Alice White
Dog and baby – from this constellation the most intimate relationships often arise. But this wonderful community needs help getting started. If there is a baby coming up, a few tips will help pave the way to friendship. When dealing with dogs and small children, there are also a few things to consider for smooth everyday family life.
Dogs and Babies: The Essentials in Brief
- Dogs see babies as new pack members. They have to learn, however, that they are not responsible for the newborn.
- The time before the birth is ideal to get the dog used to the upcoming change.
- With a baby or a toddler, everyday life is often chaotic. The dog needs a place of retreat to get away from the hustle and bustle.
- Appropriate hygiene should always be present in a household with children. Otherwise, the health of a baby or a toddler is in serious danger.
Dog and Kids
The time has come soon: the addition to the family will turn current life upside down in the next few weeks. A dog certainly notices the joyful tension on the part of mistress and master. This is exactly the time that both of you should use to take a few precautions.
Gradual habituation:
First of all, dog owners familiarize their dog with the new items, such as the cot, and then move the dog for a walk. Once the baby arrives, it becomes difficult to keep precise times for the walk
Another tip: Parents-to-be takes their dog out of the house with an empty stroller or baby carrier. For both, this is an ideal way to prepare for the baby.
Oasis of peace for the four-legged friend:
If there is still no place of retreat for the fur nose, parents can use the preparation phase for it. The place should offer the dog peace and quiet in stressful times. Important: A place should be chosen that is quiet, but does not completely exclude the four-legged friend from family life.
The basic obedience:
Has the dog enjoyed a “laissez-faire education” up to now? Then it is advisable to change this before giving birth. Everyday life with dog and baby becomes more harmonious when the four-legged friend reliably reacts to commands.
The helpful rules include, for example, a reliable callback, the reference to his basket, or denying the dog access to the children’s room.
Getting Your Dog Used to the Baby: the First Few Days
The baby is finally here and the joy about the new family member is huge. During these emotionally exciting times, dog owners keep one fact in mind: the addition of the family means a change not only for them.
The dog, which previously enjoyed the fullest attention, now has to come to terms with the new constellation.
The early days are critical to the future dog-baby relationship. Four-legged friends who have already been prepared by their family before arrival will find the first few days easier. But nobody can prepare them for getting to know each other for the first time. Even if the curiosity on the part of the four-legged friend is great, a stormy greeting should be avoided.
Allowing the baby to approach at any time can send the wrong signal and unbalance the harmony. With the early ban, parents ensure that the dog does not feel responsible for the baby.
Gradually, the first attempts at approach develop. These moments should be designed in such a way that the dog associates them with something positive. This includes walks together, for example.
Never Leave Your Dog or Child Unattended
In terms of security, this is probably the top priority. Dogs are sentient beings who are not free from jealousy. Within seconds, the world’s favorite dog can pose a threat to babies or toddlers.
Also possible: there is no malicious intent on the part of the dog when it is left alone. A large dog can accidentally push a wobbly toddler around while running or injure it with its claws while playing.
These scenarios are not the norm, but parents are responsible for their children and also for their dogs. Because it’s not just the child’s safety that is at risk. If you leave a toddler alone with the dog, it can quickly and unintentionally injure a petite dog in particular. Small mishaps can happen quickly.
Schedule Time for the Dog
The addition to the family is undoubtedly a decisive experience for the fur nose. From one day to the next, the new parents spend most of their time with their baby.
The dog will certainly have to cut back when it comes to free time – that is out of the question. But this should not be a permanent condition. After all, adopting a dog also means taking responsibility. And that also means being there for your four-legged friend in stressful times.
It is important to shovel free a time window only for the four-legged friend. During this time, dog owners dedicate themselves fully to the needs of the dog.
The dog owner always decides when the “dog-and-person time” takes place. Every dog has its individual interests and habits, which give it a fixed structure.
Some prefer to be petted on their stomach for a long time. Others are completely happy when he pursues a dog sport such as bikejoring or rally obedience with his human. Dog owners know their fur noses best and have a feel for what is good for them during this phase.
Dog and Child: Hygiene and Health
Hygiene should be a top priority in a household with children and a dog. Sounds like a Herculean task at first. But with some hygiene and health rules, worries will ebb over time and parents will enjoy family life to the fullest.
Parasite free:
Test your dog for worms at regular intervals and, if necessary, give a wormer. However, the worming cure has no preventive effect. So the next step is relevant.
Just look, don’t lick:
Parents should not allow the dog to lick the child’s face. There are countless bacteria, viruses, and yeasts in a dog’s mouth. In the event of a worm infestation, worm eggs may also be found there. The transmission poses a high risk for the newborn or small child.
The risk from tick protection:
When it comes to tick protection, it is advisable not to use chemical spot-on preparations or to use them with particular caution. After the treatment, the child is not allowed to stroke the dog or lie in bed together. Of course, this also applies to the parents. Otherwise, it can lead to unpleasant skin reactions.
Cleanliness and tidiness:
Dog toys should not be within reach of a baby. The ball, on which the four-legged friend was chewing with relish a few seconds before, can be put into the baby’s mouth too quickly. It is also advisable to regularly clean the surfaces that the baby comes into contact with.
