Dogs and kids....

[PinkMartini]

So I just got back from visiting a friends house and saw something I've never seen before. So of course I had to get on here and see what you ladies thought....

If you have a dog, how close do you let it get to your baby?

My friend has 2 dogs and they were all over the baby. She let her dogs carry around the baby's toys in their mouths (not chew on them, but play with them); slobber all over the baby (major kisses); sleep/roll all over the baby's blanket; ect... She showed me a picture of when her DD was just born, she had 1 of her dogs actually 'sitting' in her DD's bouncy seat (they're toy breeds). Her daughter is 4 months old, btw.

I have 3 dogs and they aren't even allowed in my DS' room. I read that overexposure to pet hair & dander can cause allergies later in life. My dogs were all introduced to my DS when he was first brought home from the hospital, and they are fine around him, but I know where my dogs mouths have been. I wouldn't let them slobber all over him.

Thoughts? Am I crazy for thinking it was a bit much?

[lady1297]

We have a lab and she is around the kids all the time. She's licked the baby's head a few times, though not by our 'permission'. Blankets and toys are not places she can be, although if the baby isn't on them, she will lay down on them. I just pick them up and get new ones. Toys are a serious No-No. Like I've thrown out stuff that she's tried to chew or slobbered on.

Your friend sounds really lax. I wouldn't be that way at all, personally.

[Jaycee]

I'm pretty lax. I have 2 big dogs and I guess I just don't think of them or their slobber as dirty. I was definitly a little more anal when she was a newborn, but DD is 16 months old now and she loves playing with the dogs and if they lick her face or her toys I have no problem with it as long as she doesn't :)

[PinkMartini]

Yea, I can definitely see a child over the age of -say- 1 year old getting more 'involved' with the animals, but I don't know... 4 months old seems too young to be drooled on, ect. When the dogs got done playing with her toys, I didn't even see her cleaning them off.

[andrew&shannah]

I'm sorry, you may not mean it that way, but you sound a little judgemental about the way your friends and the way they let their dogs interact with their child. :( As long as the dogs are hurting the baby, what difference does it make how close they let their dogs?
I am having a baby in August and do not plan to limit my dogs interaction with my child. I don't think my dog (or her slobber, mouth, etc) is gross now. Why would that change when I have a baby?
Also, FWIW, my parents did exactly as you described with their dogs when I was a baby and the only thing I "got" from that later in life is a love of animals...no allergies or anything.

[Sue]

We don't have kids yet :) , but since we have 3 cats and 3 dogs I'm always interested in real life interactions between kids and pets... I think I would draw the line with playing with the toys and cleaning them if they did get a hold of them.

But what caught my eye was the statement regarding kids, pets and allergies. I'd be interested to read the info that kids are more susceptible to allergies. All the info I have read has said the opposite...
http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2002/08/27/earlyshow/health/health_news/main519978.shtml

[EJM]

Our dog isn't allowed to play with our DD's toys, but it has happened. I do try to clean it off after I catch the dog with it. Our dog licks everyone, so as long as she isn't near the baby's mouth we let lick the baby if she wants. We brush her teeth regularly and bathe her frequently. DD hugs our dog each night before bed, I'm thrilled they get along so well!

I am not as lax as your friend, but one of our dog's favorite nap spots is the glider in DD's room.

[moderngal]

Actually, studies show that exposure to animals (2 dogs or cats- as pets in the home) in the 1st year of life decreases the risk of developing allergies later.

And yes, my dogs (2 large mixed breeds) are allowed in DS's room. In fact his room is one of their favorite places to sleep. I also allow close contact (lots of hugging and petting) and occasional slobber kisses. I see nothing wrong with it- dogs have cleaner mouths than humans anyway.

My son *loves* his doggies and they love him right back. We've taught him to be gentle with animals and we're now teaching him to give treats to them, too. His first word was "doggie." Responsible pet ownership is something that needs to be taught and I don't think it can be taught too early.

[PinkMartini]

Actually, studies show that exposure to animals (2 dogs or cats- as pets in the home) in the 1st year of life decreases the risk of developing allergies later.

Good to know. I don't remember where I read what I did so I'm not sure how accurate a source it was...

dogs have cleaner mouths than humans anyway.

That, I've read is a myth though... I think it was on snopes :confused:

And yea, I might be a bit judgmental on how my friend lets her dogs act around her baby. I see it as a bit much, and wanted to see what others thought. I definitely don't intend on shielding my DS from my dogs, I hope he grows up with them as his best friends... But at this age, slobber showers are a bit much, IMO...

ETA: Nope, not on snopes... Yahoo

http://ask.yahoo.com/20060906.html

[Scooter]

I don't limit DD's exposure to our dog. She gets licked on the face or hands on a daily basis. 1/2 the time she's seeking out the dog's attention. They really love each other already. Two of DD's first words were the dog's name and "oof oof" (woof).

We certainly set limits on the dog, though. Toys are off-limits, they each have their own toy boxes in the front room so we can redirect either one. I think the dog needs to know her place in the pack, just as DD needs to learn to respect animals & not touch the food bowl, toys, or hurt/pull on the dog.

[maxandmolly]

I think it depends a lot on the dog involved, as it would the child involved. Not all dogs want to lick, not all kids can take a dog licking them. I think as long as the dog respects the baby as part of the pack (I've been watching the Dog Whisperer, and it shows), licking/slobbering/etc isn't a big deal.

