Pets can be adored members of a loving family. But it’s important to keep youngsters safe and healthy when playing with their furry friends.

The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention offers these suggestions:

Today’s Health Tips

* Never allow children age 5 or younger to play with pets without adult supervision.

* Avoid having children kiss family pets. Also try to keep baby’s unwashed hands out of the mouth after the infant has touched an animal.

* Always wash a child’s hands carefully with soap and water after he or she touches an animal.

* Parents should always wash hands after touching pets too, particularly before feeding baby.

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