Dogs, Babies, & Germs: How to Keep your Home Safe

Here’s what new parents need to know about dogs, babies, & germs to keep their newborn safe and healthy. It’s natural to wonder: Is it safe to have a dog around a newborn? What about germs? Can babies and dogs really live together harmoniously?

The good news is: There are very few concerns when it comes to dogs, babies, & germs, and most of them can be taken care of with a quick trip to the vet. This post contains the precautions you can take to keep your baby and dog safe and happy together.

1. Start With Good Hygiene Habits

While dogs and babies both bring joy, they also come with their own share of mess. Keep germs in check by sticking to these hygiene basics:

Wash hands after handling your dog, especially before feeding or touching your baby.
Clean paws when your dog comes in from outside. Especially important if you’ve been to the park, walked on city sidewalks, or visited places with other animals. (Doggy shoes can help keep germs off your floor).
Disinfect toys and surfaces regularly. Dog toys and baby toys should be kept separate.

a dog and a person wearing boots. Dogs can pick up germs on their paws from walking outside.

2. Stay on Top of Vet Visits

If you are concerned about dogs, babies, & germs the first thing to do is to talk to your vet. The vet can help you make sure the dog stays up to date on vaccinations, parasite prevention, and regular checkups. They will also be able to tell you if there are any extra precautions you should take in your area.

Some doggy illnesses (like Giardia, ringworm, and certain parasites) can be transmitted from dogs to humans, especially small children with developing immune systems.

Note: Most dog diseases can’t be transmitted to humans, but always check with your vet if your dog starts showing symptoms!

3. Prepare Your Dog for Baby’s Arrival

Dogs should leave the new baby alone when asked, whether for health reasons or physical safety concerns. That’s one reason why practicing obedience skills is important for dogs and babies. Start making small changes before the baby comes home:

Play recordings of baby sounds so your dog can get used to crying, cooing, and gurgling.
Practice walking with a stroller.
Reinforce basic commands like “leave it,” “stay,” and “go to your bed.”

Find more about introducing your dog and baby!

a dog watches a new mother giving her baby a bottle.

4. Clean Spaces

Take note of the places where bacteria can grow. One example would be your dog’s potty area. Clean up solids quickly, and consider teaching your dog to do their business in a separate part of the yard from where the baby will play. Other areas where germs can grow include:

Water bowl
Food dish
Dog toys
Beds and sleeping areas

Keep your baby out of these spaces, and clean them regularly to keep away germs.

Note: feeding raw can increase the risk of your dog coming into contact with bacteria that can be harmful to children. Learn more here.

5. Be Mindful of What Goes in Baby’s Mouth

Babies and dogs both explore the world mouth-first. Dog hair, food, and toys can all wind up in your baby’s mouth (and dogs may snatch the baby’s toys).

Vacuum regularly to minimize pet hair on floors and soft surfaces.
Keep your dog’s food up outside of meal times, and don’t let baby crawl near water bowls.
Watch for mouthing dog toys. Many are made with materials that aren’t baby-safe.

Keep It All in Perspective

Yes, dogs, babies, & germs can be a source of concern for new parents, but the risk of harm is small. Healthy babies don’t need to completely avoid their furry friends for fear of germs. In fact, exposure to some germs in early childhood can help build a stronger immune system.

Studies have shown that kids who grow up with pets have lower rates of allergies and asthma. Growing up with a dog has countless health benefits for children.

As long as you’re practicing good hygiene and paying attention to safety, your dog and baby can both benefit from a beautiful bond that lasts a lifetime.