Kids & Dogs: How to Keep Them Happy and Safe

kids dog playing

 

Bottom Line

As a pet parent, you want your furry friend to be a source of joy and comfort for your family, including any kids you may have. A well-socialized dog who enjoys the company of kids can make a great playmate, but it’s important to teach your pet how to play safely.

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New dog at home + baby = potential for disaster? It doesn’t have to be that way. With a little preparation, training, and care, you can make sure that your new dog and baby are best friends. Below are some points that help you bring new life to love. 

Dogs and Babies: Some Pointers

While dogs and babies both bring an undeniable amount of joy to a household, they can also be a handful. From never-ending energy to midnight feedings, there’s a lot that goes into taking care of them. but there are a few problems that you can watch out for. 

  • One problem that can arise when you have dogs and babies in the home is that the baby can start to see the dog as a playmate, and the dog may not be up for that.
  • Is your dog licking your baby? It’s not uncommon to see a dog licking a baby’s face. But is it safe? Choose a healthy dog with a clean mouth. – Avoid letting your dog lick your baby’s face if he’s been licking other things, such as garbage or other animals. – Keep your baby’s immunisations up to date. – Check with your doctor if you have any concerns. While the risk of infection is low, dogs’ mouths contain enzymes that can help kill bacteria. 
  • While excess shedding can cause allergies, there are several ways to manage your dog’s coat and minimize the amount of hair they leave behind. Regular brushing, for instance, can help remove loose hair before it has a chance to fall out on your floors. And choosing the right dog food and shampoo can make a big difference in your pet’s skin and coat health, reducing shedding.
  • Another problem is that the baby’s things can start to smell like dogs. This can be a problem if you try to keep the house clean and free of dog smells. Use pet wipes, cleansers, and deodorants, and they work wonders in removing that unpleasant odour.

Getting a New Pup Home

When getting a new dog, it is important to keep in mind that they will need time to adjust to their new home and family. This is especially true if there are small children in the home. Dogs and babies can form strong bonds, but there are a few things to keep in mind to make sure that the transition is smooth for both baby and dog:

Socialize: One of the most important things you can do to ensure that your dog is comfortable and safe around kids is to socialize them early and often. Introduce your pet to kids in different settings, and allow them to get used to the sights and sounds of children. The more exposure they have to kids, the better they’ll be able to handle being around them.

Teach basic obedience: Before you allow your dog to play with children, be sure they have a solid foundation of basic obedience commands. They should be able to sit, stay, come, and down on cue. This will help you keep control of the situation if things get too rough or if your pup gets too excited. 

Monitor playtime: Make sure the little humans are being respectful of your dog’s personal space and not pulling on their tail or ears. If your dog starts to get too rough, intervene and redirect their energy to a toy or another activity.

End on a positive note: When playtime is over, give your dog a treat or toy, and praise them for their good behaviour.

Don’t allow your dog to jump up: When dogs jump up, they can knock kids over, which can lead to injuries. If you see your dog start to jump, say “no” firmly and redirect their attention to another activity. 

 

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