Many babies become interested in patting dogs when they're as young as 6 months old. That's fine, as long as your dog is comfortable with the attention and you keep a close eye on your baby at all times. Never leave your child alone with a dog, even if it's your well-trained, easygoing family pet.
Generally speaking, it's all right to allow your pet near your new baby, as long as the pet is well behaved and you are there to supervise. It's common for a pet, who has until recently been the focus of the family's attention, to become jealous of a new baby.
Always supervise children around animals. Never allow children to kiss animals or to put their hands or other objects into their mouths after handling animals. Always wash children's hands thoroughly with soap and water right after touching, feeding, or caring for animals or cleaning their habitats.
Most paediatricians will advise that pets be kept away from babies for at least a period of 2-3 months.
While your baby is tiny, you will generally be able to keep them and your pets apart for most of the time. Keep pets out of the room they sleep in, and never let a pet share a bed with your baby. Always introduce your pets gently to a new baby. Dogs may feel jealous of a new baby when you first bring them home.
You can put your dog in a crate or play pen in your room.
Again using a tether here could be helpful for larger or more jumpy dogs. Make sure with either option, that you put the crate/playpen on the opposite side of the room to the baby in the bassinet.
Do not put your baby on the floor with the dog and never leave your dog unsupervised with a baby, not even for a second. This includes all dogs, even those with an excellent temperament. The use of a screen door or stair gate for your baby's nursery allows you to keep the door shut but still see and hear them.
A dog's mouth carries a lot of germs, which can easily be passed to people. This is especially problematic for babies and immune suppressed adults. Both are at an increased risk of contracting infections and parasites from dogs. So, even though it may look cute, a dog licking a baby's face should not be allowed.
"Studies have confirmed this exposure, and it can lead to mouth and gum infections, or even systemic infections," he says. But, germs aside, it's also extremely important, for safety's sake, to help your dog understand that he is not the baby's master or pack playmate.
Introduce your dog to new gear, new routines, and new smells before the baby comes home. Encourage calm, positive associations with all these new things. When introducing baby and pup, maintain boundaries and let your dog (respectfully) sniff. Always supervise your dog and baby when they're together.
Keep the dog on a leash during their first meeting.
When you bring the baby inside, keep calm and relaxed, so your dog follows your cue. Let the dog observe and sniff the baby from a distance. Each day, allow the dog to come closer and closer, so the dog learns proper boundaries with the baby.
Veterinarians say that licking can be a submissive gesture, but that when domestic dogs lick humans, it usually is just what we like to think it is: a sign of affection. If you don't like it, you've got to train your dog not to lick you or your children.
Pet urine can be toxic and especially to children that play near the floor! If you think your child is exposed, take action fast! Don't wait to train your pets properly and clean the carpets and floors promptly!
Never leave the baby alone with the dog even for a second. Dogs can become agitated by the sounds and movements of a baby. Dogs have been know to try to move a baby by carrying the baby in their mouths the way a mother dog might do with her puppies.
The bond that is created between pets and little ones in the house is usually very special. A dog will become in their most faithful friend, a playmate with whom they will learn to socialize and whom you will never forget. Therefore, dogs and newborn babies are more than compatible.
Dogs can hear, smell, and see babies, but they don't really know what a baby is, so it is shocking when dogs treat babies differently than adults. While your dog may not care much about adults, you might notice that your dog seems especially interested in babies.
P. multocida meningitis is a rare infection during infancy. Most cases have a nontraumatic exposure to household pet dogs or cats, or both.
Dogs lick because they are nervous, to show dominance, or just because something, or someone, tastes good. None of these are reasons to encourage or condone your dog licking your baby. In addition, there are health hazards associated with your dog's baby-licking behavior.
✔Praise and reward when your dog is next to your baby and doesn't lick them. ✔Redirect your dog's attention to a toy, chew toy, or puzzle toy. ✔Teach your dog to have a toy in their mouth when they approach your baby. ✔Be consistent with boundaries.
If your dog is reacting aggressively to babies, children or other dogs, you should never use verbal or physically harsh punishment. If she is doing things like growling, snarling or even snapping, she's giving signals. She's telling you that she isn't comfortable.
The dog's licks become harder and more intense, more pushing the child away. This is what I refer to as “Kiss to dismiss.” If the child continues to approach and/or has approached the dog numerous times, the dog's licks likely will become more intense and eventually may escalate to a bite.
'” When a dog has a strong pack drive and is tightly bonded with his family, it's only natural that he becomes protective of a new baby when he or she arrives. Canines are smitten with babies and can form strong connections because of the amount of time spent together.
Use physical boundaries to help manage interactions between your dog and baby. Crates, baby gates and play yards can be helpful if you need to separate your dog and baby. Set them up early so your dog has time to get used to them before the baby arrives. Think of your dog like a swimming pool.