![]() ![]() Puppies should not be separated from their littermates and dam until at least 8 wk of age. 24,25 The risks attendant with missing social exposure far exceed any disease risk. 23,24 There is no medical reason to delay puppy and kitten classes or social exposure until the vaccination series is completed as long as exposure to sick animals is prohibited, basic hygiene is practiced, and diets are high quality. Puppies and kittens born to healthy, properly vaccinated mothers and engaged in an active vaccination program have a low risk of contracting infectious diseases. Because sensitive periods begin so early, social exposure should start under the supervision of the breeder. If dogs and cats are deprived of appropriate exposure during critical sensitive periods, they have an increased risk of developing problematic behavior. Continuing to expose fearful puppies in the guise of ‘‘socializing them’’ instead sensitizes them. Clients should be advised that any dog either beginning to withdraw from interactions or exhibiting outright fear should not have more exposure unless recommended by their veterinarian. If the behavior is extreme, a veterinary behavior specialist should be consulted. Overexposure can make fearful dogs worse, creating a behavioral emergency. Second, either the presence or development of fear during sensitive periods is aggravated by forced social exposure. Allowing dogs and cats the opportunity to develop at their own rate is important. There is extensive individual variation in development. ![]() There are two risks associated with the concept of socialization. First, the assumption that social exposure should occur only during certain periods is incorrect. ![]() Clients should be encouraged to allow their pets to interact with other people, experience new places and activities, and encounter other animals or species in a positive manner during those sensitive periods. Given appropriate access, dogs and cats will expose themselves to social situations however, human lifestyles may deny pets those opportunities. ‘‘Socialization’’ is loosely based on the changes that occur during sensitive periods for development. Appropriate interventions should occur early and as needed. While developmental landmarks have typical ages at onset ( Tables 2 and 3), dogs and cats never stop learning from their experiences. Veterinarians should conduct multiple behavioral assessments throughout the first 18 mo in addition to those made during vaccine visits to ensure that the patient is progressing normally. Responses to stimuli during those periods may be accurate predictors of future behavior and should alert clients and veterinarians to early problems. Clients and veterinarians must communicate about early behavior and risk.Īnimals are best able to learn to respond to social and physical environments during specific neurodevelopmental life stages. If patients experience early stress (such as neglect, abuse, isolation, nutritional compromise, or environmental instability) or their mothers experience gestational stress, it’s likely that there will be adverse effects on early behavior. Calmer dogs and cats are easier to handle and train and may be less likely to become aggressive and fearful. The pre-, peri-, and postnatal environments are critical for creating calm, nonreactive animals. Keep children away from animals while they are eating to prevent the risk of bites or other injuries.Age and life-stage patterns of behavior should be considered during behavioral and physical examinations. Normal patterns of behavioral change are predictable as the brain matures, whereas atypical changes may signal the development of a behavioral problem.Wash your hands before breastfeeding or preparing formula.Adults should supervise handwashing for young children. Always wash children’s hands thoroughly with soap and water right after touching, feeding, or caring for animals or cleaning their habitats.Never allow children to kiss animals or to put their hands or other objects into their mouths after handling animals.Always supervise children around animals.But there’s good news! You can take steps to keep your kids healthy while still enjoying animals! Follow these steps to keep infants and young children healthy around animals Infants and young children are more likely to get a serious illness from germs that animals can carry because their immune systems are still developing. ![]() Young children are less likely to wash their hands well. Objects like pacifiers may fall on dirty surfaces and then be placed in an infant’s mouth. This is because young children often touch surfaces that may be contaminated with animal feces (poop), and they like to put their hands in their mouths. Infants and children younger than 5 years old are more likely to get sick from germs that animals can carry. How to Keep Children Healthy Around Animals ![]()
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |