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Pets in the family

6-minute read

Key facts

  • Research has shown that children who have pets get many benefits.
  • While pregnant, think about how your baby will change things for your pet.
  • Young children need to learn how to look after your pets.

What to consider before getting a pet?

Owning a pet can be fun for both you and your child.

However, there are many things to think about before you get a pet. These include:

Looking after a young animal can be time consuming and expensive.

Adding a pet to your family should never be an impulsive decision. Your local vet may be able to help you choose a pet to suit your family.

What are the benefits of pets?

Research has shown that children who have pets get many benefits.

Pets and pregnancy

If your family already includes a pet, you will need to help them adjust to having a baby in your home.

Some things you can try to do while you’re pregnant, are:

Think about how you are going to care for your pet once your baby arrives. When your baby arrives, will this change:

If so, make these changes before your baby is born.

Animals are sensitive to changes in your family. They read our body language so will be aware that something is happening. Thinking about it in advance might help your pet adjust.

Cats and pregnancy

Toxoplasmosis is an infection that can cause serious problems during pregnancy. It’s caused by a common parasite that can be caught by:

To lower your risk of infection:

If you need to change the kitty litter yourself:

Dogs and pregnancy

If you are pregnant and have a dog, try to make sure it can walk on a lead.

Exercise your dog regularly to stop it getting bored. Bored dogs can mean trouble, especially if they’re used to a more active lifestyle. Regular attention will reduce the chance of jealousy problems.

Teach your dog if any rooms in your house are going to be off-limits when your baby arrives. Also, consider training your dog to stop jumping or barking.

Pets and babies

Here are some basic rules to follow if you have both a baby and a pet:

Your baby and your pet

You must supervise all contact between your pets and your baby. If you need to leave the room, take either your pet or your baby with you.

Teach young children about pets

Young children might love animals, but they don’t know how to look after them unless you teach them what to do.

Teach your children not to approach an animal when it’s:

It’s also a good idea to teach your child to always ask before patting someone else’s dog.

Teach your child to be gentle with pets. If they are gentle, most pets will be gentle in return. Remember to also praise your pets when they’re interacting with your child.

Teach your child to wash their hands before eating — especially if they’ve been playing with your pet. They should also learn not to allow pets to lick their faces.

Older children and pets

When your child is old enough, encourage them to take part in caring for your pets. This can be:

Illnesses from pets

Children can get health problems from pets, such as:

Here are some tips on how to make this less likely:

Animals and allergies

Allergies to pets are a common cause of asthma and allergic rhinitis (hay fever).

The main source of allergen is in:

Cat allergen can remain in your house for up to 6 months.

Allergies to rabbits, guinea pigs and birds aren’t as common as cat and dog allergies.

If your child is allergic to your pet, you may have to find it a new home.

Your doctor will be able to answer your questions about animals and how they can share your home.

Sick pets

See a vet if your pet is sick. Your vet will tell you if your pet has an illness that your child can catch.

Most pet infections aren’t passed on to humans.

Resources and support

Read the Responsible Pet Ownership Education Program booklet “We Are Family”.

Speak to a maternal child health nurse

Call Pregnancy, Birth and Baby to speak to a maternal child health nurse on 1800 882 436 or video call. Available 7am to midnight (AET), 7 days a week.

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Need further advice or guidance from our maternal child health nurses?

Need further advice or guidance from our maternal child health nurses?

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