if you had a baby is it's a good idea to have a cat or dog to around the baby?

Answer 1

for reasons not to, read this article:

http://www.netdoctor.co.uk/features/petsandbabies_003846.htm

if you want to try and have pets, read this article:

http://www.buzzle.com/editorials/1-31-2004-50041.asp

Answer 2

It depends on the cat or dog's temperment. I wouldn't allow one around a brand new baby. But, if you have a pet, and you have a baby, you have to see how the pet is going to react to the baby. And you have to let it get used to the baby. If the pet has a good temperment then they will become best friends. If not, well you probably should find the pet a new home.

Answer 3

Yes, but you need to get the cat or dog acclimated to the baby. Dogs, in particular, just aren't all that aware that this little crying thing is fragile, so you need to go through some basic training, as it were, with a dog trainer.

Private lessons are best, but a group less will do.

Answer 4

To have a dog around a baby takes some training, for the dog and for you. Dogs may feel neglected and could harm the baby if you don't teach it right. We have a13 year old German Shepherd/Lab mix (110 lbs) who is the protector of our 8 grandsons, and I trust him as much as I trust their own parents. If we have any of them as over- night guest (often), he will sleep in front of their bedroom door and wake me as soon as any of them wakes up. Regardless what they do, he will lay down right next to them, and will take any pulling or poking with grace, and if it is a bit too much, he will retreat a few feet. Just make sure that no stranger gets within 10 feet if he is not accompanied by my wife or I. The children will keep the memory of this dog for the rest of their life. Besides, he will lay under the table where the kids are being fed to make sure that nobody steps in any food dropped by mistake.

Answer 5

How Do Pets Spread Infections?
Some illnesses that pets get - such as feline leukemia, FIV, and heartworms - can't be transmitted to people. But pets can carry certain bacteria, viruses, parasites, and fungi that can transmit infections to people. Infections from animals can be particularly dangerous to babies and young kids, pregnant women, elderly people, and people whose immune systems have been weakened by illness or disease (such as cancer or AIDS).

Pets may also get ticks and fleas in their fur, and these insects can carry diseases - like Lyme disease or Rocky Mountain spotted fever - that may make humans sick.

Some Infections That Pets Carry

Dogs and Cats

It's hard to believe that your canine companion or feline friend could be guilty of anything other than sleeping too much, but sometimes cats and dogs can pass infections on to humans.

For the infections that these animals can cause on your or your babies health click on the link below?

Answer 6

When my baby was born, I had a very spoiled cat. Once the baby arrived, she showed lots of curiosity and wanted to touch the baby. I let her do it. Eventually, my baby developed asthma and I gave my cat away. I blame the cat for my kids asthma, since as soon as I got rid of her his asthma disappeared. I'd advice you, if you have a choice, don't have a cat while you have a small baby.

Answer 7

No. Babies are allergic to the furr of the cats n dogs & can never be sure of the microbes or small insects on them which would exist on them even if u bath them daily. So keep away

Answer 8

Sure. I would keep a close eye on your pet for at first to make sure they aren't bothering the baby. But they will get used to having a new person around.

Answer 9

its okay if your pet has ALL of its shots! remebmer Cat feces can cause TOXICplasmosis which is serious. however you can be immune to it. but a baby has a weak immune system that is not cully developed. wait until the child is a little older. although, babies grow up with pets all the time. make sure you pets have been tested for feline aids, giardia, or any kind of disease. and keep their feces paws off of your bed and try not to let your pets lick your child's face.

Answer 10

i dont know if it is neccecarily a good thing...they say cats are bad to have around babies mut ihave always had car and none of my kids had any problem with them...when i had my 1st we had a pitbull who would lick the babies hands clean after he ate and the dog never tried anything...i think it all depends on the kid and the animal...

Answer 11

I never wanted a cat around my kids. But our black lab has been phenomenal---she is very family oriented. However, the carpeting outside the nursery door will never be the same due to her oily fur; she claimed that spot as her own as soon as our oldest moved into the nursery and rests there often.