Anticipatory guidance: having a dog in the family

Pediatric nurse practitioners frequently provide families with anticipatory guidance. An area often discussed is safety as it relates to growth and development. One topic that may not be covered is safety with dogs. Dog bites, especially by the family pet, are a common occurrence among children. This article assists the nurse practitioner to learn about the unique characteristics of the canine, what to teach families and children about safety around dogs, responsible dog ownership, and dog training.