I can love my baby and my pet at the same time
admin 2013年1月11日 23:44
Pregnancy and Pets
There are many myth and misunderstandings about keeping pets during pregnancy and with a newborn. Despite what uninformed though well-meaning family members or friends may say, there is no need to give away your pet during pregnancy or with a newborn. In fact, pet owners are better prepared as parents because of the added responsibilities of caring for their pets 24/7. For those pet owners who had to clean up after their pets spilled drinks on the carpet, made a mess in the kitchen, woke you up in the middle of the night: Congratulations: You are already a step ahead in preparation for a new child!
It is right to be concerned and careful in preparing a home for a newborn, and that preparation includes physical changes as well as attitude and habit changes to make it a smooth and safe transition for people and pet.
What is toxoplasmosis?
Toxoplasmosis is a parasite that cats and other animals can carry and excrete in their feces and that can be harmful to your baby during your pregnancy (especially in the first trimester). Risks of toxoplasmosis is low with indoor pets. Other sources of toxoplasmosis include:
- Consuming fish or meat that is raw or undercooked
- Consuming unpasturized milk products
- Eating fruits and vegetables that is raw or undercooked
- Touching feces of infected animals
- Touching soil or dirt that is infected
How to limit exposure to toxoplasmosis during pregnancy?
- Assign someone else to clean after pets and clean the litter box
- Wear gloves when cleaning out the litter box
- Clean litter box and pet food dishes daily
- Do not sleep with your pet
- Do not allow your pet to wander outdoors
- Do not allow your pet to catch mice
- Do not kiss your pet
- Feed your pet store bought petfood or cooked food
- Wear gloves while gardening and have separate gloves for gardening and dishwashing
- Get your pets updated on all vaccines and regular checkups
Preparing your pet for a newborn:
- Consider taking your pet to an obedience training class
- Consider exposing your pet to babies and young kids in a controlled environment. Have your pet on a leash while being introduced to babies and children.
- If your pet sleeps with you on the same bed, time to find a separate bed for your pet.
- Consider separate eating areas and your pet should not be allowed to eat at the dining table or kitchen counter.
- After the baby is born, bring a blanket or onesie with the baby's scent home from the hospital for the pet to smell. Do not allow the pet to chew on the baby item!
- NEVER leave your baby alone with your pet unsupervised even in the next room. The most gentle of a pet can be unpredictable and their way of being playful may not be good for the baby. At the same time, a baby's sudden movements or cries can be unnerving for a pet causing it to act out of character.
Relax and enjoy pregnancy bliss with your pet!