GRAND Magazine - January 2009 - (Page 33)

the current incident. In the children I have treated, most of the damage was done in one or two quick bites,” he adds, stressing that a dog bite can exert a force of up to 200 pounds per square inch—or, in the case of large dogs, even more. Dr. Steven Karras, president of the Virginia Veterinary Medical Association, says that under the “right” circumstances even the best of dogs—like Trooper, who now resides with relatives—can bite a child. Creating a safe environment is our job, and the task begins with understanding life from a dog’s point of view. “A dog’s world is all about hierarchy, and dogs do not view children the way they view adults,” he explains. “Children are small. They don’t smell or sound the way adults do. They are often loud or impulsive. To a dog, a child is seen as a new member of the pack, and a dog, craving structure, wants to know where the child ranks in the hierarchy of the pack.” He stresses that introductions between child and dog should therefore be made slowly, over time—and preferably on neutral turf, such as in a park. The child should Be wise • Introduce your grandchild and your dog slowly, over time, and on neutral turf such as a playground or park. • Provide direct supervision (adult positioned between child and dog) anytime a young child is in the presence of a dog. • Clearly separate the child’s and the dog’s toys. Keep the dog’s food bowl in a protected location. • Allow the child to help with fun “dog activities” where you are in control, the child is clearly part of your “team,” and the dog is subservient (walking on a leash, playing fetch). • Keep the dog well groomed and medically sound. Don’t allow him to lick a child’s face or hands. • Have antibacterial wipes handy for quick cleanups (the human kind!) following physical contact with a dog. • Never approach while a dog is sleeping or eating. Don’t allow a child to offer a dog any form of food. • Don’t reach over a dog’s head to pet him. Always approach from the side—or, better yet, let the dog come to you for a greeting. • To minimize territorialism, don’t approach a dog that is enclosed within a gated yard or other closed area. never approach a dog that is sleeping or eating. In fact, because in the pack food is taken from weaker dogs by dominant ones, Dr. Karras warns against the common practice of having a young child offer the dog a treat as a token of friendship. This seemingly benign gesture can program a dog to assume a dominant role with the child in future interactions. Further, while a dog may tolerate an adult’s lying on top of him or pulling his ears or tail, he is not necessarily going to accept the same treatment from a child. The notion that dogs can be conditioned in advance to overlook a young child’s impulsive behavior may, in fact, foster a false sense of security. Experts agree that there can be no substitute for careful planning and supervision anytime a child is in the presence of a dog. “Having the child assist a parent or grandparent in walking the dog is an excellent way of establishing that the child is a part of the dominant hierarchy of the family,” Dr. Karras advises. Walking the dog or throwing a tennis ball in the park allies the child with those in authority in the pack even as it provides a pleasant experience for all involved. When attacks occur in spite of our best efforts, Dr. Kenneth Gelfand, director of Outpatient Psychology at Mt. Washington Pediatric Hospital in Baltimore, Maryland, warns that the emotional and psychological implications must not be ignored. “A dog attack can be devastating to the child, regardless of the extent of physical injury,” says Dr. Gelfand. “It is likely that a fear will develop that will be difficult to break. If the attack occurs at home, the effects can be magnified, as it reduces the child’s feelings of safety and security. It often takes lots of work before a child can approach a dog again.” Other sources of concern are germs or parasites that may be transferred to a child through the dog’s licking of the face or hands. In some cases, fleas or diseasebearing ticks can be distributed via close contact. While dog saliva can harbor bacteria such as E. coli and a pneumoniacausing form of strep, instances of actual canine-to-human infection are relatively rare. Still, experts agree that it is best to maintain a sensible zone of safety when children and dogs intermingle. G JANUARY 2009 GRAND 33

Table of Contents Feed for the Digital Edition of GRAND Magazine - January 2009

GRAND�Magazine - January 2009 Grand View Contents Isn't it Grand? Grand Central Tips on Teens Grand Gestures Toddler Town Help! My Grandson's Being Raised Vegan! Cover Story: Casualties Leader of the Pack Reunions Together Time Resources Grand Finale

GRAND Magazine - January 2009

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