Dangerous Dogs – advice for all

Unfortunately, over the years there have been some very sad cases where children have been serious injured or killed by family dogs and it is important to remember that it is never safe to leave a dog alone with a child, however friendly or trusted the dog may be. Any dog can react badly to a baby or child. This can particularly be the case for new arrivals to the family, when a dog will need time and help adjusting.

• We have adopted the Greater Manchester Safeguarding Procedures for ‘Safeguarding Children from Dangerous Dogs‘ – these can be found at greatermanchesterscb.proceduresonline.com

Babies and young children are likely to be at the greatest risk. A young child may be unaware and unprepared for the potential dangers they could face. They will also be less able to protect themselves and more likely to be a size that leaves especially vulnerable parts of the their body exposed to any attack.

RSPCA – The 6 Golden Rules for keeping your child safe and your dog happy

• Dogs and children – an infographic created by the RSPCA can be found on their website at www.rspca.org.uk

Emergencies, injuries or advice
If a child is injured by a dog, immediately seek medical advice and treatment  – in any emergency, call 999 and request an ambulance.

The Police can be contacted on 101 for advice about dangerous dogs, including if you are aware of a dog from a prohibited breed – for more information visit the government website at www.gov.uk/control-dog-public/banned-dogs

Further advice:

• The Dog Trust – guidance for owners can be found at  www.dogstrust.org.uk along with the Dogs Trust leaflet Stay-Safe-with-Dogs
• Institute of Health Visiting – guidance for parents on how to keep young children safe around dogs can be found at www.cnwl.nhs.uk/pdf
• RSPCA – advice on dogs and children can be found on their website at www.rspca.org.uk along with the RSPCA leaflet about keeping kids safe 
• GOV.UK – useful links about controlling dogs in public can be found at www.gov.uk/control-dog-public

Remember – NEVER leave any baby or child alone with a dog – no matter how trustworthy you think they are!