First things first: of course it’s reasonable for the parents of a child who do not have a dog in their own home to be nervous about their child encountering a new dog. And size and breed don’t necessarily matter here as a bouncy new Labradoodle pup can just as easily knock over a one-year-old as can a 10-year-old mastiff.  So how do you know when to be concerned, and what you as a parent should look for when Fido comes bounding out from between the trees?

With these questions in mind here are your doggie ABC’s.

A – Attention

What is the dog looking at? Is he chasing a ball? Playing with other dogs? Is your child just another bright spot in a field of interesting, fragrant things?  Or is the dog focused solely and intently on your two-year old and his strawberry ice cream cone?  If either of the first three there’s probably no need to be anxious at all.  If the latter go to B.

B – Body language

Take a few seconds to look at the oncoming dog’s body language.  Is the puppy or dog that’s bounding in your direction wagging his or her tail? Does the dog have its head up? If the dog’s head isn’t raised is the dog sniffing along the ground with their tail up? Does the dog look generally relaxed?   If not, does the dog have its head down below its shoulders and its tail low or tucked? Are its ears back? Is there a ridge of raised fur (hackles) along its back?  If the dog’s body language is positive the worst thing that will probably happen if the dog comes up to you is that your child may get a wet kiss or a playful nudge – especially if the fur-ball in question is a puppy or younger dog, or a dog from a home with kids where playing with children is par for the course. Children generally like dogs so a bit of a dog bump or kiss won’t hurt the average toddler or child (although no one likes paw prints on their Sunday best).

If you think the dog has negative body language, be prepared to stand between your child and the dog (which, in most cases is better than lifting the child up as dogs tend to be more interested in what’s visible and as, from a dog’s perspective, scooping your child up not only signals that perhaps the child is something the dog should be interested in, but it also signals vulnerability on the part of the child).  All that said, before taking any defensive action, consider C.

C-Control

Does the dog, whether on-leash or off, appear to be under control? For example, when their owner (if visually present) uses vocal, hand, or other auditor signals (like whistling) does the dog respond? If yes, then calmly standing between your child and the dog so you can ‘meet’ the dog first is fine. If no, move the child behind you and prepare to be firm with the approaching dog by saying ‘no’ or ‘off’ in a low firm (intimidating) voice, or by using your knee to block it if it jumps toward you.

Remember, the chances of urbanites in public parks and woods meeting a genuinely aggressive dog are quite slim. It’s far more likely you’re just going to run into a dog who has been in the house too long and who is now running through the woods internally yelling ‘Whooooo hooooo, look at me!’ Still, being aware of what to look for can make you more relaxed and can help instill a positive feeling for dogs in your young child.

Now, just as there are two types of dog owners – the good and the bad — there are two types of parents:  the responsibly protective parent and the overprotective parent. The responsibly protective parent teaches their children how to approach and react to dogs and the over-protective teach children that dogs in general (from the waggy pug to the pitbull) are to be feared.  This leads us to D..

D – Dog Etiquette

Only one out of every twenty children who approach my dogs (I’m an urban-dog-mum) do so the ‘right’ way. Just as there are protocols in meeting fellow humans (generally we make eye contact, exchange a verbal greeting, touch in a way that is appropriate whether nodding, shaking hands, hugging or kissing) there is a way to meet a dog that makes the dog feel comfortable and safe in their space.

First of all, with a strange dog, ask if the dog is friendly or ask the dog’s handler if you or your child may pet the dog. (Some dogs have been horribly abused and can be shy in certain circumstances or nervous about certain genders, ages, objects, quick movements etc.).

If the answer is yes, or if the unattended dog (tied perhaps outside of a shop) is giving you a strong indication it would looove to be pet, have your child do the following:

(Note: if you’re a bit apprehensive, do this yourself first, but still ensure that even if Mr-Wags-Lick-A-Lot is the nicest dog on the planet that your child follows the same protocol after you).

1. Make eye contact with the dog.

2. Then with your fingers curled lightly under your palm slowly move your hand, knuckles forward, towards the dog — ALWAYS at a level that is LOWER than their head. Remember: dogs are very visual and highly-sensate animals and being touched by something that drops down from above makes sensitive dogs nervous and can startle even a calm dog. (Plus it’s a bit like the human equivalent of walking up behind someone and slapping their back before they see you.)

3. Then let the dog greet the hand. He or she may want to smell the hand first or lick it, but either way your child has done the polite thing by introducing him or herself to the dog which means that whatever kind of pets or kisses follow, the interaction has been mutually agreed on.

4. Always end by saying “Good dog!”  This reinforces the dog’s sense of the exchange (Hey! That was good, I like kids!) and it’s also plain old-fashioned nice.

