How do I keep my child safe around dogs?
The CDC says children are bitten more often than adults, and that a child should never be left alone with a dog, however gentle. Teach children to ask the owner first, to pet gently, and to leave a dog alone while it eats, sleeps or is hurt. Peabody has a printable dog safety poster for home or class.
Checked October 29, 2026.
Asked by families like yours and answered by Peabody editors. How we write and check. For your own pet, your vet knows best.
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Sources
- CDC: Dogs (Healthy Pets) (checked October 29, 2026)
- CDC MMWR: Nonfatal dog bite-related injuries treated in emergency departments, United States, 2001 (2003) (checked October 29, 2026)