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Somerset Veterinary Hospital

1322 Berlin Plank Rd.

Somerset, PA 15501 US

814-443-1323

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  • Dogs and Kids

Dogs and Kids

  • Created in Newsletter Library, Tips for Pet Owners

The image of your child and dog as inseparable, best friends is a great one that we'd all love to be reality. With the right awareness, our children and pets CAN have the wonderful relationships we hope for. Here are some tips that all families with children and dogs will want to know.

4.7 million people are bitten by a dog each year according to the American Veterinary Medical Association.
No child under age five should be left alone with any dog. Not even for a minute. The age may be even older depending on personalities. Young children do not yet understand that a particular action may be hurt a dog. Their innocent tail pulling could lead to aggression or fear and become a recipe for disaster. Supervise all young children when around dogs, even the most gentle pet.

Do your homework.
Research which breeds best suit your family. Pay attention to genetics. Just because you pick a Golden Retriever doesn't mean he will be exactly like your neighbor's Golden Retriever. Assess the dog's personality and that of his parents. All puppies should go through a puppy socialization class. More time invested with your new puppy now will make him a cherished member of your family for years to come.

If you have an older dog, it's not too late.
All dogs will benefit from training. Have the whole family attend the classes. This way, everyone will know the same commands and how to enforce them. Training will be much more successful if you're all on the same page. Consider using a Gentle Leader or Halti when walking and training your dog. These are head collars that use gentle pressure. They are wonderful for controlling pulling and even a small child will be able to walk the dog safely if used correctly.

Neutered dogs may be less likely to bite.
Dogs can harbor parasites that are of particular concern to children. Hookworms and roundworms can be transmitted to people. In some cases, they can even lead to blindness in humans. Hookworms and roundworms are intestinal parasites that dogs get from the ground where other infected dogs have defecated.

Children are more prone to ingesting the worm eggs and larvae unknowingly.
Infected dogs will shed eggs and larvae in their stool. A child who has played in that area is at risk for infection if they put their unwashed hands in their mouths. Keep your dog on monthly heartworm preventative year round. It controls hookworm and roundworm infection in your dog.

Ticks can carry diseases, like Lyme disease and Ehrlichia, to which humans are susceptible.
The fix for this is to Keep your dog on monthly flea and tick preventative. The risk of an infected tick detaching itself from your dog and attaching to the child will be greatly decreased. Many problems can be prevented by following simple steps. Your children and dogs can have a lifetime of safe, healthy friendship and companionship!

dogs_and_kids.jpg


Top Ten Dog Books for Kids

Books about dogs have entertained us for decades. Here are some of our favorites!

1. The Poky Little Puppy by Janette Sebring Lowrey

2. Clifford the Big Red Dog Scholastic Series

3. Biscuit Storybook Collection by Alyssa Satin Capucilli

4. Henry and Mudge: The First Book series by Cynthia Rylant

5. A Day in the Life of Murphy by Alice Provensen

6. Walter the Farting Dog by William Katzwinkle and Glenn Murray

7. Sally Goes to the Vet by Stephen Huneck

8. Lassie Come Home by Eric Knight

9. Where the Red Fern Grows by Wilson Rawls

10. The Call of the Wild by Jack London

  • We Help Your Pet With
    • Chronic Conditions
    • Digestive and Oral Health
    • Diseases and Viruses
    • Pests and Parasites
    • Orthopedics
  • Today's Veterinarian
  • Choosing Your Pet
    • Birds
    • Cats
    • Dogs
    • Ferrets
    • Rabbits
    • Reptiles
      • Lizards
      • Turtles
  • Living With Your Pet
    • Bringing Your Pet Home
    • Providing Care
    • Travel
    • Saying Goodbye
  • Finding Your Pet
  • Newsletter Library
    • Tips for Pet Owners
    • Fun with Pets
    • Equine
    • Visiting the Vet
    • Unbelievable Pets
    • Seasonal Topics
    • Pet Dangers
    • Nutrition & Food
    • Recognizing Illness
    • Cats
    • Keeping Pets Healthy
    • Fleas & Parasites
    • Behavior & Training
  • Video Newsroom
    • Health Topics
    • Technology and Science
    • Other Interests
  • Client Survey
  • Pets4Kids
  • Feline

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Office Hours

Our Regular Schedule

Monday:

9:00 am

7:30 pm

Tuesday:

9:00 am

5:00 pm

Wednesday:

9:00 am

7:30 pm

Thursday:

9:00 am

5:30 pm

Friday:

9:00 am

5:30 pm

Saturday:

9:00 am

12:00 pm

Sunday:

Closed

Closed

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Testimonials

Read What Our Clients Say

  • "The staff at Somerset Vet Hospital have been taking care of my "Sophie" for 11 years. They are such caring and wonderful people."
    Karen L.
  • "Thanks for providing great care for my little Tortie, Tallie when she was suffering from her skin allergies. You prompt care and tender kindness was wonderful. Being new to the area I feel very fortunate to have found your practice! Thanks!"
    Nancy
  • ""Doctor Robert Henry, We want to thank you for literally - SAVING OUR BEAUTIFUL DOBERMAN'S (Precious) LIFE. Your excellent diagnostic skills accurately diagnosed our Doberman's condition. Your protocol in treating him have made for a healthy, happy, loving and playful dog. We can never forget what you did for our dog. We cannot thank you enough"
    Kathy & Roger
  • "I came here 6 years ago when they were the only ones who would see my sick pup, and they were the best! They helped my girl get better and provided her years of loving service until we lost her to lymphoma last year. They still take care of my other babies and do an excellent job of doing so! We're patients for LIFE! Thank you guys for ALL you do :) With Love, Gina & The Crew Mountain Pride Pits."
    Gina
  • "I just wanted to take a minute to say how very grateful I am for the entire team at Somerset Veterinary Hospital. I recently had a cat and two kittens spayed/neutered, and they all came through the procedure wonderfully. Dr. Penny is THE BEST!! The vet-techs and front desk girls are always super nice and helpful. I feel good knowing that my 'family' is in good hands when being treated. Thank you all for all you do!!"
    Thomas B.

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