[ihearttx]

I personally think it's totally gross especially when you think of all the things the dog lick/eat during the day. Blech!

[Chimichanga]

DD is 7.5 months old and she is around our lab all the time. He actually will steer clear of DD. He doesn't mind her (he doesn't growl or bark at her) but he doesn't go out of his way to be around her.

Our dog does give her the occassional kisses and will lick her feet. We won't let him lick her hands. He steers clear of her toys, but she always grabs at his. ;)

[AlisonCO]

I do think that it is irresponsible to not set any boundaries when it comes to kids and pets. If these dogs are allowed to carry the kids toys around, it could become a big issue later when the kid can move to get them back. I too would be a bit grossed out to see a dog licking a baby - one lick would be OK, over and over is gross - the kid can't really do anything about it at that age.

Our dogs are not allowed around the kids while they eat and vice versa and I try to keep the kids from trying to hand them things. I am fine with them in their rooms as I too heard that more exposure early on can prevent some allergies (I have tons of animal allergies.)

[EJH]

Our dog is our DD's best friend. Sure, we have rules, the dog doesn't touch DD's toys. But our dog is fantastic with our DD (Now 19 months). Lulu was one of DD's first words. We raised our rescue dog from 5 weeks and she can have any hair touched or pulled and she won't raise an eye. Guidelines and boundaries are important, however, if you set a complete divide between your child and your animals, you are asking for trouble.

[Marisa]

PM - maybe you're thinking of food allergies? Repeated exposures to allergens in food can cause a reaction later as the person becomes sensitized to the allergen, even if they do not react with the first exposure.

[PinkMartini]

PM - maybe you're thinking of food allergies? Repeated exposures to allergens in food can cause a reaction later as the person becomes sensitized to the allergen, even if they do not react with the first exposure.

LoL Maybe... I'm telling you, with my crazy preggo brain, these days, nothing is sacred :o

[Jane&Andy]

The only limits we have are for safety more than hygiene. I have a 70lb golden retriever who thinks he's still a puppy. He loves DS (1yr old) but is just too enthusiastic - he'll knock him over, step on him and steal and destroy his toys. We're working on all that but in the meantime he is generally confined to the kitchen when DS is awake. He does get to hang out while DS eats and therefore he eats fairly well. :rolleyes: And DS loves to throw toys over the babygate separating the two of them.

Now that the weather is improving they are having more playtime together outside.

I have no problem with him licking DS. And DS loves it. And early exposure to animals is definitely better for him from the allergy standpoint (we have 3 cats too).

[moderngal]

If you read all the way through that bit about a dog's mouth it says:
So, if a dog were to lick a person, most of the germs wouldn't transfer. "Bottom line -- you're more likely to get a serious illness from kissing a person than kissing a dog."
So baby is better off getting doggie kisses than mommy kisses in terms of germs. Their mouth isn't "cleaner" per se, but there is less risk of infection and germs than (general) you think there is.

This is the citation for a great article/ study about babies and animal allergies:
Ownby DR. Exposure to dogs and cats in the first year of life and risk of allergic sensitization at 6 to 7 years of age. JAMA - 28-Aug-2002; 288(8): 963-72

Here's a link to it from the AAP:
AAP article (http://pediatrics.aappublications.org/cgi/content/full/112/2/S1/454-a?maxtoshow=&HITS=10&hits=10&RESULTFORMAT=&fulltext=ownby&andorexactfulltext=and&searchid=1&FIRSTINDEX=0&sortspec=relevance&resourcetype=HWCIT)

[karlatta]

I think it entirely depends on the dog and the child.

We have a very large English Shepherd (70 pounds?) who is a very jealous dog. And not just with the baby - she gets jealous even if I go sit next to DH on the couch and he talks to me. She has not taken well to the baby and we don't let them be in the same room at all. (If they are both inside, they are separated by either a door or a baby gate.) From day one, our large dog has growled and snarled any time she sees the baby. Strangely, though, she's fine with our 9 year old, who came to live with us at the same time as the baby. They play together all the time.

However, we also have a 25 pound Border Collie mix, and he and DS play together all the time. The dog knows not to play with DS's toys, so instead they both play with the dog's toys. I think it's cute, and my dog is so, so gentle with the baby. I'm glad they get along so well. When DS tries to take a toy out of the dog's mouth, the dog either just stands there and lets him try or simply walks away. I have an awesome series of pictures from this evening of DS trying to take a ball out of the dog's mouth. The first is the dog with the ball, then DS reaching for the ball, then DS with the ball in his hands. I don't let them sleep together, but that's more because I don't want the dog 1) barking and waking DS up, or 2) peeing in the bedroom during the night (he tends to have accidents if he doesn't sleep in our room).

ETA: DS is 10.5 months old. I only started letting him play with the smaller dog a month or so ago.

[Bloomwood]

I think it depends on the dog as well. We have a complete anti-alpha (beta?) lab. She was the runt of a preemie litter as well as another litter that was born at the same time. She has no idea how to not be submissive - even to our 10.5 month old. We never had to teach the dog not to play with DD's toys; she just figured it out. DD on the other hand hasn't quite learned that so we do a lot of redirecting. DD gets lots of kisses and even though I try to limit them all, sometimes she even gets French kisses. I know, gross. I don't want French kisses from my dog.

