DOG AND ARRIVAL OF BABY AT HOME

Let’s discus - whether this combination - pregnant woman and dog or dog and baby is really so dangerous? Pregnancy brings on physical and emotional changes in expecting mothers. There are changes in one's scent, posture, and moods and are normal parts of pregnancy. Dogs are experts in observing and recognizing these subtle changes. Your dog’s reactions can vary from increased attention-seeking behaviours to aggression. The postural changes in pregnant women may make you vulnerable or in need of protection in the view of your dog. Hormonal changes also may cause mother to smell a bit different and this may also bring on a change in behaviour for some dogs. You must take care that dog should not jump on your belly as that can be harmful to you. To avoid this habit, get him trained by a professional trainer. Dogs are very comfortable when they know what is expected from them and exactly what to do. If your dog is demonstrating any negative behaviour, get back to your basic commands to provide them with something to do. Obedience and leadership play a huge role in keeping the balance during these changes. Practicing basic obedience is essential during time of change and transition. Leadership is also very important. If your dog is pushy in nature to seek attention then he or she may have a more difficult time to adjust during times when you are busy with your own work. It is also ideal for planning and thinking ahead on how to handle the stressful times once the baby arrives. Planning ahead and learning the body language that dogs offer when stressed is the best way to increase success as the family grows. Hiring a professional dog behaviour consultant or trainer can greatly decrease stress, prevent problems, and eliminate unwanted behaviours that are cropping up.

ZOONOTIC DISEASES

Diseases that can be transmitted from animals to humans are called Zoonotic Diseases. All diseases of pets (bacterial, viral, fungal and parasitic) are spread by direct contact with blood, saliva, urine or faeces of an infected animal.


Human beings with compromised immune system need to be very careful as they are very susceptible of contracting contagious diseases. The following included in this cautious class are:

• infants

• toddlers

• elderly

• pregnant women

• cancer patients

• patients with an autoimmune disease

This article does not cover all Zoonotic diseases but the most common diseases, which can be passed from dogs to humans. You should always refer to doctor’s advice if you suspect that you or your pet has contracted a disease.

Fortunately, these diseases rarely occur in healthy individuals, are mild and can be easily treated. Children often put their hands in their mouths, providing easy routes for bacteria to travel into their bodies e.g. children who eat dirt are more susceptible to contract zoonotic diseases.

IMPORTANT THINGS TO DO BEFORE ARRIVAL OF BABY AT HOME

You can do the following things to prepare your dog before the arrival of baby:-


1. Identify and control attention-seeking behaviours such as pawing, barking, jumping, or any other demanding behaviour.

2. Become familiar with subtle signs and body language of dogs.

3. Begin a flexible routine of feeding and activities with your dog.

4. Be sure to take these opportunities to practice obedience skills.

5. Play with a doll and baby equipments to expose your dog to these new and exciting items.

6. Identify restricted areas for your dog and begin to use then such as outside, closed room, crate etc.

7. If you have more than one dog, get them used to being apart from one another.

8. When putting together the nursery, the dogs should be allowed to come in and explore and sniff at everything including the baby toys.

9. The dogs are not used to the sounds of a baby – the crying, the laughing. All the sounds can be downloaded off the internet and the dogs can get used to hearing them and will not try to explore after the arrival of baby.

10. Dog’s obedience and responsiveness to commands should be improved before the baby comes home.

11. You can also bring home some baby clothing from the hospital so that the dogs will become familiar with the smell of the baby as well.

Shona (my daughter) and pup

shona feeding the pup, when she was just one year old.