Hygiene Care: Keeping Your Newborn Baby Healthy Around a Dog, Cat and Other Pets [Expert Advice]

Hygiene Care Keeping Your Newborn Baby Healthy Around a Dog, Cat and Other Pets [Expert Advice]

How To Protect Your Baby From Pet Germs – The Hygiene Tips You Need To Know

If you’re a new parent, one of your top priorities is undoubtedly keeping your baby healthy and safe. But how do you protect your little one from bacteria and other contaminants? If you have pets – whether they’re cats or dogs, birds or rabbits – there are specific hygiene tips you need to keep in mind.

Here are some expert tips on how to protect your newborn from harm, while still enjoying all the benefits of having furry friends in the house:

1. Wash your hands thoroughly, both before and after handling your pet. This is one of the most important things you can do to prevent the spread of bacteria.

2. Keep your pet’s food and water bowls clean. Wash them regularly with hot, soapy water.

3. Avoid letting your pet lick your baby’s face or hands. Saliva can contain harmful bacteria that can cause disease.

4. If you have a cat, keep its litter box clean and free of waste. Cats can carry harmful bacteria in their stool, which can be dangerous for young children.

5. Regularly clean and disinfect surfaces that your pet comes into contact with, such as floors, beds and toys.

6. Take your pet to the veterinarian regularly for check-ups and vaccinations. This will help to ensure that they are healthy and free of any potential diseases.

By following these simple tips, you can help to keep your newborn baby safe and healthy, while still enjoying all the benefits of having pets in the house.

Read on for expert advice from the pros!

This post may contain affiliate links from which I will earn a small commission at no cost to you if you make a purchase from one of my links.

6 Common mistakes people make when it comes to pet hygiene around babies

Not washing your hands after handling pets

Pets can carry all sorts of bacteria and viruses that can potentially make babies sick. Some of these include E. coli, salmonella, and even the flu virus. While it’s unlikely that your pet will actually make your baby sick, it’s still important to take precautions to prevent any potential risks.

One of the best ways to do this is to simply wash your hands after handling your pet. This will help remove any bacteria or viruses that may be on your hands and prevent them from being transferred to your baby.

Washing your hands is always going to be the best way to prevent the spread of bacteria and viruses – no matter where you are or what you’re doing. This is especially true when you’re around babies, as they have weaker immune systems and are more susceptible to getting sick.

So, if you’re handling pets around babies, be sure to wash your hands thoroughly afterwards. It’s also a good idea to keep some hand sanitizer handy in case you can’t get to a sink right away.

Not keeping pet food and water bowls clean

Another common mistake people make is not keeping their pet’s food and water bowls clean. Just like with humans, it’s important to keep food and water areas clean to prevent the spread of bacteria and illness.

Pets can pick up all sorts of bacteria from their food and water bowls – especially if they’re not cleaned on a regular basis. This bacteria can then be transferred to you and your family, which can lead to illness.

To help prevent this, it’s important to wash your pet’s food and water bowls regularly with hot, soapy water. You should also disinfect them on a regular basis, especially if your pet is sick.

Not cleaning surfaces that pets have come into contact with

Another common mistake is not cleaning surfaces that pets come into contact with. Pets can track in all sorts of bacteria on their fur and paws, which can then be transferred to your baby and your family.

To help prevent this, it’s important to regularly clean and disinfect any surfaces that your pet comes into contact with – such as floors, beds, and toys. This will help remove any bacteria or viruses that your pet may have brought in and prevent them from spreading.

Not taking pets to the vet regularly

Another common mistake is not regularly taking pets to the vet for check-ups and vaccinations. This is important because it helps to ensure that your pet is healthy and free of any potential diseases.

It’s also important to make sure that your pet is up-to-date on their vaccinations. This will help to protect them – and your family – from any diseases that they may come into contact with.

Bringing a new pet into the home without knowing its medical history

If you’re thinking about bringing a new pet into your home, it’s important to make sure that you know its medical history. This includes vaccinations, check-ups, and any potential illnesses that it may have.

This is important because it will help you to determine if the pet is at risk of spreading any diseases to you or your family. It’s also a good way to make sure that you’re taking the necessary precautions to keep everyone safe.