Anyway, DD will very often crawl up to the dog. I try to teach her to be gentle and show her how to "pet" the dog. The dog will just take it and if she has had enough will find another place in the room to lie. Just last week DD started saying mama, dada and the dog's name. It is so cute. I'm thrilled she has this non-human being to grow up with loving and I can't wait til the day I see them snuggled together.

Of course, I'm sure I'll have to deal with teaching DD that she can't approach just any dog or animal as they're not all as nice as our labbie.

[mommydearest]

We have a Rott-Lab mix. She's around the baby and sniffs her head, esp. if she is crying. Every once in awhile, the dog licks her, but I try to not let her do it. The dog is not allowed to touch the baby toys and doesn't even try. I do have a hard time keeping her off the baby's blankets if I lay them on the floor. If I catch the dog on it, I wash it and get a fresh one for the baby. But, IMO, kids are going to get dirty and I don't stress about it. I'm sure when she is much bigger, she'll be hanging all over the dog.

[chandy]

We don't allow our dog to lick or kiss anyone, including our kids. But, they are free to interact together in every other way. We never had to worry about our dog playing with baby toys...she doesn't even like dog toys. Is that normal? I've never heard of another dog that doesn't like toys!

[lil_nance]

ITA with what others have said about guidelines. Our dog (35lb mix breed) is not allowed to play with DS's toys. DS is not allowed near our dog when she has food. She tends to avoid him but they will sometimes play together. Currently, he likes "chasing" her. Our dog is not a licker but I have no problem with DS being kissed by a dog even when he was younger. Repeated licking can get excessive and at that point I think the dog needs to be redirected/trained whether they are licking a baby or adult.

[steviem]

When DS was a newborn, we wouldn't let our dogs get too close, nor would we allow them to lick him or play with DS's toys, sit on his blankets, etc. We were mainly afraid that they would hurt him, simply because of their size and clumsiness and we were "afraid" of germs when he was brand new.

Now that DS is 9 months, we are way more relaxed. We still do not let them play with his toys, and I make sure they don't knock him over, but we do let them get close and they lick him like crazy. DH is a bit mor liberal with the licks then I am.... I tend to wipe his face/hands after they lick him but it doesn't freak me out in anyway.

Seeing the dogs and DS interact is one of my favorite things. It melts my heart when he gets so excited to see his dogs. It is really sweet.

[blondegirl]

I"m probably going to get alot of gasps for this, but we have an 11 yr old pit bull. My kids crawl all over her, sit on the floor with her, yank on her tail. She is such a teddy bear, wouldn't hurt a flea. When both kids were babies, she'd sit by their chairs, sleep by their cribs, go over to them if they were crying. She knows not to touch the kids toys, and of course we don't let the kids near the dog if she's eating. The dog gives occassional kisses, like if she hasn't seen the kids in a few hours, but it's not an all the time thing.
http://farm1.static.flickr.com/176/436320476_14955c26ee.jpg?v=0

[andrew&shannah]

blondegirl - I think that is adorable! Kudos to you for keeping your dog as part of your family :)

[Sue]

blondegirl - I think that is adorable! Kudos to you for keeping your dog as part of your family :)

Me too! One of our 3 dogs is a pit bull, so no gasps here :D I wish I had gotten a picture of my 3 yo niece sticking her finger in Rory's nose and her just laying on her back wagging her tail. Rory is the best with kids out of our 3. Great picture and beautiful dog!

[EJH]

blondegirl,

Great picture!! Pit bulls get such a bad wrap, and most of them are such wonderful wonderful dogs.

[EJH]

DD was just about 1 here...she loves to cuddle up with the dog. We often call the dog St. Lucy because she's so gentle with Arden. Arden is very good about being gentle with Lucy but we do have to remind her. Then she gives Lucy a kiss...Lulu is truly her favorite living thing.

http://i37.photobucket.com/albums/e61/GdssLilith/August053.jpg

http://i37.photobucket.com/albums/e61/GdssLilith/August052.jpg

[tgal]

We have been extremely lax with our yellow lab ever since dd was brought home from the hospital. Our lab is not even close to being an alpha dog though. At first, she wanted nothing to do with the baby, so we had no worries about that. Now, she definitely protects Eva more than anything. And gasp, we do allow kisses, but they are not frequent! We actually have to watch the baby because all she wants to do is grab the dogs tail and ears or play with her dog tags. The only toys the dog bothers with from time to time are dd's balls, which are easy to rinse off.

The thing that bothered me most was the dog shedding year round. I would sweep all the time when dd was crawling, but after about a month I gave up. It wasn't worth the time and energy.

[jh124]

When I read the original post, I really got my panties bunched. Several people have posted since then and have made the points I would have (OP allergy theory is wrong, she's a BIT judgemental, etc.)

Your friend's house, dogs, child is really nothing to concern you. Your friend knows her dogs and their temperments, and seems comfortable with the arrangement. Not all dogs are cut out for homes like that, but some are. As a mom-to-be, it is your job to set the rules for your dogs/child/home.

We are responsible parents and pet owners. We have strict rules for our dogs that work well for us. You probably wouldn't like me or my dogs, and would gasp in horror at the amount of dog hair and dander that covers the carpet and furniture. That's fine, I can live with it. You can do whatever you want at your house.

