It is possible for children and pets to live together in the same household. Many people mistakenly believe that once they start having children, their pet must head to the local shelter.
They worry that the cat or dog won't get along with the new baby and it will result in biting or scratching. This is not always the case, and if you take the time to properly introduce your pets to your children, your children and pets can live in harmony. One of the biggest concerns new parents have when it comes to pets in the home is how they will react to a baby. Many of the old wives tales, such as cats sucking babies' breath, are simply not true. In fact, many cats and dogs readily accept a new baby into their home and become fiercely loyal and protective of the baby. When you bring your baby home from the hospital, you should introduce your pet to your new baby. Of course, these introductions require supervision. Give your cat or dog time to sniff your baby at their own pace. Give your cat or dog a pleasant introduction. In most cases, your cat or dog will not keep an eye on your child. Let your pet adapt to the new situation on its own terms. When a baby comes into the house, it's an adjustment for everyone.
Another thing to consider when you bring a baby into your home is to make sure your cat or dog is properly groomed. This includes clipping your dog or cat's nails. Your dog may want to put his paw on your baby. If his nails are long and sharp, your dog may accidentally scratch your child. While you can never eliminate pet hair from your home, having your dog or cat trim and brush it will definitely help keep your home a little cleaner. Many new parents also worry about allergies. The fact is that many studies have shown that children who are exposed to pets from a very young age actually have fewer animal allergies than children who are not exposed to pets. Another good idea is to ensure that your pets do not have access to your child's room while they are sleeping or at night unsupervised. While your pet probably means no harm to your child, pets are naturally curious. A cat may jump into your cot or for large dogs it could easily knock over a pram or bassinet. You should always supervise your pet when they are around your new baby at all times. Above all, you should try to make sure that you are still spending quality time with your pet whenever possible. This is especially true for dogs that are used to playing in the backyard and going for walks.
As your child grows, you need to start teaching your child proper pet etiquette. If your dog or cat has learned to respect your child, then your child also needs to learn to respect your pet. Teach your child from an early age that he should never pull or tug a cat or dog by its tail or ears. Your child can learn proper pet etiquette at a very young age. You'll also want to teach your child to respect your pet's space. This includes making sure your child understands that they should never wake a sleeping pet. This could startle your pet and result in biting or scratching. Additionally, you'll want to make sure your child understands to stay out of your pet's food, water, and litter box. Your baby will naturally be curious, so it's always best to give your pet a private space away from your baby. There are many things you can do to ensure that children and pets live in peace. Your children and pets need to learn to respect each other from the very beginning. There is no reason to get rid of a cat or a dog just because you have a child at home.