Pregnancy is an exciting stage of life, especially if this is your first human child. If you already own a fur baby, you might wonder how it will react toward this new member. Is a newborn safe near a dog, or can it be allergic? Are you safe to be around an active dog during pregnancy?
Or don’t have a dog yet and planning to adopt one of the Trending Breeds? You may be wondering if it is a good idea to get a dog while you are pregnant.
If you have many such questions running through your head, this question-and-answer section can help you resolve all your queries.
1. Do Dogs Understand that You are Pregnant?
Some dog owners had noted that their pets had behavior changes when they got pregnant. Their dog became more caring and snuggly. These owners are sure that the dog understood and knew about the pregnancy.
While we cannot confirm if the dog knows you are pregnant, they can definitely sense that something has changed. They have a fantastic sense of smell and hearing, which means they will pick that something is different from you. Thanks to the pregnancy hormones in your body. The changes in the house also will give in some sense that something is happening. For example, you may change the dog’s routine or bring new items, like a crib.
You need to ensure your dog does not get stressed or worried. You need to be extra caring and loving towards it as this is also a significant change in its life. You can consult your vet or a behavioral expert to help the dog process these changes.
2. Is it Safe to Be Around a Dog When Pregnant?
It is not unsafe to be around the dog when pregnant if you are cautious. Especially if you have a large, playful breed dog, you must be careful. You need to consult your doctor, who will inform you about your health parameters. If the doctor suggests you need to be on bed rest, then it is better to isolate yourself from the dog for some time.
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When you walk your dog, ensure it is walk trained. If your dog pulls a lot during walks, hire a dog walker. Your dog needs to stop jumping on you when over-excited. If your dog has attended no training sessions, it is an excellent time to train it now. This will also help when the baby arrives.
You just need to take specific safety measures, and you and your dog will be safe. It is good to stay active during pregnancy; your dog will help you stay so. Getting outside with your dog to play is an excellent way for both of you to stay active. Both you and your partner can do this together, so the entire family stays physically healthy.
Just ensure that your dog’s flea and tick treatment is up to date when you are pregnant. If your dog is unwell, then take it to the vet immediately.
3. How Will Your Dog Act if You are Pregnant?
That honestly depends on your dog. Every dog is different. This also depends on the breed of your dog. They might seem more anxious around this time or quiet than usual. Your dog might not even show much difference in their behavior. In fact, use this time to help your dog adjust to the idea of a new baby in the household. The time you put in now will pay off when the baby arrives. This will make you more confident when the child comes.
If your dog looks worried or stressed about the changes around then, this is the time when you can visit a vet to understand how you can help your dog adjust to these changes. They might rule out any underlying health conditions and suggest you consult a behavioral expert.
Should You Adopt a Dog When Pregnant?
Adopting an adult dog may be tricky, as the dog needs to connect with you before understanding its temperament. Only after that can the dog act caring around you. This entirely depends on your medical condition.
You can still adopt a smaller dog breed such as Shih Tzu, but it is better to avoid adopting a larger breed that might be tough to control in your condition.
The idea of adopting a puppy is something that might seem adorable, but it also comes with many challenges. A new puppy is a more significant responsibility as you need to feed the dog at least 4 times a day, and it needs to go out several times a day. In the initial months, you will need to discipline the dog, take it for vaccinations and get it used to live in your home. Puppies are prone to infections; hence, that is an issue you might fight hard to deal with in your condition.
You must talk to your doctor about this and only get one if he or she thinks it’s a good idea. Having your partner around to help with the dog might make the process easier, but your partner needs to agree to take responsibility.
While getting a dog is a joy, it might only seem like an added responsibility when you are pregnant. It is usually a delicate time if you are in your early stages of pregnancy; hence, avoid getting a dog in the first trimester. On the other hand, if you are in the later stages of pregnancy, wait for the baby to arrive before you reconsider adopting the dog. This helps the dog get used to the house with the baby there, which is better as it accepts it from the start.
The Bottom Line:
We have seen several families suddenly changing their attitude toward their pets after the arrival of a baby. They considered their dog their baby earlier, but now, as they have a new baby, they might just downgrade the dog’s position in the family. This is not how it should be. Adding a family member does not mean you need to remove another. Your dog needs to remain a valued family member throughout pregnancy and beyond. If you have specific concerns about the pet, you can work around them and consult an expert to seek help. Get your dog trained well in advance to make this transition easier.