[ManteoChik]

Not a mom, but we're a lab family and the dogs LOVE kids. We just had four boys all under the age of 5 over for Christmas and they wore our 2 year old black lab out so much that she finally went and put herself to bed...lol. She is very easy going and can't stop wagging her tail when around kids. Those boys sat all over her, rolled around with her, kissed and hugged her, covered her with doggie toys, ect.. She smiled and wagged the whole time. In fact, if they weren't following her around the house she was following *them* around the house. We taught all our dogs from a very early age how to behave around children. We started very early working with their food bowl. Any person, no matter the age, could go up to our dog and stick their hand in her food bowl or take it away and she would do nothing. Same thing goes for taking her bones or toys away. She really could care less.

One of the youngest family memeber, Kate, loves the doggies and says that she wants to be a vet when she grows up...lol. These are from Christmas, she LOVES to snuggle with the dogs.

(Posted with mom's permission)
Kate and the 12 year old, Missy
http://photos-087.ak.facebook.com/ip002/v15/147/11/53501072/n53501072_30094087_5727.jpg

Getting a kiss from Teaser, who is 3....and they are laying on her new sleeping bag...right after this picture, Kate went to get Teaser a pillow so, "he would be more comfortable"...lol.
http://photos-085.ak.facebook.com/ip002/v15/147/11/53501072/n53501072_30094085_4922.jpg

We're a big dog household, but Kate has a small dog at her house and he's never been a problem - he's always been allowed to play with her.

[daisysue62]

We have a cocker spaniel and she's not a licker so that's never been a problem. She knows she's not allowed to play with DD's toys (she's tried but we nipped that in the bud way early) so that's not an issue. We've never limited DD's exposure to our animals (also have a long haired cat) and I've heard that early exposure to animals can actually help decrease the chance of allergies later on. Who knows which is right!

Our dog was somewhat miffed at us when we first brought DD home and gave the baby a ton of space. I used to pick her up and bring her to the animals when she was really little to get them used to each other and she puked on the dog once. Ever since then she's been VERY leary of the baby! Now that DD is a toddler she gives the dog and cat hugs and loves to "play" with them. Our cat is awesome and doesn't bat an eye when DD climbs all over her and plays with her tail. We are in the process of teaching DD to be gentle with the animals (a hard concept for a 20 month old) but I love that neither of our animals get defensive with her.

I think it's great that DD loves our animals :)

[PinkMartini]

Your friend's house, dogs, child is really nothing to concern you.

Well no, actually it WAS a concern of mine, as I was thinking about having her watch my DS.

Thanks for the replies ladies, and the cute photos :) Glad to know I'm not the only one who doesn't want my dog who's just licked it's genitals to slobber all over my DS' face. Hell, I don't even let our dogs lick MY face...

Responsible pet ownership is a huge priority for us but since my DS barely knows what a dog is at this point, it's safe to say it can wait a little longer ;)

[Bloomwood]

I love all the photos. I wanted to add a couple of my girls!
getting to know each other.
http://i55.photobucket.com/albums/g132/bloomwood/twogirls.jpg
4th of July
http://i55.photobucket.com/albums/g132/bloomwood/IMG_0733.jpg
cracking up at getting her feet tickled/licked:
http://i55.photobucket.com/albums/g132/bloomwood/IMG_1609.jpg

[andrew&shannah]

Glad to know I'm not the only one who doesn't want my dog who's just licked it's genitals to slobber all over my DS' face. Hell, I don't even let our dogs lick MY face...


I think you should go back and read some of the posts in this thread that don't support your thoughts. You will find that this is a ridiculous notion as there is less transmission of germs from a dog to your baby than there is when you kiss your child.
Are you planning to stop giving your child kisses? What about letting your child play with another child's toys that are no doubt covered in slober or at the very least been in a child's mouth?
I'm glad responsible pet ownership is a huge priority. I would suggest learning what being a responsible pet owner actually means though because from your recent posts on this subject it doesn't sound like you get it.

ETA: I understand that not everyone loves dogs or even thinks that a dog should be licking, giving kisses, etc. That's personal opinion However, perpetuating myths about a dog's licking is irresponsible. And then to go and judge another family for doing something they see as natural with their dog and child is judgemental and ridiculous. If you (general you) think that dogs are so gross or don't belong interacting with other family members, why have one?

[PinkMartini]

I'm glad responsible pet ownership is a huge priority. I would suggest learning what being a responsible pet owner actually means though because from your recent posts on this subject it doesn't sound like you get it.

Because I don't want my dog to lick my 5 month old DS' face, I'm suddenly an irresponsible pet owner??? WTF? Talk about being judgemental... I could care less if a dog's germs don't pass on to a human, the thought grosses me out. Please explain to me how I'm irresponsible...

[lady1297]

*hijack* ejh-where did you get the dog pillow? I love it!

[andrew&shannah]

Because I don't want my dog to lick my 5 month old DS' face, I'm suddenly an irresponsible pet owner??? WTF? Talk about being judgemental... I could care less if a dog's germs don't pass on to a human, the thought grosses me out. Please explain to me how I'm irresponsible...

I was actually editing my post while you posting this apparently.

