by Marilyn Morris
Child Advocacy Specialist
It is finally that time of year when we can enjoy the beautiful great outdoors. Sunscreen, supervision around water, protective clothing while hiking and avoiding poisonous plants are all an important part of having a safe summer. Another aspect of being outside is for children to know what to do when they come face to face with an animal. Whether it is a squirrel on the trail or a dog in the park, it is important to stay safe. Teach your children these tips from KidsHealth to help them have a fun and safe summer whenever they are near animals.
1. Don’t touch or go near an animal if it does not belong to you. It is never a good idea to pet or even approach an animal you do not know. It may look tame and adorably cute, but leave it alone. Even other peoples’ pets are not used to you and wild animals are not used to being around people at all. An animal that feels threatened may bite or attack if you come near them. They also might have diseases such as rabies or carry parasites. If you do get bitten or scratched, tell a grown-up as soon as possible. The bite may need a trip to the doctor. Try to remember as many details about the animal as you can, including where you last saw it.
2. Don’t ever try to feed a wild animal. Bird feeders are OK and feeding ducks at a park with a grown-up can be fine, but other animals–even if they look hungry–should never be fed. Animals in zoos have carefully planned diets and hungry looking wild animals are best left alone and viewed from a distance. Even gentle animals may accidentally bite your hand or fingers when taking the food you offer.
3. Never assume an animal is gentle or tame. Even if a dog runs up to you and seems friendly, don’t touch it. Always ask the owner of the animal if it is OK to pet or hold the animal. If the owner says it’s OK, move slowly and be sure to let the pet sniff your hands first.
If a strange dog approaches you, try to stand very still. This might be scary, especially if he starts sniffing you, but a dog will often get bored and walk away. If he does not leave, try walking away very slowly. Waving your arms around or making a lot of noise will only excite or scare the dog. Look straight ahead and not into the dog’s eyes. Don’t ever start running away from a dog, because its instincts will make it want to chase after you. Tell an adult about the scary dog as soon as possible. He or she can find the dog’s owner and help prevent this from happening to you again.
Strange cats are not as scary as dogs, but they can still scratch or bite if they feel threatened. Never pet or touch a strange cat, even if it seems friendly. Stray cats may carry diseases, bacteria or fleas.
4. Don’t interfere with service animals. Seeing-eye dogs and other service animals may look like pets, but remember they are working and a distraction could be dangerous for their owner. Never call, whistle, pet, or do anything that might interfere with the service animal’s focus. Their owners will appreciate your thoughtfulness and your awareness of their safety needs.
5. Avoid smaller animals– OK, bugs. Mosquitos, bees, ticks and other “No-See-Ums” are prevalent in the great outdoors. One great way to avoid most bugs is to use a repellent that includes one of these ingredients: 10% to 30% DEET, lemon eucalyptus, or picaridin. Ask a parent to help you apply them.
You can also wear protective clothing. Ticks hang out in wooded, sage, or grassy areas, so cover up if you will be playing in those places. Wear a long-sleeved shirt, long pants tucked into knee-high socks, and a hat to cover your hair. After a day spent in the woods, have your mom or dad check for ticks because you may not know that you have acquired one. Check Fido for ticks, too.
If you know you are allergic to bees or other insects, you need to take extra steps to avoid getting bitten or stung. Remember bees like to hang out in gardens and near garbage cans, and yellow jackets love to crawl inside open soda cans. Wear shoes outside, and do not use sweet smelling lotions or perfumes. If a bee or wasp flies around you, try to stay calm and do not swat at it.
If you get stung, tell an adult immediately. They should remove the stinger as soon as possible. Ice, Benadryl, Motrin, or Tylenol can help with the pain and itching. If you have had an allergic reaction before, get a prescription for an EpiPen and keep it close by when you are outside.
Spending time outside is a great way to stay active, healthy, and happy, and watching the diverse wildlife around us can be one of the best parts of being out in nature. We at Primary Children’s hope you have a wonderful and safe summer.
