 There
are some common sense steps to take when it comes to either
choosing a pet for the family, or trying to adjust a family pet
to having a new baby in the house.
If you already have a cat in the house, please be aware that
cats love to settle down next to a nice warm baby to sleep.
Very often if you ban a cat from baby's room or punish it for
going near the new arrival, the cat will resent the discipline
and try even harder to gain access to this new bundle smelling
of baby powder, who takes all pussycats' lap space, previously
reserved for him alone!
There is no reason why pets and babies cannot exist in the same
house harmoniously, provided precautions are taken not to allow
animals to go too near a newborn in view of infection (dogs
should not be allowed to lick the baby) and the dangers of
suffocation should the animal settle close to the baby's face
etc. Try to remember to make a fuss of your cat or dog
when baby is around, so they are less likely to suffer feelings
of rejection, especially if you have spoiled the animal prior to
baby's arrival
 If
you have a young family and have decided a pet would be welcome,
choose sensibly. Fully matured animals of a breed known to
have a possessive nature, such as German Shepherds, Pit bull
Terriers, Welsh Collies etc, are not a brilliant idea,
especially if you have no idea of their history. If you
are choosing from the Pound there are so many smaller breeds
with gentle dispositions, such as Labradors, Retrievers and
Spaniels. A dog that dives on your children immediately
and starts trying to chew their sleeves might be comical to
watch but you are likely to have trouble with such a boisterous
nature.
It is far better to try out a gentle dog, perhaps one that is
already house-trained and obedient, especially if you have a
limited amount of time to spend training.
As for cats, beware of the growling species! Those who are
gentle by nature will always rub against your hand and purr loud
enough to hear, so listen to what you are being told!
Warnings;
Rottweilers, pit bulls,
and German Shepherds account for over fifty percent of fatal dog
bites and closely supervise children when in the presence of
animals.
Pet reptiles, including turtles, snakes and lizards,
are a common source of infection from Salmonella in children.
You should keep pet reptiles away from children under five years
old, and teach older children to wash their hands after handling
them.
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Baby
& Toddler
Safety