I don't think not allowing your dog to lick you child is irresponsible. For one, I don't see how you continue to think that a dog licking you is gross but yet I'm sure you kiss your husband and child. What is so gross about that the dog that the other interactions lack? If it is so gross, why do you have a dog?
I think you are being irresponsible because you are spreading false information about a dog (mouth, dander, etc). In addition, I think, by keeping your dog and child so completely separate, you are setting them both up for problem later when your child does know what a dog is. For example:
I have 3 dogs and they aren't even allowed in my DS' room
Were your dogs allowed in this room before? If so, you suddenly shutting them off from a place in your house that used to be free reign isn't so responsible. It's one thing to teach your dogs that there is a new pack member they need to respect (i.e. they have been moved to a lower place in the pack) but it's another thing to basically punish them when the new pack member arrives by limiting the places they are allowed to go that weren't previously off limits.

[ManteoChik]

Bloomwood - Those pictures are TOO cute. I just love the last one. My best friends are also a lab family and when their DD was about that age she used to LOOOVE getting her feet licked by the dog. She likes to walk over to the dog, lay on the floor, and put her feet in the air so the dog would lick them.

[andrew&shannah]

Bloomwood - the last one is so cute (well, they all are!). I just love your daughter's face of sheer delight :)

[lawphil]

I can't believe I am getting involved in this conversation but...

PinkMartini - I don't think she was saying that you are irrisponsible but that your implication that a pet licking a childs face is irrisponsible is wrong and that if you are going to make responsible pet ownership a priority you should maybe do a better job of understanding what that means.

It is fine if it grosses you out and that is a legitimate reason *for you* to not allow it. However, it is not irrisponsible or wrong for other people to allow their pets to lick their kids faces.
-----
On a happier note,

I love seeing all of these pics and hearing all of these wonderful stories about pets and children bonding. Our lab will be 1 1/2 when our dc is born and we absolutely love and adore him and want to continue to incorporate him into our family. I am glad to hear that so many people have been so successful at doing that. Our lab is a little more alpha than some that have been described so we are definitely going to have to work on defining the boundaries a little bit...I can't imagine him understanding that some toys are not for him!

[AlisonCO]

For one, I don't see how you continue to think that a dog licking you is gross but yet I'm sure you kiss your husband and child. What is so gross about that the dog that the other interactions lack? If it is so gross, why do you have a dog?


Personally I think that licking (more than a couple of times) is gross and I do not like my DH to lick my face either. It doesn't really have to do with germs - there just is alot of wetness/drool when a big dog licks you while there is just a little bit of drool when DH kisses me;) I can't stand when I go to someones house and their dog is all over me with their tongue - it shows me that the owner has little control over the dog. My husband sometimes goes to peoples homes for appointments and often they let their dogs lick him and jump up on him etc while he is wearing a suit and tie - it is crazy. Also I get hives when certain kinds of dogs lick me (labs, retrievers etc.) I love my dogs very much and they are very much a part of the family, but I don't need to have their saliva all over me to have them and love them!!!

It is fine if it grosses you out and that is a legitimate reason *for you* to not allow it. However, it is not irrisponsible or wrong for other people to allow their pets to lick their kids faces.


Yes, but I don't like the implication that not allowing licking equals not loving pets.

[andrew&shannah]

PinkMartini - I don't think she was saying that you are irrisponsible but that your implication that a pet licking a childs face is irrisponsible is wrong and that if you are going to make responsible pet ownership a priority you should maybe do a better job of understanding what that means.

It is fine if it grosses you out and that is a legitimate reason *for you* to not allow it. However, it is not irrisponsible or wrong for other people to allow their pets to lick their kids faces.

Thanks, lawphil, you definite said it 1000 times better than I could!

[Sue]

*hijack* ejh-where did you get the dog pillow? I love it!

I think I remember seeing it at petedge.com

[AlisonCO]

on a happier note - my own cute pics:):

http://www.allsam.com/JAN2007/images/013107_06.jpg


http://www.allsam.com/JULY2004/images/13July04_16.jpg

[Michelle]

It was really important to us to make sure that there was a bond between the dog and DD right from the start. Connor (my dog) is actually very protective of Madison and loves to cuddle with her. I'm okay with it. I try to keep him from licking her hands because those go right in her mouth but I let her pet him and cuddle with him. We are now trying to show her how to 'pet' Connor and not reach and grab. Poor Connor has some painful times ahead of him with those grabby hands, I'm sure!

Here are two pictures of the two of them together. As you can tell, he loves his little sister! :)
http://farm1.static.flickr.com/143/377758281_7a132d7fce_m.jpg

http://farm1.static.flickr.com/128/337063214_126909b022_m.jpg

[andrew&shannah]

Yes, but I don't like the implication that not allowing licking equals not loving pets

I am clearly not explaining myself very well and I apologize. I don't think that not allowing licks automatically equals not loving your pets. Thinking the idea of a pet licking you (and yes some dogs are overzealous with the licking but that tends to the be exception not the rule) being totally gross does kind of make me wonder because it's really no secret that dogs lick.
Licking isn't the only thing referenced here though. It's also been mentioned that the dogs aren't allowed in the child's room, near the child at the extreme, etc. When the interaction between pet and human (child or otherwise) becomes so limited and restricted, I do question why someone has a pet.
Maybe I'm overly sensitive because a) I think of my dog as a family member and not just a dog and b) I've heard about/seen way too many pets who were their owner's whole world get cast aside or even taken to shelters because a child came into the picture.

