Who We Are

The Humane Exchange

Marie Belew Wheatley's Blog

Pets and Babies Living Together

Posted August 6, 2009

You may have been saddened and horrified last month, as I was, on hearing a news story about an infant in Kentucky who was hospitalized after being picked up and taken out of his crib by the family dog. The family had laid the newborn down for a nap and left the room. Minutes later they discovered him missing -- the dog had taken him outside. Fortunately, the infant, while initially in critical condition, is now recovering at home.

What a tragedy for this family, and one that could have been fatal for the newborn. This family is now hoping that another family will adopt the dog. They believe the dog was not purposefully trying to harm the baby -- after all, dogs may perceive a new baby as an object or toy, and this dog was not behaving in any unnatural way. But the family is, perhaps understandably after such a trauma, now uncomfortable with the dog in the house.

Many families every year give up pets to animal shelters even before they bring new babies or children into their homes. While this is surely one way to prevent injury, it is usually unnecessary. It’s a shame when a longstanding member of the family is kicked out of the house simply because another member of the family has arrived.

Tragedies like this one are why American Humane has been working on a program to help families prepare their pets for the arrival of new family members. Dogs and other pets can be prepared for the presence of a new child and even very young children can be taught how to be safe around dogs.

One of the most important points for parents of newborns: Never, never, never leave a baby or young child unattended within any pet’s reach, even for a moment. It doesn’t matter how well-behaved your dog or cat is, or how small your pet is.

Here are some other things to think about:

• Pets should not be allowed access to a baby’s room without supervision.
• Always play it safe. As we have seen, some dogs, cats and other pets can get into cribs. If you can’t be in the room, keep all pets out of the room, too.
• Prepare ahead. Your pet’s daily routine will be greatly changed by the presence of a new family member, especially a newborn. Prepare your pet for new sights, sounds and smells.
• Your pet’s bed, perch, food bowl, or litter box may have to be moved. Get him used to the change gradually and in advance.
• Your pet might miss your attention. Make sure you make time for him.
• Never punish a growl or hiss, as this is a pet’s way of warning that he is uncomfortable. If you punish the warning, next time he may not warn you.
• If you are having a tough time preparing your pet, bring in a trainer or pet behaviorist to help.

There are so many wonderful benefits to having pets and kids together in the same house. Research has shown that kids with pets are less likely to develop certain allergies, are more empathetic and learn responsibility early. It only takes some planning and a little care. If you have pets and you’re bringing home a newborn or other child, you can take steps to keep everyone safe.

Bookmark this on del.icio.us   Digg this   Reddit this   StumbleUpon

Submit a comment or question below, or email Marie.

This is not an open forum, but Marie and American Humane welcome all comments and points of view. We will post selected comments that are considerate and thought-provoking, and we may edit comments for brevity, grammar and/or inflammatory language.

Comments Form

Nickname
Comment
Enter this word:	Change