And remember whether dogs are a part of your child’s life in the home or whether they’re something you happen upon while hiking the trail, dogs, like kids, are capable of a lot of love and joy. But, like babies and toddlers, some of them are just learning what’s what: that leaves are to be tromped through, that ice cream is better on the cone, that the sun on your back feels good, and that the world can be full of wonderful new friends.

For more information on dogs and behavioural indicators see the wonderful resource pages of the BC SPCA including
http://www.spca.bc.ca/kids/default.asp
http://www.spca.bc.ca/AnimalIssues/whydogsbite.asp

Aislinn Hunter is an urban-dog-mommie raising two (count ‘em) Border collies. She is currently doing doctoral work on dogs.  She’s Also published a few books.

The WHO is the UN’s agency on international public health. They describe and prescribe information and measures for the international community for any global health issue.

H1N1 Transmission:

Transfer of the virus from one individual to another occurs in a similar manner to the regular seasonal flu. The WHO states that transmission is through “droplets expelled by speaking, sneezing or coughing.”

H1N1 Infection Prevention:

The following infection prevention measures are taken directly from the WHO website.

• Avoid close contact with people who show influenza-like symptoms (try to maintain a distance of about 1 metre if possible)
• Avoid touching your mouth and nose (where the virus can leave and enter your body)
• Clean hands thoroughly with soap and water, or cleanse them with an alcohol-based hand rub on a regular basis (especially if touching the mouth and nose, or surfaces that are potentially contaminated)
• Reduce the time spent in crowded settings if possible (such as public transit and other public places)
• Improve airflow in your living space by opening windows
• Practice good health habits including adequate sleep, eating nutritious food, and keeping physically active

What’s the best way to wash your and your child’s hands?

The WHO reports that we should all clean our hands regularly, with soap and water and dry them thoroughly. When you do not have access to soap and water, use an alcohol-based hand rub. The following is a description of the best hand washing practice. You can teach it to your child and perhaps frame it as a “hand dance” to the tune of “Happy Birthday.”

The WHO reports that the best way to wash your hands is as follows (for a diagram, visit the WHO website):

1. The entire washing of hands process should last as long as singing “Happy Birthday” two times.
2. Wet your hands with water.
3. Apply enough soap to cover the entire surface area of your hands.
4. Rub hands palm to palm.
5. Rub hands palm to palm with fingers interlaced and then again palm to back of hand with fingers interlaced.
6. With fingers interlocked, rub the backs of your fingers to the opposing palms.
7. Clasp your left thumb in your right palm and rub in a circular fashion. Repeat with right thumb in left palm.
8. Rub your fingers into the palm of your other hand in a circular manner.
9. Rinse thoroughly.
10. Dry thoroughly with a single use towel.
11. Use a towel to turn off the faucet.

What about masks?

The WHO states that masks are not necessary for individuals who are not sick. If you are in close contact with an ill individual, you can wear a mask. Make sure to throw it out after your contact with the sick individual ends and to wash your hands thoroughly.

If you are sick, cover your mouth and nose whenever you are in contact with others. If you do not have a mask, remember to cough into the crook of your elbow and not your hand and make sure children do the same. If you cough into your hand, the virus will transfer to your hand and then transfer to anything you touch. Wash your hands frequently regardless. If you do use a mask, be sure to follow the instructions for proper usage carefully or the mask will be rendered useless. For complete recommendations on the use of masks, visit the WHO document on advise for the use of masks.

What about antivirals?

The WHO does not recommend taking antivirals as a preventative measure unless your doctor advises you to do so. They advise against taking preventative medications without a prescription and advise caution when purchasing antivirals over the Internet.

Should you stop breastfeeding if you are sick?

The WHO has said not to stop breastfeeding unless your healthcare provider advises you to do so. They report that studies on other flu viruses have shown that breastfeeding is actually a protective act for babies. According to the WHO, breast milk “passes on helpful maternal immunities and lowers the risk of respiratory disease.” It also “provides the best overall nutrition and increases [the baby's] defense factors to fight illness.”

How do you know if you or your child is infected with H1N1?

Only medical professionals can determine whether your illness is H1N1 or the normal, seasonal flu. The WHO reports that the symptoms are the same as the seasonal flu symptoms and include fever, cough, headache, body aches, sore throat and a runny nose. In other words, there is no distinguishing feature that separates H1N1 from other common viruses.

What should you do if you think you may have H1N1?

Again, the following is taken directly from the WHO website.