[PinkMartini]

For one, I don't see how you continue to think that a dog licking you is gross but yet I'm sure you kiss your husband and child. What is so gross about that the dog that the other interactions lack?

My DS and DH don't lick me when they kiss me. DS doesn't even know how to kiss yet. My DH & DS also don't lick their asses and genitals...

I think you are being irresponsible because you are spreading false information about a dog (mouth, dander, etc).

And someone came in and stated the information I read was incorrect and I've stated that I'm glad someone pointed out the information I received was wrong...

In addition, I think, by keeping your dog and child so completely separate, you are setting them both up for problem later when your child does know what a dog is.

My dog and my DS aren't so completely seperate... The only place my dogs aren't allowed is in his room. They are around him everywhere but his room. Nowhere in my post did I say they were never around each other. :confused: They are fine with him. They'll come up and sniff him when he's in his bouncy seat and our mastiff sleeps next to him when he's in his swing...

I never once said it was IRRESPONSIBLE for someone to allow their dogs to be all over their DC. I said it was a bit much, IMO...

[andrew&shannah]

PinkMartini - I can only speak for myself but I think the reactions you might be getting are due to your constant judgement of this family (and others) who do let their dogs lick, play, sleep, etc with their children freely. It's one thing to say you don't do it but it's quite another to go on about how gross it is or it "being a bit much"
And I should have said general you with regard to keeping dogs completely separate...

Oh, and I also understand that you don't lick your husband when you kiss (or vice versa) but do your tongues never touch? Also, technically, your dog's mouth/tongue that has been on his/her ear, butt, genitals is cleaner than your husband's mouth that hasn't.

[EJH]

*hijack* ejh-where did you get the dog pillow? I love it!

Thanks Lady! We got it Pet Edge last summer. I think it was $5.

They have a website, but I don't know if they have the beds anymore. You might peruse it though...great stuff, cheap :D .

http://www.petedge.com/

[wendalah]

We have two much-loved poodles who will be encouraged to interact with our baby. I'm not worried about licks, slobbers, etc. I just want everyone to get along and love each other :).

Kids are naturally kind of disgusting creatures, if you think about it. They'll eat anything, shove anything in their mouths, stick their hands in their own poop, etc. It's futile to try and germ-proof them entirely so I'm just not going to freak out about animal germs.

[MichelleRenee]

To answer the original question, I do not have a dog, but everyone else we know does. (and we go to family members houses at least 3-4 times a week)

I do not like dogs (or any other animal, or people!) licking Tristan's face. I am personally extremely grossed out by drool (again, from any animal or person) and no matter how clean someone says a dogs mouth is, many dogs eat poop so they sure as hell aren't licking my baby's face!

But, that doesn't have to mean Tristan is always kept away from all dogs. I love dogs. I love animals and I want Tristan to love animals too. We will take him over and let him pet people's dogs but I wouldn't leave him alone with a dog because:

1. He is too young to know better than to poke a dog in the eye, or do something else that could hurt or upset the dog

and 2. I don't want him to be licked.

When it comes to other people's kids I don't really care. I would probably cringe to myself if I saw a child being licked by a dog, but I wouldn't say anything or think badly of the parents for allowing that to happen.

And I am now gagging from thinking about drool for such an extended amount of time....

[AlisonCO]

Thinking the idea of a pet licking you (and yes some dogs are overzealous with the licking but that tends to the be exception not the rule) being totally gross does kind of make me wonder because it's really no secret that dogs lick.


Maybe because I have two Boxers who would qualify as overzealous with regards to licking if we let them I am more strict about the no licking rule. To me we set boudaries with our kids and pets and different people have different rules. Our rules are no licking, jumping or taking things out of the kids hands and the kids have rules about what they can't do with the dogs too. But I am fine with them being in the kids rooms and around them as long as they do not have food. Some other people might be fine with the licking, but do not allow the dogs in the baby's room. Again for me this isn't really a germ issue, it is a setting boundaries issue. I have no problem with other people who are fine with their dogs licking their faces.

eta - Thinking more about this I also think that in a way, licking (especialy the face) just makes me a bit nervous. I love and trust my dogs but they are animals. What if my son had just eaten a hot dog or other smelly meat and I let my dog lick his face - what if the dog took it a bit too far? I don't know, to me this boundary that I set makes me feel more comfortable as a parent of children who also has dogs.

[karlatta]

Kids are naturally kind of disgusting creatures, if you think about it. They'll eat anything, shove anything in their mouths, stick their hands in their own poop, etc. It's futile to try and germ-proof them entirely so I'm just not going to freak out about animal germs.
I read this about two minutes after I found DS crawling around with a mouth full of dog food. So, yeah, I agree.

[wendalah]

BTW, I respect and applaud those of you who said you have concerns that the child might accidentally hurt the dog.

[Jane&Andy]

I love animals and I want Tristan to love animals too. We will take him over and let him pet people's dogs but I wouldn't leave him alone with a dog because:

1. He is too young to know better than to poke a dog in the eye, or do something else that could hurt or upset the dog

and 2. I don't want him to be licked.


Regardless of hygeine issues, an infant should NEVER be left alone with an animal - both for the safety of the child and the dog.

