It's not uncommon for dog owners to have a baby in their home.
So, the question you're probably wondering is, "Is it okay to have a dog and a baby together?" Dogs are part of the family, so owners probably don't want to give up their dog just because they're expecting a baby.
In conclusion, it's possible to have a dog in a home with a baby, as long as you pay attention to a few things.
In fact, having a dog can often have a positive impact on a baby's growth and emotional development, and it can have many benefits for the baby.
So, if you have a baby and want to keep a dog in your home, what should you be careful of?
We'll answer these questions. Please read to the end.
How do dogs recognize human babies?
Dogs are very intelligent animals.
They seem to recognize babies by their smell, voice, and movements.
Dogs have a stronger sense of smell and hearing than sight, so they instinctively recognize babies by their unique smell and tone of voice.
To dogs, babies are small creatures that need to be protected, so they rarely bite infants.
As babies grow and become able to move around on their own, they may over-intervene with the dog or touch it roughly.
It's possible that a dog might get annoyed and bite, but this isn't a concern when the baby is still an infant and unable to move on its own.
In fact, dogs recognize that babies, who are weaker than themselves, are something they need to protect, so they may try to protect the baby.
However, dogs have their own personalities, and not all dogs like babies, so keep an eye on them when they're nearby.
What are the benefits of being together?
The "Survey on Pets and Children"* asked, "What impact does spending time with a pet have on children before they graduate from elementary school?"
In the section on "The impact pets have had on children," the number one answer was "They have made me more compassionate." An impressive over half (51.3%) of people answered this way. The next most popular answers were "I started to love animals" and "I learned to understand the importance of life." Many people believe that caring for a dog helps children develop greater cooperation and empathy, and that playing with a dog fosters compassion and kindness.
People who actually raise children and own dogs say that dogs are extremely beneficial for children's emotional development.
There are many benefits that can only be gained by growing up with a dog. Growing up with a dog helps children develop an awareness of valuing other living creatures from an early age, which is a great benefit for them. *2017 survey by Ipet Insurance Association: "Survey on Pets and Children"
What are the disadvantages of living together?
Dogs instinctively sense that babies are weaker than them.
However, this does not mean that a dog will never harm a baby.
Sometimes children behave unpredictably, leading to accidents like suddenly grabbing a dog's tail and pulling.
The biggest worry is that in such cases, the dog won't be startled and reflexively bite.
Some dogs don't like babies because babies behave unpredictably and suddenly make loud noises.
To prevent accidents, it's important to understand your dog's personality and whether they're afraid of babies.
Things to consider when keeping a dog with a baby
What specifically should you be careful of when keeping a dog in a house with a baby?
Here are some points to keep in mind.
Thoroughly Manage Your Dog's Health
While some diseases dogs can contract are not contagious to humans, it's also true that there are infectious diseases that can be transmitted from dogs.
Pasteurella bacteria found in dogs' mouths can cause pneumonia in babies with weak immune systems, and scratches can cause severe inflammation.
It is said that approximately 75% of dogs carry Pasteurella bacteria, so it's important to be careful not to get infected.
There are other infectious diseases that can become serious, so if you have concerns about your dog's health, it's important to take them to the vet immediately.
Also, make it a habit to always wash your hands after handling a dog.
Cleaning up Shed Hair
Animal hair inevitably brings the following concerns:
- Allergies
- Dust Dust
- Dirt
- Dandruff
It's important to keep your dog's body clean by regularly grooming and shampooing it.
You also need to be mindful of shedding.
It's especially important to clean frequently during shedding season to prevent hair from remaining in the room.
Also, to prevent your baby from inhaling hair, make sure your baby sleeps in a crib, not on the floor.
This also prevents your dog from approaching and licking or biting your dog.
Clean your dog's litter box regularly
Sometimes, babies accidentally ingest dog feces.
While feces from indoor dogs that have been properly vaccinated shouldn't pose any major health risks, it can still be worrying for parents.
Preventing accidents is an important part of a parent's job.
Clean your dog's litter box frequently and make sure no feces are left behind.
Prepare a Cage
If you keep your dog indoors, you can't keep an eye on your dog and baby 24/7.
Always prepare a cage for times when you absolutely have to leave them unattended.
It's reassuring to have your dog in its cage while you prepare meals, clean, or sleep at night.
Keep an Eye on Your Dog
Most troubles occur when you're not watching them. When living with a baby and a dog, the most important thing is to keep an eye on them.
Even if you've properly trained your dog, unexpected events can cause your dog to behave in an unexpected way. Being careless and thinking it's only going to be okay for a short time could lead to an accident. Be especially careful when your baby and dog are in the same room.
When you need to leave your dog unattended, use a crate.
Summary
While there are a few things to be aware of, owning a dog, even if you're a baby, has many benefits. You'll likely learn a lot from your dog as it grows.
Learning the importance of life and consideration for others from an early age is a valuable asset.
While there are some drawbacks and risks, whether or not something bad happens is entirely up to you, the pet's parent and owner. By paying attention to the points we've introduced, you can ensure a comfortable life for both you and your pet.
It's also important to properly train your dog.
Train your dog before the baby arrives.
If you can avoid accidents, your dog will surely be a good companion, protecting your baby and growing together with him.
Once the baby is born, parents may be so busy caring for the baby that they don't have time to spend with their dog.
There's also the risk that your dog may become jealous of the baby.
It's also important to play with your dog plenty while your baby is sleeping to show that you still love him.
Follow the basic rules and enjoy life with your baby and dog.