4 More important things you can do to keep your newborn baby and pets clean and healthy

  1. You should wash your hands after you have been around your pets and before you handle your baby. This will help to prevent the spread of germs.
  2. Wipe you and your pet’s feet: It is also important to wipe your feet after walking outside. Even better, remove your shoes at the door and wear slippers or ‘indoor shoes’ instead. This will help to keep your home clean and free from dirt and bacteria.
  3. Make sure that your dog or cat is not allowed in areas where your baby sleeps or eats. This will help to keep them away from dirt and germs.
  4. It is important to give both your newborn baby and dog a bath regularly. This will help to keep them clean and healthy.

How to deal with dog hair around your newborn baby

One of the challenges of being a new parent is learning how to deal with all the new things that come with caring for a baby. One of those things is dog hair, or glitter as we like to call it. If you have a furry friend or two at home, you might be wondering how to keep your newborn safe from all that hair.

Here are my top tips:

1. Keep your dog well-groomed. Regular brushing and bathing will help to reduce the amount of hair that your dog sheds.

2. Vacuum regularly. This will help to remove any hair that your dog and your family track around the house and into the babies room.

3. Keep your baby’s room clean and free of dust. A weekly dusting will help to keep the air quality high in your home. You can also use an air purifier like this one we have from Greenote (Buy on Amazon).

4. Never letting your dog sleep in your baby’s room. Ideally they should not be in this room at all, but that’s not often practical. Although you can use these easy pull across screens (from Amazon) which you can operate with one hand to keep your dog out. This will minimize the amount of hair that gets on your baby’s bedding and clothes.

5. When cuddling with your furry friend, make sure to put a blanket down first. This will help to prevent any hair from getting on your clothing or skin.

6. Wash your baby’s bedding regularly( at least once a week). This will help to remove any build-up of hair and keep your baby’s sleeping area clean and free of fur.

By following these tips, you can help to reduce the amount of dog hair around your newborn baby and create a safe and healthy environment for both of them to enjoy.

regularly groom your dog

What are the risks of dog hair to your baby’s breathing?

The risks of dog hair affecting your baby’s lungs and breathing ability are low, but they may include:

  • Allergic reactions. Some babies may be allergic to dog dander, which is the dead skin cells that dogs shed. This can cause symptoms like sneezing, runny nose, and watery eyes.
  • Asthma flare-ups. If your baby has asthma, being around dog hair may trigger an asthma attack. Symptoms of an asthma attack include coughing, wheezing, and difficulty breathing.

Although, science has proved that early exposure to pets and their hair, fur and dander infact LOWERS the risk of childhood asthma!

Should a newborn baby and dog sleep in the same room?

There are a few risks to consider when deciding whether or not to have your newborn baby and dog share a room. One risk is that the dog may accidentally roll over on top of the baby while they are sleeping, suffocating them. Another risk is that the dog may become too excited and jump on the baby’s crib, injuring them. There is also the potential risk for the dog to transmit diseases to the infant. Dogs can carry a variety of germs and bacteria that can cause illness in humans, including newborns. In addition, dogs can also transmit parasites such as worms to infants. While most healthy dogs pose little risk to healthy infants, it is important to speak with your pediatrician if you have any concerns.

However, there are also some benefits to having your newborn baby and dog share a room. One benefit is that the presence of the dog may help to soothe and calm the baby helping your baby feel more comfortable and secure in their new environment. Another benefit is that the dog can act as an early warning system, alerting you if something is wrong with the baby.

Studies have shown that adolescents who slept in rooms with dogs had lower levels of stress hormones than those who did not share their room with a canine companion. Additionally, infants who slept with dogs were found to sleep more soundly than those without a furry friend nearby.

Ultimately the decision of whether or not to allow your newborn baby and dog to share a room is ultimately up to you as the parent. Personally, I didn’t leave my pets sleeping in the same room as my baby. As the kids grew up they did sleep on the sofa together, or when we were camping there was nothing like a warm pooch in your sleeping bag to keep you cosy! But it is up to you, for me, the risks to my newborn were too great. So, no pets in the bedroom for us.

What dog flea treatment is safe around a newborn baby?

There are many types of flea treatment available on the market. Some are safe to use around newborn babies, and some are not so you need to choose carefully.

However there are some effective homemade remedies for keeping fleas as bay from your carpet and furnishings.

