with packs of stray dogs: it is better to deliberately go around them than to put yourself at risk.
- Do not directly interact with wild animals, even such «cute» ones as hedgehogs.
- If a bat accidentally flies into a room and you need to release it outside, under no circumstances should you pick it up with your bare hands. Carefully cover it with a thick piece of fabric (such as a heavy towel or blanket) and then release it through a window.
Rules for Interacting with Animals (from the American Academy of Pediatrics)
- Never leave a young child alone with a dog, regardless of whether it is your dog, a dog you know well, or one that seems well behaved. Any dog can bite.
- Do not irritate or provoke an animal.
- Treat your pet humanely so that it enjoys being around people.
- Do not tie a dog with a short rope or chain — strict restraint can make an animal anxious and aggressive.
- Bites often happen because of careless or overly sudden movements during play, as a child may not yet understand when an animal becomes overstimulated. Do not allow your child to play aggressive games with a dog, such as tug-of-war or wrestling, as this can lead to bites.
- Do not allow your child to tease a pet by pulling its tail or taking away its toy or food.
- Make sure your child does not disturb an animal while it is sleeping or eating.
- Never pet an unfamiliar dog or cat.
- Tell your child to stay away from yards where dogs appear excited or unfriendly.
Teach your child to recognize characteristic signs of rabies or aggression in an animal's behavior:
- tense posture;
- lowered tail;
- hysterical barking;
- fixed stare.
Also be careful when touching puppies or kittens if their mother is nearby. Find out which neighbors have pets and offer your child the opportunity to meet them under your supervision and the owner's supervision.
Teach your child how to interact with dogs safely:
- Ask the dog's owner for permission before petting it.
- Stand still while the dog sniffs you.
- Then slowly extend your hand to gently pet the animal.
- Stay away from the dog's face and tail.
- Avoid eye contact with the dog, especially at first.
Never disturb a dog that is sleeping, eating, or caring for puppies. Dogs are more aggressive in these situations, even toward people they know. Rarely, a dog may attack a person without provocation. Teach your child not to bring their face close to an animal and to move calmly and slowly around it.
If a dog behaves threateningly (growls, barks):
- Stay calm.
- Avoid eye contact with the dog.
- Slowly move away until the dog loses interest and walks away.
If a dog knocks you or your child to the ground, curl up into a ball and firmly protect your neck, eyes, and face with your arms.
If a dog or another animal behaving strangely runs toward you:
- Stand still. Do not run, ride a bicycle, push the animal, or make threatening movements.
- Avoid direct eye contact.
- Slowly move away, avoiding sudden movements while keeping the animal in your field of vision.
If a dog chases your child while they are riding a bicycle:
- Do not try to quickly escape from it.
- Stop the bicycle and get off so that the bicycle is between the child and the dog as a protective barrier. The animal may soon lose interest in a stationary «target».
Wild Animals
Teach your child to avoid all wild animals. They can carry very serious diseases, from hantavirus to plague, from toxoplasmosis to rabies. Avoid contact with rodents and other wild animals (foxes, wolves, badgers, raccoon dogs). Most wild animals are active only at night. If a wild animal appears in your yard during daylight hours or shows clear signs of rabies (excessive friendliness, lack of fear, drooling, or aggression), it may be sick. Do not interact with such animals!
Rabies is a life-threatening disease, but it can be prevented. Key elements of prevention include being mindful when interacting with animals, vaccinating pets, and following simple safety rules. If you or your loved ones have a high risk of contact with animals that may potentially be infected, consider preventive vaccination.
If you have any concerns after contact with an animal, immediately and thoroughly wash the wound with running water and soap (preferably for 10–15 minutes), and then seek medical attention right away.
Safety starts with understanding: respect animals' space, and every encounter will be safer!
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