Your Pets Teach Safe Snuggling

Giddy kiddies may miss signs that a pet is scared or agitated, which can lead to a bite. Protect your little ones with these tips

CHECK HIS EARS

Some go-away signals, like growling and teeth-baring, are obvious, but others may not be. ‘If the ears are turned back or flat on the head, the dog is unhappy,’ says animal expert Gina DiNardo. If a dog is backing away with his tail tucked or turning his head away from you but still watching closely, the animal is probably scared. A dog standing rigidly, shaking or not, should also be left alone. Remind kids that it’s not only angry dogs who bite – biting can be a normally friendly pooch’s way of escaping a situation he doesn’t like.

LOOK AT HIS BOTTOM