Pets are part of the lives and histories of practically everyone. You may not have one today, but you definitely had a beloved little animal that left its mark on your life. These days, pets have become even more significant, receiving more care and attention than in the past, and are cherished and loved as true children. However, once pregnancy is discovered, doubts and concerns naturally arise and the question quickly comes up: Is there any problem between pregnancy and pets?
Obviously, there are families who do not accept or simply do not like animals, but the vast majority are in favor of having a furry member at home. Many couples even choose not to have children and to raise pets, giving them all their love and attention. Over time, the idea of having “human” children starts to mature and the family gets bigger. So, how do you get rid of one “child” because another is arriving?
For those who aren’t particularly fond of animals, pregnancy can become the excuse to “let go of” the pet. Let go? Yes, many animals are abandoned every day for the most absurd reasons. But we are here to clarify that pregnancy and pets go perfectly well together, without any problem. And for those who have always loved, cared for, and protected their pet, rest assured, the only thing your pet will do for your pregnancy is good.
Care Between Pregnant Women and Animals
Of course, during pregnancy, many precautions should be taken — after all, besides the mother’s health, you also need to consider the baby’s development. But having animals in the homes of pregnant women provides far more benefits than problems, believe it! Pets are companions, friendly, provide tranquility and the purest love.
Are there limits? Will I have to keep my pets from being with me like always? Can they get on/sleep in my bed and on the sofa? These are some of the most common questions from pregnant women, and for all of them, the answer is yes. After all, if your pet is properly vaccinated, healthy, and regularly bathed, why shouldn’t they continue their normal routine?
IMPORTANT: Many people believe that pregnant women should not be around cats due to the risk of contracting toxoplasmosis. In reality, you just need to have someone else clean the litter box. The risk comes from cat feces, and only if the animal is infected.
In the past, it was quite common for obstetricians to restrict pregnant women’s contact with their pets, warning that they could contract diseases from them. In many cases, pets would be given away or abandoned because of this. But thanks to several studies on this topic, it has been proven that this contact only becomes a risk if the pet doesn’t receive proper care and if its living area isn’t properly cleaned.
How to Maintain Contact Safely?
If you were worried you’d have to get rid of your beloved pet because of your pregnancy, relax! Just maintain cleanliness and keep yourself healthy and everything will be fine.
Vaccinations
The first step to keeping harmony during this magical time in your life with your pet is to keep its vaccinations up to date, keep deworming in order, and provide proper food. Weekly baths, up-to-date flea prevention, and changing blankets, beddings, and cleaning where they sleep are also essential weekly tasks.
Dogs with up-to-date vaccinations and indoor cats who never go outside and only eat cooked food or specific cat food are unlikely disease transmitters; the chance is practically zero. You are more likely to catch toxoplasmosis through your own food than from contact with your pet.
Clean Environment
The second extremely important step is to keep the place where your pet defecates very clean, using bactericidal products and, preferably, wearing gloves during cleaning to avoid contact. After each cleaning of the area, hands should be thoroughly washed with soap and water.
If you want to restrict your pet from certain areas of the house, such as the baby’s room, now is the time to start training. Start gradually, closing doors, saying no, or even putting up gates can help. Doing this during pregnancy will reduce the pet’s chances of feeling jealous when the baby arrives.
IMPORTANT: Research shows that pregnant women and babies who live with pets have a reduced risk of allergies, bronchitis, and asthma.
Pets and Their “Celebrations”
Overall, the precautions are basic and simple, and the main concern is related to certain animal play near your belly. If it’s a large or heavy dog, be careful that it doesn’t knock you over during an excited “greeting” when you get home, or simply jumps onto your lap abruptly.
If you think your pet is too noisy or needs more limits to make it easier to bond with the baby and even after the baby is born, look for an animal behavior specialist who can help, advise, and even train your furry child so that everything remains and continues under your control. With the baby’s arrival, let everything flow as best as possible, without stress or jealousy, so that they become true friends!
Also read: Pets and Babies – How to Deal?
Photo: spilltojill
