A strong bond between dogs and children creates a positive home environment, but it needs structure, supervision, and understanding. Teaching both sides how to behave safely reduces accidents, builds trust, and helps your dog feel calm and secure while your child learns to interact confidently and respectfully.

Why check out this article?

Our Top 10 tips for supervising dogs and kids

Teach Gentle Behaviour – Show children how to stroke slowly, avoid grabbing, and never pull ears or tails. Calm, soft movements help your dog feel relaxed rather than startled, building positive associations that reduce fear.

Clean Gently – Use a vet-approved ear cleaner and cotton pads to wipe the outer ear. Gently pour the cleanser into the ear canal, massage the base to loosen debris, and allow your dog to shake it out.

Avoid Cotton Buds – Never insert cotton buds into the ear canal. They push debris deeper and risk injuring the eardrum. Cleaning the visible outer areas safely removes surface build-up without causing discomfort.

Apply Medicated Drops – Follow veterinary instructions when using antibiotic, antifungal, or anti-inflammatory drops. Tilt the head slightly, insert the nozzle gently, squeeze the prescribed amount, and massage the base of the ear.

Manage Underlying Allergies – Many chronic ear infections stem from food sensitivities or environmental allergens. Work with your vet to identify triggers and create a manageable plan to limit exposure.

Dry Ears After Swimming – Moisture trapped inside the ear canal creates a perfect environment for bacteria and yeast. After baths, swimming, or heavy rain exposure, gently dry the ears with a clean towel.

Prevent Moisture Build-Up – Use ear-drying solutions in dogs prone to infections, especially floppy-eared breeds. Keeping the canal dry reduces microbial growth, supports natural healing, and lowers the likelihood of recurring inflammation and unpleasant odour.

Monitor for Redness – Check the ears weekly for changes in colour, temperature, or sensitivity. If your dog flinches, cries, or becomes defensive when touched, the infection may be worsening. Early visual checks help you intervene quickly before pain escalates.

Trim Excess Ear Hair – Some breeds grow dense hair around or inside the ear canal, which traps debris and moisture. Work with a groomer or vet to trim or pluck hair safely. This improves airflow, reduces irritation, and helps the ear stay clean longer.

Seek Veterinary Advice – Severe infections can cause hearing loss, ruptured eardrums, or balance problems. Contact your vet if symptoms persist after cleaning, worsen, or include head tilt or loss of coordination. Early intervention prevents complications and ensures the correct treatment is used.

A strong bond between dogs and children creates a positive home environment, but it needs structure, supervision, and understanding. Teaching both sides how to behave safely reduces accidents, builds trust, and helps your dog feel calm.

Why check out this article?

Our Top 10 Tips for supervising dogs & kids

Introduce Slowly: When bringing a new dog into a household with children, introduce them gradually and under controlled circumstances to allow both parties to get accustomed to each other.

Teach Respect: Educate children on how to interact with dogs respectfully, including gentle petting, avoiding rough play, and understanding when to give the dog space.

Set Boundaries: Establish clear boundaries for both dogs and children, such as designated play areas and no-go zones for the dog, to prevent conflicts and ensure safety.

Supervise Interactions: Always supervise interactions between dogs and children, especially during the initial stages of their relationship, to intervene if necessary and prevent any potential accidents.

Educate on Dog Body Language: Teach children to recognize and respect dog body language cues, such as wagging tails, flattened ears, or growling, indicating the dog's mood and intentions.

Provide Safe Spaces: Create safe spaces where the dog can retreat if they feel overwhelmed or need a break from interaction with children, such as a comfortable bed or crate.

Teach Proper Handling: Show children how to handle dogs safely, including supporting the dog's body when picking them up and avoiding sudden movements that may startle or frighten the dog.

Encourage Positive Reinforcement: Encourage children to use positive reinforcement, such as treats and praise, to reward the dog for good behaviour and reinforce their bond with each other.

Supervise Meal Times: Ensure children do not disturb the dog during meal times and vice versa, reducing the risk of food-related conflicts or accidents.

Lead by Example: Be a role model for children by demonstrating responsible pet ownership, kindness, and empathy towards animals, fostering a culture of respect and compassion.

From the experts: Teach children to always ask for permission from an adult before approaching or interacting with a dog, even if they know the dog well. This helps reinforce the importance of respecting both the dog's boundaries and their own safety.

Got questions? Max is hanging out on the right of your display - give him a shout!

See More Articles →