If you feel unwell, have a high fever, cough or sore throat:

• Stay at home and keep away from work, school or crowds
• Rest and take plenty of fluids
• Cover your nose and mouth when coughing and sneezing and, if using tissues, make sure you dispose of them carefully. Clean your hands immediately after with soap and water or cleanse them with an alcohol-based hand-rub
• If you do not have a tissue close by when you cough or sneeze, cover your mouth as much as possible with the crook of your elbow
• Use a mask to help you contain the spread of droplets when you are around others, but be sure to do so correctly
• Inform family and friends about your illness and try to avoid contact with other people
• If possible, contact a health professional before traveling to a health facility to discuss whether a medical examination is necessary

When should you seek medical care for yourself or your child?

The WHO reports that symptoms requiring professional medical intervention include the following:

For adults:

• Shortness of breath
• Difficulty breathing
• A fever that lasts more than 3 days

For children:

• Fast or laboured breathing
• Continuing fever
• Convulsions or seizures

How should you care for a sick individual?

The WHO states you should “support” them by ensuring they have plenty of rest and fluids to drink. Pain relievers are advisable to relieve pain. Remember to use a non-aspirin-containing pain reliever for children and young adults. These measures should relieve symptoms towards “adequate recovery.”

Should you go to work or travel if you have the flu but are feeling fine?

The WHO recommends that you stay home for the duration of your symptoms to prevent transmission to other individuals. Children should be kept home from school and other activities for the entire duration of their symptoms.

Is it safe to travel?

Yes. For recommendations on traveling, visit the WHO website on the topic.

What about pork? Is it safe to consume pork products?

The WHO reports that yes, pork products are safe to eat. There is no evidence that properly handled pork products transmit the virus. Also, viruses or bacteria of any kind are killed when the pork is cooked to a temperature of 160°F or 70°C.

For more great H1N1 information including info on vaccines, measures taken in schools and the latest news, return to Urbanmommies.com soon for further reports.

-Danica Longair

Baby equipment rental companies can now be found in every major city across Canada and the US. They provide travelling families with the equipment they need to make their stay comfortable -  from car seats to highchairs, from strollers to playpens and more.  They can even supply diapers and baby food if required.  If you like to travel light  (or as light as is possible with young children), consider renting what you need at your destination.  Often times, you’ll find the rental companies carry better brands and newer models than what you have at home, so baby will feel like she’s vacationing in style!  Comfort breeds contentment (and what’s not to love about content kids).

To rent baby equipment, research companies in your destination city. The New Parent Guide has a comprehensive list for North America and elsewhere. Browse the rental company’s website or give them a call to discuss what you need to rent and for how long. Decide in advance where you would like your gear delivered (to the airport or to your hotel, for example) or if you’d like to have someone pick it up for you (if that’s an option). There may be a delivery fee in addition to your rental costs. Ask about any packages or special offers they may have. Call to book your gear well ahead of time if you are travelling during peak season to avoid disappointment.

When making a reservation, you’ll be asked to sign a rental agreement and liability waiver and will be required to give a credit card number. The agreements outline the terms under which the items are rented. The equipment you rent should be clean, in full working order and CSA/JPMA approved. This goes for baby gear that you use anywhere – from car rental agencies to hotels to grandma’s house. If you have any doubts, don’t use it. All reputable baby equipment companies will monitor for product safety recalls and safety inspect every item between uses. If you return an item that is excessively dirty or is damaged beyond usual wear and tear, expect to pay an additional fee. If your travel plans change, and when travelling with little ones anything can happen, try to call the rental company as soon as possible to inform them of the changes.

The owners of baby equipment rental companies are parents, too. Usually they have travelled extensively with their own children and can offer advice on what to pack and what to rent. They can help out with any equipment questions and even offer travel planning advice. So next time you travel as a family, call the pros and pack light, safe in the knowledge that all your baby needs will be taken care of at your destination.

Renting baby equipment makes sense for many reasons. Here are some of the most common reasons people call Little Traveller:

- I need a car seat for my rental car
- My grandkids are coming to town and I need some essential baby gear
- I like the convenience of getting the gear I need delivered to the airport/hotel/grandma’s house
- I’m travelling alone with my kids and I can’t manage to bring everything
- I need some toys to keep my little ones amused at the hotel
- I want to rent a CARES airplane harness to keep my child safe on our next flight
- I need some child-friendly equipment to take my kids hiking or camping
- I’d really like to try out a piece of expensive equipment before I buy one

- Kara Turnner is the mother of two seasoned little travellers and the owner of Little Traveller baby equipment rentals in Calgary. Contact Kara for more information at kara@littletraveller.ca / 1-877-242-4067 / www.LittleTraveller.ca

Photo: the Bugaboo Chameleon.