This section tells you why you need to follow strict hygiene rules to prevent your dog from passing on germs and diseases to children. Dogs, like humans, are susceptible to a variety of diseases and conditions that are caused or exacerbated by poor hygiene. Some diseases found in dogs can be transferred to humans, so it is essential to insist on strict hygiene rules for the entire family. The following are some general guidelines that, when followed closely, should significantly reduce the risk of children catching diseases from your dog.

Infections
Canine vaccinations
Worms
Fleas
Water
Hot weather

Infections

Because young children may not fully understand the importance of personal hygiene, a new puppy that has not yet been toilet trained poses a health risk for children crawling around. They can put their hands in dog feces, and pick up infections or round worm eggs from the floor or ground. Young children are likely to have less resistance than adults and can pick up a mild or serious type of gastroenteritis from dog feces. An adult should supervise their hand washing after contact with animals. It is particularly important to ensure all feces are removed from the yard when young children are about. Qualified dog breeders and trainers will give advice about how to toilet train a new puppy quickly and effectively.

Canine vaccinations

All puppies require vaccinations for canine distemper, hepatitis, parvovirus, and other diseases. A yearly trip to the veterinarian is usually necessary for booster vaccinations and the opportunity for a general health check. Children cannot catch these diseases.

Worms

Dog worms such as round worm, hook worm, whip worm and heart worm can easily be controlled at home. Puppies are more susceptible to worms and should be wormed regularly, as advised by your vet. Consult your vet for further advice. It is essential that all worm control medication be placed in a locked child-resistant cupboard. With the exception of tapeworm, adult dog worms cannot be transmitted to people. However, the larva from worm eggs can migrate in the skin or organs of children and cause a rare condition called visceral larva migrans. Ensure dogs are wormed regularly. Children can pick up worms eggs from sources such as dogs, the ground and the school. They can pick up worms from other children. Ensure children are taught how to wash their hands thoroughly.

Fleas

Flea bites can cause nasty skin irritations for dogs and humans. Fleas also carry tapeworm eggs. It's possible for children who accidentally ingest these fleas to become infected with tapeworms. Flea control medications are now available for dogs and are one step in the flea control cycle. To help remove fleas, keep all dog bedding clean. Thorough vacuuming of all carpets and regular flea control programs within the house are strongly recommended.

Water

Dogs need an ample supply of clean water, especially in the warmer months. Larger dogs require a higher volume of water. If young children are likely to enter the property, they may be at risk of drowning in large containers of water. Replace large drinking containers with a series of smaller bowls that are not likely to be a drowning hazard for children.

Hot weather

Children and dogs should never be left alone in a car. In hot weather, the temperature inside the car can increase dramatically in a few minutes. Leaving the window down makes little difference to the temperature inside the vehicle. Children and dogs left in vehicles on warm days are at risk of rapid dehydration and even death. Most states and provinces have laws regarding children being left unattended by an adult. Offences under these laws may result in a fine or imprisonment.