Should Dog Go When Baby Arrives?

I often see many newlyweds or young couples getting a puppy as a sort of surrogate child. Then when they are expecting a child, the couples face the pressure from their parents (especially if it’s their first grandchild) to give up the dog.

This is one of the extreme cases. Usually married couples get rid of their dog when the baby arrives, sad but true. Reasons cited are for health and safety issue such as worries about allergy or asthma reaction or fear of the dog hurting the child.

In addition to health and safety reasons, lack of time is also cited as one of the reasons why couples gave up their dog for their newborn.

It is understandable that sacrifices have to be made when a child arrives. Such as timetables have to be rescheduled, furniture has to be changed or at least child-proofed those deemed “dangerous.”

But are these reasons valid? Is giving up your dog the best or only way to make room/time for your newborn?

Why Dog Should Stay When Baby Arrives?

Having a child is a superficial reason for giving up a dog, in my honest opinion. Furthermore, many experts (vets, animal behaviorists and trainers) feel that most of the problems given as reasons for giving up the dog can be solved.

Owning a dog is a lifetime commitment if you haven’t realized it when you were shopping for the pup. There’s no reason why your four-legged friend cannot grow up with your child. So many pet owners have done it; all you need is to educate yourself with some knowledge on dog and children relationship.

There are many benefits of having a dog and child growing up together, for a start I will list two:

1. It can reduce stress and teach a child responsibility and compassion towards animals.
2. Some studies have even shown that children who own dogs or pets have stronger immune systems and take fewer sick days in school.

While it is may be possible that there are genuine reasons for giving up the dog such as chronic allergies; at the very least you should consult a vet before making the decision. If your family doctor advises you to give up your dog, speak to your vet too, so you can get another perspective and a more balanced view.