Pet smarts for new parents

It doesn't take long for a new puppy or kitten to become part of the family. A bond can form quickly and you learn to accept the odd bit of misbehaving or mischief. It can be hard to believe your precious pet could harm anyone - especially a family member. Unfortunately it can and does happen. But if you think ahead, you may be able to take steps to prevent it.

Spot the clean dog

All pets should get a regular medical checkup and be up-to-date on their rabies shot. Rabies can be passed to pets living in rural and urban settings by neighborhood skunks and other wildlife. Remember cats as well as dogs can contract rabies. Make it a habit to check to be sure your pets are free from worms, ticks and fleas. Collars for ticks and fleas should not be used in homes with very young children because of poisonous chemicals that are used in many of these collars. If you give your pet a flea bath keep children away from them for a day or two.

Pregnant and breastfeeding mothers should not change kitty litter. The litter box may contain a parasite common to cats that can cause toxoplasmosis, an illness that has been linked to birth defects, miscarriages and stillbirths.

When Rover meets baby

In homes where people have pets before they have children, the pets have often been treated like children. Taking a back seat to a new baby can upset them. It makes good sense to invest some time in obedience training for Rover before bringing the new baby home. Inviting friends over with their babies or using a doll to mimic baby activities like holding and rocking them or putting the doll in the crib can also help your pet adapt to a new baby and a new routine.

When mom comes home from the hospital she should greet the dog before the baby comes in. When the dog is calm, the baby can be introduced. Allow your pet to sniff the baby, but make sure the baby's head and face are well protected by your arms.

Only allow your pet in baby's room when you are there. Cats do not suck the air of a newborn as the old wives tale suggests. They can however, cuddle up to babies and accidentally cover a little one's face. The safest move is to keep pets out of the room.

You may want to think about a screen door or safety gate to keep your animals out of the room - then you don't have to close baby's door.

Tips to protect children and pets!

• Tell your child that animals have feelings like people and should not have their tails pulled, eyes poked or be ridden (unless it's a horse).
• Teach your child to pet animals gently under the chin rather than on top of the face.
• Don't let your child tease animals.
• Never disturb a dog or cat while they are sleeping or eating.
• A dog that is tied or chained will tend to be protective of their limited territory and may snap at an approaching child.
• Do not allow a cat or a dog to sleep in the baby's room.
• Do not leave children under five alone with a dog. Most bites occur when children are left unsupervised.
• Train your dog to sit, stay, heel, come and get down to be sure you can control it when baby is around.

Report any animal bite to the health unit. Review what happened to decide whether the animal should be removed from your home.