One method is to take a empty milk container and fill it half full of table salt and the other half with Borax. Shake it well to mix up the contents. Sprinkle liberally onto the surface you want to de-flea and leave it for a couple of days before vacuuming up. Remember to keep the room out of bounds for al the family including your pets during this process. And empty your vacuum cleaner afterwards into the trash bin outside your house.

Are dog germs safe for a baby?

As a new mum, you’re probably wondering about a lot of things – including whether or not it’s safe for your baby to be around dog germs. The short answer is yes, dog germs are generally safe for babies. In fact, exposure to dirt and germs is actually good for babies, as it helps them to build up their immune systems.

Of course, you’ll want to take some basic precautions, such as making sure that your dog is up to date on his vaccinations and that he doesn’t have any open wounds or sores. You should also wash your hands thoroughly after handling your dog, and before holding your baby. If you have any concerns, talk to your doctor or paediatrician.

What are the hygiene risks of pets around babies?

Pets can transmit diseases to babies in a number of ways. The most common is through direct contact, where the baby comes into contact with the pet’s saliva or faeces. This can happen if the pet licks the baby’s face or hands, or if the baby puts their hands or objects that have been in the pet’s mouth. Indirect contact can also occur, for example if the baby breathes in air that has been contaminated by the pet’s saliva or feces.

There are a few simple steps that can be taken to prevent diseases being transmitted from pets to babies. These include ensuring that all pets are up-to-date on their vaccinations, regularly cleaning and disinfecting areas where pets live and play, and washing your hands thoroughly after handling any pet products (such as food bowls or toys).

Parasites in pets that can infect babies

There are many types of parasites that can be found in pets, including:

1. Intestinal worms: These are the most common type of parasite found in pets. They can be transmitted to humans through contact with contaminated faeces. Symptoms in humans include abdominal pain, diarrhea, and nausea. Treatment is typically with a course of antibiotics.

2. Fleas: Fleas are small insects that feed on the blood of animals and humans. They can transmit diseases such as typhus and plague. Symptoms in humans include fever, chills, and body aches. Treatment is typically with a course of antibiotics.

3. Ticks: Ticks are small parasitic arachnids that attach themselves to the skin of animals and humans to feed on their blood. They can transmit diseases such as Lyme disease and Rocky Mountain spotted fever. Symptoms in humans include fever, chills, body aches, and a rash . Treatment is typically with a course of antibiotics .

4 . Mites: Mites are tiny parasitic creatures that live on the skin of animals and humans . They can cause skin irritation and sometimes lead to hair loss . In severe cases , they can cause scabies , which is a highly contagious skin condition caused by an infestation of mites. Treatment is typically with a course of antibiotics .

Pets can transmit parasites to humans through direct contact, such as petting them or being bitten by them. They can also transmit parasites indirectly, such as through contaminated feces.

Symptoms of parasitic infections vary depending on the type of parasite involved. They can range from mild to severe, and in some cases, they can be fatal. Treatment typically involves a course of antibiotics. If in doubt, contact your doctor immediately.

What are the hygiene risks of dogs around babies?

One of the biggest risks is exposure to dog saliva. Babies often put their hands or other objects in their mouths, so if they’ve been petting a dirty dog they can easily transfer bacteria from their hands to their mouths. This can lead to stomach bugs or even more serious illnesses such as meningitis. To reduce the risk, make sure your dog is well-groomed and clean, and discourage your baby from putting their hands in their mouth after petting the dog.

Another potential hazard is exposure to dog feces. Baby’s immune systems are not yet fully developed, so they are more susceptible to becoming ill if they come into contact with dog poop. Make sure you clean up after your pet immediately, and wash your baby’s hands (and anything else they may have come into contact with) thoroughly if they do happen to come into contact with any feces.

What are the hygiene risks of cats around babies? - litter box

What are the hygiene risks of cats around babies?

There are several risks associated with cats and babies. One of the most serious is the risk of toxoplasmosis. Toxoplasmosis is a disease caused by a parasite that can be found in cat faeces. It can cause serious health problems, including brain damage, in young children.

Another risk is that cats can carry bacteria that can cause infections in babies. Cats can also scratch or bite babies, which can lead to infection.

The best way to prevent these risks is to keep your cat indoors and have someone else clean the litter box. If you must allow your cat outdoors, make sure it does not have access to areas where babies play or sleep. It’s also important to regularly clean and disinfect all surfaces that your cat comes into contact with, such as floors, walls and furniture.

