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23 November, 2009

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Child safety - children and animals

Many children love animals and enjoy having their own pets. However, there are risks involved when children and animals are together. It is important that children are taught the skills to play safely with animals and to prevent and recognise any problems that may arise.

Dogs
Many children are admitted to hospital each year as a result of dog bites. Children under four years of age are most at risk and are often bitten by their own dog at home, usually around their face and head. To protect your children, always supervise them when they are near dogs and teach them to:

Never disturb a dog that is eating or sleeping
Pat dogs gently and calmly
Never approach a strange dog
Stand still if a dog approaches
Never intervene between dogs that are fighting.

When choosing a dog, look for a breed that suits your lifestyle and environment. Make sure you socialise the dog safely with children. For advice, call the Petcare Information and Advisory Service on 1800 631 784.

What to do when a dog bites
If your child is bitten by a dog:

Calm the child.
If the skin has been broken, wash the area under cold running water.
Apply an antiseptic and cover the bite with a clean dressing.
Take the child to the doctor, as a tetanus booster and antibiotics may be necessary.
If a piece of flesh has been bitten off, call an ambulance.
Control the bleeding by applying firm pressure to the wound using a sterile dressing or clean cloth until the ambulance arrives.
If the child is pale or drowsy, lie them down and raise their legs on a pillow or folded blanket.
Do not give the child any food or water.

Cats
Cats should be treated with caution. The main health risks come from children touching a cat’s faeces and infection from cat scratches and bites. Make sure that:

Children don’t dig around in the garden area that the cat uses and are kept away from litter trays.
Any cat bites or scratches are thoroughly washed and disinfected. Cats have a lot of nasty bacteria on their teeth and claws.
Cats are kept from the child’s nursery – a cat can smother a baby by lying on the baby’s face while it is asleep.

Birds
Parrot fever (psittacosis) is common in Australia. Symptoms are much the same as the ‘flu’ with a very high temperature and people can and do catch it. Children have less resistance to parrot fever than adults and so need to be careful when handling birds from the parrot family, including budgerigars. Children should always wash their hands after touching birds.

Snakes
While deaths from snake bite in Australia are not very common, children should be taught the dangers of snakes and reptiles. Try to avoid walking through long grass and bushland when you have children with you. If you do, always wear safe clothing such as enclosed protective footwear and long trousers (preferably tucked into socks, since feet and ankles are often the first place on the body to be bitten).

If a snake or reptile does appear, do not handle or provoke it because this is when many people are bitten. Try to remain as still as possible until the snake moves away.

Snake bite
If your child is bitten by a snake:

Keep your child still and calm.
Apply a pressure bandage and splint to the affected limb – the Australian Venom Research Unit has more information about the technique on its first aid pages.
Get your child to the nearest hospital urgently.

Insects
Insects can sometimes be fascinating for children. Some children enjoy playing with and picking up insects. It is very important to teach your children that insects are not playthings, especially bees and wasps. More importantly, make sure that your children do not put insects in their mouths, to avoid infections and stinging.

Mosquito bites seem to be very common among young children. As they are too young to be aware of this problem, it is most important to take precautions. If a child is playing outside, always put some kind of protective cream or sprays on their bodies to keep them from being bitten. Leave a T-shirt on them and don’t allow them to play outside at night because this is the time of day when mosquitoes are most prevalent. If you are travelling with children to a country where malaria is endemic, ask your doctor for advice.

Insect stings and bites
To reduce the risks of stings or bites:

Teach children not to disturb or provoke venomous creatures, as they are likely to attack.
Try to avoid walking through long grass and unsafe bushland when you have children with you.
Dress children in closed-in shoes and long pants when in the bush and use insect repellents on children over 12 months.
Soft drinks from a can or bottle should be drunk through a straw, as wasps and bees are attracted to the sweetness.
Keep children away from insect nests. Contact your local council for help in removing the nest.
If your child is known to be allergic to bees, wasps or ants, the child should wear a medical alert bracelet or pendant and have an anaphylaxis management plan.

If your child is stung or bitten
If a bee, wasp or ant stings your child:

Keep the child still and calm.
Remove bee stings immediately, as all the venom is injected within 30 seconds of a sting.
Bees leave a sting, wasps do not. Use a fingernail or the blunt edge of a knife in a flicking motion to remove the sting. Do not squeeze or dig into the skin.
Wrap ice in a wet cloth and place it on the stung area.
If pain and swelling persist, take the child to a doctor.

Allergic reaction
Some children have an allergic reaction to bee, wasp or ant stings. This may result in breathing difficulties and can be life threatening. Rarely, a child may have a severe and sudden allergic reaction to an allergen – this is called anaphylaxis.

If you know a child to be allergic to stings, make sure they wear a medical alert bracelet or pendant and always carry prescribed medication.

If an allergic reaction occurs you should:

Call triple zero (000) for an ambulance.
If the child has medication for an allergic reaction, give it to them immediately.
Stay calm and keep the child still.
Put a pressure bandage and splint over the bite area.

All licensed children’s services and schools in Victoria are required to have an anaphylaxis management policy in place. More information is available through the Victorian Department of Education and Early Childhood Development.

Where to get help

In an emergency, dial triple zero (000) for an ambulance
Your doctor
Nurse on Call Tel. 1300 606 024 – for expert health information and advice (24 hours, 7 days)
Safety Centre, Royal Children’s Hospital Tel. (03) 9345 5085
Petcare Information and Advisory Service – for help in choosing a pet that suits your situation Tel. 1800 631 784
Australian Venom Research Unit, Department of Pharmacology, University of Melbourne Tel. 1300 760 451
Anaphylaxis Australia Tel. 1300 728 000

Things to remember

While animals can be fun, they can also be dangerous.
Always supervise your child around any animal.
Teach your children to play safely with pets and to avoid or respond to danger signs.
Know what to do in case of an emergency.

You might also be interested in:
Bites and stings - first aid.
Child safety - at home.
Child safety - bikes.
Child safety - children and road safety.
Child safety - hot weather.
Child safety - playground equipment.
Child safety - reducing injuries.
Child safety in the car.

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