Can dog and baby live together? Benefits and hygiene tips

The coexistence between dogs and babies is something that worries many novice parents, either because of the reaction that the dog may have when the family arrives with the new member at home or because of the hygienic and medical issues that are having a dog can entail, next to a baby.

For this reason, today at FastlyHealwe want to dedicate the article to this topic, to find out if it is good to have dogs with babies and what aspects we must take into account so that coexistence in our family is thriving and without risks.

Babies and dogs: benefits

It is clinically proven that dogs have a positive impact on the lives of people who have lived with them since they were babies. On a psychological and social level, it has excellent benefits. It improves many aspects thanks to the fact that it provides emotional stability and creates safe relationships that are very positive for the child. Today we explain why it is good to have dogs with babies :

• They increase affectivity: the relationship between dog and baby usually has a vital affective component; it is one more member of the family with whom one interacts differently than with humans. This fact gives an affective power to the relationship, and one learns to love beings and interact based on affectivity.
• They have a best friend: the dog often becomes our baby’s best friend. It can be your playmate, distraction, and ally. This relationship of trust will allow you to establish relationships healthily and safely in the future.
• Responsibility: it is a learning that will be done since the infant is tiny. Assuming minor duties concerning the animal, or seeing how parents take responsibility for walks, meals, hygiene, etc., will be a reflection and an example of behavior that will be assumed and naturalized little by little. When he grows up, he will be able to apply it in various fields: school, friends, family, or others.
• Sociability: the baby’s relationship with the dog will offer sociability spaces, learn to identify feelings in the other such as joy or anger, and react to these situations. As he grows up, it will be easy for him to recognize these states in people and act according to his lessons. It is a different but equally enriching relationship.
• Sensitivity: many psychologists announce that living together as infants with a dog increases the person’s sensitivity because, with the relationship, empathy, identification of feelings, and love towards the other are work.

As you can see, having dogs with babies is very positive. Still, we must not lose sight of the fact that there are aspects that we must work on and keep in mind so that this relationship is positive and not harmful to any member of the family. Below we will present several aspects that we must consider at a hygienic, medical and behavioral level.

Medical aspects of the excellent coexistence of dogs and babies

• Periodic veterinary visit: When we realize that we may be pregnant, it is essential to go to a veterinarian for a regular visit and communicate our pregnancy so that the animal is dewormed. Tests are carried out if a possible disease of the animal is suspected.
• Up-to-date vaccinations: before the baby’s arrival, we must ensure that our dog’s vaccinations are up to date. We must also comply with the following doses as appropriate.
• Deworm the dog every three months: parasites, especially hydatidosis, are one of the main components affecting the baby’s well-being. It is essential to deworm it regularly.
• Semi-annual visit to the vet: a visit every six months is recommended to monitor the dog and ensure that there are no diseases or parasites.
• Oral or nasal contact: during the first months of our baby’s life, it is essential to avoid the dog’s connection with the child’s mouth or nose.

Dogs and babies: hygiene

• Biweekly washing of the dog: it is essential to keep the dog in an optimal state of hygiene to ensure that it does not have parasites such as fleas or ticks, nor nits or germs. In addition, with a biweekly wash, we make sure that you do not bring toxic home elements or exterior dirt. We should also wash it whenever necessary, such as rolling in mud, touching excrement, etc.
• Cleaning the floor: this is an important fact, especially when the baby begins to crawl. We must keep the floor area clean to ensure no contagion of viruses, bacteria, or germs.
• Hygiene of the dog’s games and materials: bed, dining room, drinker, water, toys, etc. All these objects can contain bacteria, and that is why it is essential to wash them with soap and water regularly and avoid direct contact with the infant.
• Avoid the baby’s contact with the animal’s droppings. The droppings can contain viruses, bacteria, and even parasites that the animal’s body expels, so the baby must never be in direct contact with them.

A good coexistence of dogs and babies

Here we explain how to introduce a baby to a dog and other essential aspects to take into account so that the coexistence between the two is optimal:

• Anticipation: months before arrival, we must promote a change of roles, making it easier for the non-pregnant person to take more care of the dog since motherhood takes away a lot of time to dedicate to the dog.
• Hospitalization: When the mother is in the hospital, the father must bring her used baby clothes so that she gets used to the smell and becomes familiar. It is also advisable to leave the dog with someone you know and not alone.
• Presentation: let the baby’s legs and hands smell, but not the face. While doing it, pet him and give him treats so that he understands that it is good behavior. Also, leave the baby in the hands of the other and pay full attention to the dog.
• Abandonment: give him the same attention that was given to him previously, or try it, keeping in mind his needs. Otherwise, jealousy can be aroused, and the dog could become aggressive in the baby’s presence.
• Surveillance: be present whenever they interact until the child turns six years old. So you can pay attention to how they interact and guide the game.
• Education: teach the baby which parts of the dog to touch and which not, eyes, mouth, teeth, and face. It is not optimal for the child to hug the dog as it may feel invaded. Also, educate the dog when it reacts incorrectly with barking or growling. When the child is older, teach him to wash his hands after touching the dog, especially before meals.

In short, it is good to have dogs and babies, even if it involves a little more work, and to pay attention to our actions and our way of acting. You must be present among them to ensure that everything works well and that it is the ideal one. So your family will have grown based on well-being and security.

This article is merely informative, at FastlyHeal .com we do not have the power to prescribe medical treatments or make any type of diagnosis. We invite you to see a doctor in the case of presenting any type of condition or discomfort.

If you want to read more similar articles, Is it reasonable to have dogs with babies? We recommend that you enter our Pregnancy and baby health category .

Alivia Nyhan

I am a Surgeon with a diploma in comprehensive ultrasound and surgical care residency, an area I am specializing in. During the exercise of my profession, I have realized the need for patients to know the diseases they suffer, and I can tell you that a large part of their complications is due to a lack of information. Being a health web writer allows me to transmit my experience, without borders, to all those readers eager for knowledge, educate them in the prevention of diseases and promote a healthy lifestyle.