What are the hygiene risks of pet birds around babies?

What are the hygiene risks of pet birds around babies?

Caged birds can be lovely pets, but they do come with some risks, particularly if you have young children in the home. One of the biggest concerns is hygiene pet birds can harbor a variety of bacteria, diseases and parasites in their feathers, beak, and droppings which can be easily transmitted to humans through contact. These diseases include psittacosis (also known as “parrot fever”), avian tuberculosis, and campylobacteriosis (a bacterial infection). These bacteria can cause respiratory infections, eye infections, and gastrointestinal illnesses in people.

In addition, babies are especially vulnerable to these risks as their immune systems are not yet fully developed. For this reason, it is important to take steps to protect your family from contact with potential contaminants. This includes regular cleaning of the birdcage and surrounding area, as well as washing your hands after handling the bird or its cage. By taking these precautions, you can help to reduce the risk of disease transmission and keep your family healthy.

What are the hygiene risks of snakes around babies?

What are the hygiene risks of snakes around babies?

When you think of snakes, the first thing that probably comes to mind is their potential to deliver a deadly bite. But snakes can also pose a risk to your baby’s health in other ways. Snakes are often found in dirty environments, which means they can be carrying harmful bacteria on their skin.

If your baby comes into contact with a snake, there is a danger that these bacteria will be transferred to your baby’s skin and cause an infection. Additionally, snakes can sometimes shed their skin, leaving behind pieces that may contain harmful toxins. If your baby ingests one of these pieces, it could lead to serious health problems.

For these reasons, it is important to take precautions to protect your baby from snakes. The best way to prevent any of these risks is to simply not have snakes around babies. If you must have them in your home, make sure they are kept in a secure enclosure away from where your baby plays or sleeps. It is also important to wash your hands thoroughly after handling them or coming into contact with their skin/shed skin.

If a baby does come into contact with a snake, it is important to seek medical attention immediately as the consequences can be very serious. If the baby has been bitten, the wound should be cleaned and covered and the affected limb should be immobilised. The child should then be taken to the hospital as soon as possible for further treatment.

What are the hygiene risks of rabbits around babies?

What are the hygiene risks of rabbits around babies?

Rabbits are often considered to be clean animals, and they are typically very good at grooming themselves. However, there are still some hygiene risks to consider if you have a rabbit, particularly an indoor house rabbit, around babies.

There are a number of diseases that rabbits can carry that can be passed on to humans. These include:

Salmonella – This is a bacteria that can cause food poisoning. It can be found in the rabbit’s droppings and can be passed on to humans if they handle the rabbit or its food without washing their hands afterwards.

Ringworm – This is a fungal infection that can affect the skin, hair or nails. It is usually not serious but it can be uncomfortable and itchy. Ringworm can be passed on to humans if they come into contact with an infected rabbit or its fur.

Encephalitozoon cuniculi – This is a tiny parasite that lives in the rabbit’s gut. In most cases it does not cause any problems but in some rabbits it can damage the brain and kidneys leading to serious illness. Encephalitozoon cuniculi can be passed on to humans if they come into contact with infected urine, for example when cleaning out a hutch. The parasite then enters through the person’s skin and travels to their brain where it causes damage (encephalitis). This is very rare but it can be fatal.

How to reduce the risks:

There are a number of things you can do to reduce the risk of passing on diseases from rabbits to humans:

• Wash your hands – This is the most important thing you can do. Always wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water after handling your rabbit or cleaning out its hutch.

• Keep your rabbit healthy – A healthy rabbit is less likely to pass on any disease. Make sure you take it to the vet for regular check-ups and vaccinations.

• Keep your rabbit clean and well-groomed, and to make sure that any droppings are removed promptly.

• Avoid contact if you are pregnant or have a weakened immune system – If you are pregnant or have a weakened immune system (for example, if you are taking medication for cancer), it is best to avoid contact with rabbits altogether.

What are the hygiene risks of guinea pigs around babies?

What are the hygiene risks of guinea pigs around babies?

Guinea pigs are popular pets, especially among children. They’re small, soft and cuddly, and they don’t require as much care as some other pets.

