Regardless of where people live, playgrounds and parks are common and popular places where children can run, play, and enjoy the fresh air. Families who visit these areas may bring their pets for an outing as well so they, too, can jump, run, and play. Even pet owners who do not have children frequently take their canine companions to dog parks so that they can have a relatively open space to stretch their muscles and interact with other animals. But as fun and inviting as parks and playgrounds are, they can also be dangerous to both children and pets. Whether one's ward is an animal or a child, it is important to ensure that they are safe at all times.
When it comes to kids, there are a few crucial ways that parents or guardians can help keep them safe, one of which is to look over equipment and ensure that it is well-maintained and free of any damage that may cause kids to fall or cut themselves. The surface of play areas should ideally be made using materials that are shock-absorbing in the event that a child does fall while playing. Because clothing can easily get caught in equipment and lead to strangulation or falls, children should always be dressed appropriately to reduce the risk. This means no necklaces, hoodies or other items with drawstrings, or loose articles of clothing. Kids should also be taught proper playground etiquette, including not to push or shove other children. Teaching children is only the first step, however, as parents or guardians should enforce proper behavior during playtime as well. Most importantly, parents must watch their children at all times to not only ensure that they are not behaving in a way that could cause harm but also to ensure that they are safe from unfamiliar and potentially dangerous animals and from strangers who may be preying on children at playgrounds or parks.
Pets, particularly dogs, that are unaccustomed to a specific park or with having playtime at parks in general may act out in a way that can be dangerous for the animal and for other animals or people. To ensure the safety of one's pet, one should scout out parks or playgrounds that are dog-friendly to ensure that it is a safe environment. When checking out the park, pay attention to the types of animals that are present. Pay attention to the size of the animals that are present and make note if there are separate play areas for small and large breeds. One should also make a decision to visit a park based on whether the dogs play aggressively. The attentiveness of pet owners is also important, as some may pay little attention to their pet or may fail to clean up after them, which may indicate a park that is unclean and poses a health hazard. Before taking a pet to a park, it is important that one considers its age and how comfortable it is with other animals. Puppies and dogs that are not around other animals much may not know how to behave or react. They may become timid, or they may act out in an aggressive manner. For this reason, it is important to socialize one's pet by taking it on leashed walks and gradually introducing it to people. It should also be introduced to other pets and have the opportunity to interact with them. This too should be done gradually by taking it to play time with the pets of friends and family. If one's pet is aggressive or fearful despite efforts to socialize it, a park may not be a suitable destination.
Parents must always be aware of the dangers that strangers, playground equipment, and animals can represent. While at the playground, children can experience falls, scrapes, collisions, and other accidents that may result in broken bones, cuts, and concussions. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 200,000 children are treated in U.S. emergency departments every year for injuries that they sustain while playing at playgrounds. For that reason, it is crucial that adults understand the threats that their children face and how to protect them.
Pets, particularly dogs, bring a number of safety concerns that one must be aware of before visiting a park. A dog at a park can become overly stimulated in a way that causes it to fight another animal or bite a child out of fear or confusion. One must also worry about diseases that may threaten the safety of their pet. Before taking a four-legged companion to a park or a playground, responsible pet owners must know their pets, familiarize themselves with their limits, and both understand and take the steps that are necessary to ensure their safety and the safety of other people and animals.
Find more about the author: Kristen Breedlove