DS and our dog
http://www.imagestation.com/picture/sraid225/p167f61e9037b2c3243e08fb20ff8f1dd/ea38a42f.jpg

I wish I had more pictures of them together but the dog rarely holds still long enough and the cats prefer not to pose with DS. :p

[Rico'sAlice]

Regardless of hygeine issues, an infant should NEVER be left alone with an animal - both for the safety of the child and the dog.

ITA!

But assuming supervision and behavioral issues are being taken care of, then I don't imagine trying to keep the baby and dog away from each other, except when the dogs are eating. (But they mostly eat outside anyway, and that's just 2 5min periods a day.)

The only other concern is that I'll definitively need to keep my husky-mix away from the baby immediately following the birth or she will lick all the baby's vernix off! But once I've gotten that stuff rubbed in, we'll be good to go. ;)
But really, I am so constantly exposed to the any germs the dogs have that after spending 9mo inside of me, the baby should be well equipped immunologically to deal with a bit of their slobber (with continued antibody infusions from BF, of course.)
I think I would feel different though about them being close with a totally unfamiliar animal, because it would be "new" germs.

[bamboo]

We don't own a dog (we have 4 cats and plan to get a dog in a few years), but DD (23 months) has known my parent's dog since birth, and loves dogs.

I'm fine with her getting licked wherever- I've never minded being licked by a dog, and so long as she's fine with it, I don't care. We taught her early on how to hold her hand out to be sniffed when she's meeting a new animal, and she learned very quickly how to pet gently from our cats. She is so thrilled when a dog "kisses" her, she talks about it for hours afterwards.

I've never been that hung up on germ stuff though, and DD has definitely had her mouth on stuff that is much grosser than a dog's tongue. I'd rather she get exposed to her environment and maintain her healthy immune system than to try to keep every germ away from her.

[Sabriel]

We have 3 small dogs, and DD is around them all of the time. They as allowed to lick her. Licking is a submissive behavior for dogs, so I just see it as them being submissive to her and including her in the pack. They're not around her as much as they used to be, because now she grabs them as soon as they get close. They are all very good with her. We are teaching her to be gentle, but I know it will take time.

The dogs are not allowed to have her toys, but I do find them with them sometimes. I just take them and clean them off. I can't really blame the dogs. DD's toys look a lot like their toys. Sometimes they lay on her blankets, but they are not shedding dogs so it doesn't bother me much.

I would be much more worried if I kept the dogs completely separate from her. That could cause jealousy and all kinds of unwanted behavior issues.

[KeliAnn]

We have three large dogs (large = 50+ lbs each) and a baby girl on the way, and while it's wonderful to think that the dogs will never lick her in the face, it's inevitable. Especially the middle dog since she tends to aim straight for the mouth. I have nothing against licking or slobbering -- I'm sure baby will drink more than her share of slobbery dog water in her lifetime of crawling.

However, I will not be leaving the baby alone with the dogs for both the safety of the dogs and her. One of our dogs is old and cranky, so she'll need a little extra supervision.

And one of our dogs is a boxer mix, and her tail doesn't cover her butthole - and baby's fingers are really small. Enough said. :p

[lady1297]

eta - Thinking more about this I also think that in a way, licking (especialy the face) just makes me a bit nervous. I love and trust my dogs but they are animals. What if my son had just eaten a hot dog or other smelly meat and I let my dog lick his face - what if the dog took it a bit too far? I don't know, to me this boundary that I set makes me feel more comfortable as a parent of children who also has dogs.

This is why I cringe when my own dog licks people. We have a wonderful 4 year old Lab who LOVES to lick. Labs are known for their inability to NOT lick, it can be like OCD sometimes. And we admittedly have issues with keeping our dog from licking people when they come over. But I will not stand for my dog lickign other people's kids and I dislike it when she licks our own kids. But it happens. We just do what we can to prevent it (distraction, alternate toys for her to play with etc).

I do agree with Pink Martini, though, and think that those friends of her are WAY to liberal with what they allow their dog to do. They're asking for the pet to get too out of hand if you ask me and that can be dangerous. Just my opinion though. It's their kid and if that's how they want to deal with things ,then fine. Just don't cry to me if the kid gets hurt or biten. :)

[AlisonCO]

Labs are known for their inability to NOT lick, it can be like OCD sometimes.

Oh yeah, Boxers are the same. My male will lick the air, especially if it is breezy - yeah, not the sharpest knife in the drawer but sweet nonetheless:)

And one of our dogs is a boxer mix, and her tail doesn't cover her butthole

Heehee - that is a short! My female has a very short tail - the result of a bad dock and hers barely covers the hole. But yes I have seen both of my kids try to touch it:rolleyes:

[Jaycee]

And one of our dogs is a boxer mix, and her tail doesn't cover her butthole - and baby's fingers are really small. Enough said. :p
Oh yeah! My dogs tail is longer than that but when it's pointing upwards man, it might as well be painted like a target :D

[Kanga]

and she learned very quickly how to pet gently from our cats.

Oh PLEASE tell me how you managed to accomplish this! DD1 has been obsessed with the cats since she's been old enough to notice them. No matter how many times I remind her to be gentle, don't pull fur, let go of kitty's tail please, etc along with showing her the appropriate way of showing affection to a cat, she just doesn't seem to get it. She starts out by saying gentle and petting the cat nicely and then just can't seem to control herself anymore and grabs ahold of their tails for dear life.