However, guinea pigs can pose a risk to your child’s health if they’re not properly cared for. Guinea pigs can carry bacteria that can cause diarrhea and vomiting in humans. Some of the most common diseases include salmonella, Cryptosporidium, and E. coli. In addition, guinea pigs can also harbour lice and mites, which can cause skin irritation. As a result, it’s important to take precautions when handling your guinea pig and to make sure that your little one doesn’t put their hands in their mouth after coming into contact with the animal. With a bit of care and attention, you can enjoy all the benefits of owning a guinea pig without any of the risks.

It’s important to take steps to reduce the risk of your child getting sick from a guinea pig. Here are some tips:

• Wash your hands thoroughly after handling your guinea pig or anything in their cage.

• Keep their cage clean and free of waste. Change the bedding regularly and clean the cage with a pet-safe cleaner.

• Don’t let your child kiss or put their face close to the guinea pig. This could lead to them getting sick if the guinea pig has bacteria in its saliva.

What are the hygiene risks of chinchillas around babies?

What are the hygiene risks of chinchillas around babies?

While chinchillas may seem like harmless creatures, there are actually several hygiene risks associated with having them around babies. For one, chinchillas are very prone to disease and can easily pass bacteria and viruses to humans through their urine and feces. They can also shed their fur, which can contain harmful parasites that can cause health problems in young children. Chinchillas often carry a type of mite that can trigger allergies in some people.

Chinchillas can transmit a number of diseases to babies, including:

• Salmonella – This bacteria is found in the intestines of chinchillas and can be passed on to humans through contact with chinchilla feces. It can cause severe diarrhea, vomiting and fever in babies.

• Ringworm – This fungal infection is common in chinchillas and can be passed on to humans through contact with the animal’s fur. It causes a red, itchy rash on the skin.

• Cryptosporidiosis – This parasitic infection is found in the intestines of chinchillas and can be passed on to humans through contact with contaminated feces. It causes severe diarrhea and vomiting.

How to reduce the risks:

There are a number of steps you can take to reduce the risks of your baby contracting a disease from a chinchilla:

• Wash your hands thoroughly after handling the animal or coming into contact with its cage.

• Keep the chinchilla’s cage clean and free from waste.

• Avoid letting your baby put anything that has been in the chinchilla’s cage into their mouth.

Pets and Baby Hygiene FAQs

Are baby diapers toxic to dogs?

Baby diapers can be toxic to dogs. If a dog ingests the diaper’s absorbent material, it can cause problems with the digestive system. The biggest danger posed by baby diapers is the risk of gastrointestinal obstruction.  In addition, the chemicals in the diapers can be harmful if they come into contact with a dog’s skin or eyes. If you think your dog has come into contact with a diaper, it is best to contact your vet right away.

Can my dog lick my newborn?

In general it is not recommended to allow dogs to lick newborns, as there is a risk of bacteria transfer. However, if you must allow your dog to lick your newborn, be sure to clean the baby’s skin with soap and water afterwards.

How long does it take for a dog to get used to a newborn?

Typically it takes about two weeks for a dog to get used to a newborn. Some dogs may take longer, while others may take less time. Dogs are incredibly intuitive animals and will usually adjust quickly once they understand that the new arrival is part of the family.

What to do if newborn is allergic to dog

If you suspect that your newborn may be allergic to your dog, there are a few things you can do to lessen the risk of exposure and reactions. First, try to keep your dog out of the nursery as much as possible. If they must be in the same room, keep them off the furniture and away from your baby’s things. Secondly, bathe your dog regularly (preferably with a hypoallergenic shampoo) to reduce the amount of dander.

In conclusion

Keeping your newborn baby and pets clean and healthy can seem like a daunting task, but with a few simple tips, it can be easily accomplished. By washing your hands regularly, wiping your feet, keeping your pet food and water bowls clean, and taking them to the vet for check-ups, you can help to ensure that everyone in your home stays healthy.

Sarah-Jane White

Sarah-Jane White

I'm an experienced Animal Behaviourist, Trainer and Enrichment Expert from Ruffle Snuffle®. I'm also a published Author and award-winning business woman.

My goal is to help pet owners use enrichment for a happy and fulfilling life together. I do this by offering advice, games and DIY enrichment ideas that support the instinctual behaviours of your pets in safe, fun, and enriching ways every day. I have been quoted in the top media including: Newsweek, The Sunday Times, The Dodo and Country Living, to name a few . See more of my animal behaviour expertise and comments.