Dogs and Babies

If you are pregnant and have a golden this article fits to you!

During pregnancy many advises are given especially if you have a pet. Sometimes what is recommended can scare future parents because it's about illness or diseases etc.

First of all a pregnant woman can definetly leave with her dog. I personally walked  with my own dog till my 38th pregnancy week, also during my first hours in hospital she layed next to me.There are no cons, just paying attention like wash often your hands, avoid rough games, do not overload or carry a 12 kg food pack. Let do that to dad to be.

Dogs can get ill with toxoplasmosis but cannot transmit to people because virus is not in feces, like it is instead for cats.

Toxoplasmosis is indeed very dangerous for the fetus because there is no treatment available yet.

It is an infection due to Toxoplasma gondii, a virus spread in Italy for about 60-70% of people. It develops mostly in cats intestine, producing eggs which are then spread through feces. This way also vegetables and other animals like cows etc. are infected with the risk to trasmit the virus through food we eat.

1. Do not eat raw meat, you can some ham, parma ham, bresaola

2. Wash fruit and vegetables very well

3. In you have cats, take care of using gloves while cleaning their space. Do not feed your cat with raw food

4. If your hobby is garden care, please put gloves on

This is one of the most frequent questions as people think that a big dog can be dangerous, together with hair and some other desease which can impact on the baby. The answer is just one: my dog Penny is a member of our family therefore she stays with the family! Our dog did not change her habits, she keeps sleeping in her place in our bedroom, she  can lay both on bed and couch. Since the baby was born we simply brush and clean our dog more often. We also refresh rooms air by keeping windows open at least 30/40 minutes a day, vacuum and refresh bed sheets.

If you just became parents it is normal to ask yourselves what is the best to make baby and golden life easier.

It is important that your dog smells the baby even before he comes home, by letting your dog smell a baby cloth.

I can grant that it works. When I came home from hospital after delivery, Penny was already interested in meeting our baby.

The first meeting is kind of emotional, I suggest to keep your golden quiet and let him smell the baby's hands and feet. In case you notice some strange reactions, ask for help to a  behaviour vet.

On the beginning your baby will not really know who the dog is but later he will ask for interactions and cuddles.

My daughter is only one year old and already blames her when she barks too much or looks for her when she wants to play with her. Martina doesn't say daddy yet but calls Éi. Penny showed interest in my daughter quite soon, looking at her like to say "sister I will always stand for you". When a friend was paying a visit to us she was always keeping an eye, on the beach she was used to select which dogs were allowed to approach her. Lately she brings her toys to Martina to play together.

Though give your golden borders, especially on games and baby's toys as these ones are not suitable to dogs. At the same time teach your child that the dog is not a toy and to respect him, not to pull his hair or disturb while he is eating or sleeping and so on.

Learn your dog body language in order to detect his stress. Always supervise when they play together and play with them, so that your child can learn how to do it and also how to cuddle.

As last, cuddle your goldens, play, walk and smile. When baby comes, go on and let your dog be part of daily activities. This way he will turn into your child's best friend!