It takes a watchful eye, but it is possible for kids to exist peacefully in the same household as cats and canines. To keep things purring along, follow these tips from Shelagh MacDonald, program director of the Canadian Federation of Humane Societies in Ottawa.
• Never leave young children unsupervised in a room with a dog or cat. Both children and pets can be unpredictable.
• Keep your child away from your pet's food and toys. Dogs especially can be territorial about their possessions.
• Teach toddlers how to be gentle with animals and not to push, prod or tease them in any way. Even the most placid pet may snap at a child who pulls his tail.
Read more:
• The top 5 family-friendly dogs
• How to handle a puppy gone wild
• How owning a pet is good for your health
