SCARE OF THE DOG Kids fear pups over tigers

ONE in three children feel afraid when they see a dog – and even think they are scarier than snakes and tigers.

More than a quarter of parents say their child’s fear of pooches is so great that it affects their day to day lives.

The sad figures have prompted The Dogs Trust to take action and launch a Managing Fear of Dogs campaign.

Maria Gill, senior education officer at the charity, said: “Children may not always know how to react when they see a dog, particularly if they are unsure or frightened.

“They can run away or scream, which is a normal reaction for a child who is scared but may be confusing for a dog.”

The campaign is being promoted over the summer holidays, when kids are more likely to come into contact with dogs in parks and on beaches.

The charity advises asking children why they are afraid of dogs and, if the fear is severe, seeing a GP.

It recommends parents should avoid talking negatively about dogs and encourage children to watch films and Our vet Brian Faulkner, from Petplan, has 16 years of experience and is a freelance working all over the country. Send your questions to Brian at: Petplan, Great West House, Great West Road, Brentford, Middlesex, TW8 9DX or via Petplan’s Facebook page facebook.com/ PetplanUK. read books about them. Eventually they can spend time with a friendly pup who is quiet and calm.

Maria said: “There are huge benefits to dog ownership in childhood.

“While we are not saying every child needs to love dogs, it’s important for them to be comfortable and safe around them, especially as a third of them will come across a dog every day.”

Its guidelines suggest using toys to act out situations your child finds scary. It suggests explaining that just because one dog might have misbehaved, it does not mean all will – like people.

And get them to understand that dogs see the world differently. If the child runs away or screams, a dog can see this as an invitation to play. So if they see a dog, walk past calmly.

The charity also runs workshops for children who are afraid of dogs and provides advice for owners.

It suggests that owners of dogs who do not react well to noises or easily become too excited should be cautious around children. And that dogs should be kept on a lead around playgrounds. See bedogsmart.org.uk for more tips. MY cat likes to drink out of puddles. Could this make her sick? We don’t know what sort of germs there may be.

Calmly