[catmom]

Kanga,

I know that in our case, my DD learned how to be gentle because if she wasn't the cat would just run away. Since she wants her to stay and be petted, she's usually pretty good (we have 2 cats, and one them still won't let her within 5 feet, though). She's *usually* pretty good, but she does get a little overzealous with hugging the kitty sometimes. The other day she was yelling at the cat because she wanted her to come over and play, and I told her that that was scarey to the cat. So she stopped yelling and whispered instead (she is 2, though, so able to understand this kind of thing.).

[mkvh]

...Labs are known for their inability to NOT lick, it can be like OCD sometimes...

Hee! Yup--TWO of those at my house. And DD OPENS HER MOUTH and turns toward them. She just LOVES puppy kisses. We had 2 labs under the age of 18 months when DD was born I worried more about them stepping on her and hurting her than anything intentional.

[jh124]

Regardless of hygeine issues, an infant should NEVER be left alone with an animal - both for the safety of the child and the dog.

ITA, but would amend the statement to read "a child" rather than "an infant." I trust our dogs completely, but dogs are animals. DS might accidently hurt one, or do something that makes the dog think he's prey.

Well no, actually it WAS a concern of mine, as I was thinking about having her watch my DS.

If you would have stated that in the first place, I think most of us - or at least me - would have framed our responses differently. Mine would have stated: Find different childcare.

[bamboo]

Kanga- yeah like catmom, our cats basically trained her by moving away when she was too rough, but one of them stays when she pets nicely. I mean we told her and showed her, and we still have to remind her to pet from head to tail, but the cats provided the instant feedback system themselves! Those tails are hard to resist though- we have a Bengal and he intentionally teases her with his tail :D

[Pink_Converse]

I could care less if a dog's germs don't pass on to a human, the thought grosses me out.

I agree! I have a dog and she might ocassionally lick DS's hands or feet and I don't have a problem with a little lick here or there occasionally but I wouldn't want a dog slobbering all over my baby either, especially a little baby. I always tell the dog "that's enough" and she usually stops. It may be an irrational thought but it's just kind of gross to me. She has never had an opportunity to lick my son in the face just because he doesn't play on the floor in her areas because she is a big shedder and a bit rambunctious. I'm also afraid DS would accidentally hurt her or something. He's always in my lap or high chair around her. I don't try to keep the dog away from him though. He's allowed to touch her and things like that. I wouldn't want her to put his toys in her mouth and then let him play with them w/o cleaning them either. Different things just gross different people out. When he's older and plays with her more I won't freak out if she licks his face a little but I don't want her slobbering a ton all over him. I don't know why but at a certain point it just gets gross to me.

Cute doggy and baby pics everyone.

[Kanga]

Kanga- yeah like catmom, our cats basically trained her by moving away when she was too rough, but one of them stays when she pets nicely. I mean we told her and showed her, and we still have to remind her to pet from head to tail, but the cats provided the instant feedback system themselves! Those tails are hard to resist though- we have a Bengal and he intentionally teases her with his tail :D

Thanks catmom and bamboo! Unfortunately the cats running away only entices her to chase them. They swat and hiss at her which just makes her laugh more, which makes them hiss and swat even more and it just starts a vicious circle. She is understanding more of what I say everyday though, so I'm hoping that soon enough I'll be able to tell her and have her understand that they'll like it much more if she's nice.

[catmom]

Unfortunately the cats running away only entices her to chase them.

LOL... there may be a bit of a learning curve here for the cats... when my cats run away, they either go to the top of the couch or to the other side of a baby gate (our stairs are still gated).

[Rancid13]

I don't have a dog, but my parents have an English Springer and DS is over at their house 2-3 days a week on the days that I work. The dog does get close to DS, but he's very well-behaved and has only been known to lick DS's feet on occasion. My 2.5yo niece lives at my parents' house and the dog is very used to little ones around and is never left alone with the baby, but he's just fine when left alone & playing with the toddler (total kids' dog-I grew up from age 7-26 with an English Springer until she passed).

[steviem]

I know this thread is old, but, I was downloading some pictures today and came across this one. I couldn't resist posting it :)

http://i122.photobucket.com/albums/o247/sjanisse/OwenMarch2007045.jpg

Of course, I wiped DS down after he received his kisses from Sid.:)

[Sue]

What a great picture!

[MMHinCA]

Bloomwood - I could have written your post to a T!

Our almost 3 year old lab Bella has been a part of DD's life from day 1. We have never limited her interaction with our DD. She is allowded in her room, on her blankets, around her toys. Bella lets DD pull, poke, and crawl on her and in return Bella occasionally gives DD kisses! We also teach DD to be "gentle" as well as always tell Bella "easy" when she is with DD.

My girls!
http://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m92/mmhinca/812133509405_0_ALB.jpg?t=1175743386http://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m92/mmhinca/622133509405_0_ALB.jpg?t=1175743359http://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m92/mmhinca/612133509405_0_ALB.jpg?t=1175743400

[Lucy Van Pelt]

DD is 2 months old. We haven't limited her contact with our 3 year old cocker spaniel, Lucy. We just keep an eye on them when they are close to each other. We try to not let Lucy lick DD's face, but it happens...not big deal.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v476/chellichik/LucyandKatie.jpg