Be Safe Around Dogs

Many people are naturally drawn to pets, especialy dogs, and our lives are often improved by having a canine companion. So to ensure both kids and adults are safe around dogs, you should be aware of how to minimise the risk of a dog being scared or feel the need to protect themselves from harm.

Dog do's:

• be gentle and quiet around dogs, especially ones you don't know
• have respect for dogs

Dog don'ts:

• sneak up on a dog, particularily if sleeping
• tease a dog
• stare at a dog for too long, as some dogs find this intimidating
• disturb a dog if eating
• assume a dog always wants to play
• pat a dog that you don't know or lose in the park

Understanding a dog's body language

Dogs speak using their own language such as noises which include barking or growling, dog body language and facial expresions. All of these signals can easily be misunderstood by humans.

A playful dog will have wide bright eyes, ears will be relaxed, tail will be wagging, front end of the body is often lowered to the floor and he may be barking to try and attract your attention to get you to join in.

A scared dog will have low flat ears, he may be panting and may growl or bark, tail may be tucked down tightly between his legs, body could be trembling and he may try to back away from you.

An angry dog will maintain eye contact with you through narrow eyes, his mouth has lips apart and drawn back, often teeth will show, his body is tense, tail stiff and hackle (hairs on his back and neck) are standing up, ears may be alert and forward.

** NEVER APPROACH A SCARED OR ANGRY DOG.

Understanding Cats

Cats are very social animals and love being around people. Cats may often surprise us with their behaviour, but there is nealry always a warning and reason for this. Learning to understand some of the signals a cat gives you can really help you to have a good friendship with your cat.

Cat do's:

• be gentle and quiet around cats at all times
• have respect for cats

Cat don'ts:

• stare at a cat
• tease a cat
• disturb a cat when sleeping or eating
• assume a cat will always want to play

Cat body language

A relaxed and happy cat will hold eye contact with you (this shows that she trusts you), tail is relaxed, eyes are narrow (this shows confidence), ears are pointed, forward, upright and alert.

A scared cat may crouch down, backs away, tail may be tucked away between her legs, ears are flat and eyes are open and wide, often looking away.

An angry cat may back away while arching her back, hair may be standing up, tail is swinging, mouth could be open and teeth showing, ears are turned back flat against her head and claws could be extended.

** NEVER APPROACH A SCARED OR ANGRY CAT.