Pregnant and Want a Dog? Safe Tips for Pet Ownership

Many expectant mothers find themselves having to part ways with their beloved pets, such as dogs, due to concerns from family members, partners, or their own worries about the impact of pet ownership on their pregnancy and the developing fetus.

It's a poignant situation, where the expectant mother may feel unable to hold on, and the dog, of course, has no choice in the matter.

But just how safe is it to have a dog during pregnancy? What are the real benefits and risks?

Let's delve into a scientific analysis of the pros and cons of having a dog during pregnancy.

Benefits of Having a Dog During Pregnancy:

1. For those who have been caring for a dog, pregnancy can be a joyous time, as they can continue to do so.

2. While partners, parents, and other family members may not be able to be by the expectant mother's side 24/7, a dog can provide constant companionship.

3. Pregnancy can bring about physical and emotional changes, and the expectant mother may need someone to talk to about her concerns. A dog can be an excellent confidant, often more understanding than human family members.

4. It's important for expectant mothers to engage in moderate exercise, and taking a walk with the dog can be both mentally and physically beneficial.

5. Caring for a dog can prepare the expectant mother for the responsibilities of parenting, as dogs require similar levels of care and attention as young children.

6. Dogs can influence the environment's microbiome, reducing the risk of allergies and asthma in the baby by 30% after birth.

7. Treating a dog like a child can foster the release of estrogen, which is beneficial for both the mother and the baby.

8. Having a dog during pregnancy can help the baby's immune system develop early.

9. Dogs have a keen sense of smell and can detect changes in human hormones. If a dog suddenly becomes aggressive or wants to touch the expectant mother's belly, it's wise to seek medical attention promptly.

Drawbacks of Having a Dog During Pregnancy:

The most commonly cited risk is toxoplasmosis, a parasitic disease that can be transmitted to humans.

What is toxoplasmosis? It's a zoonotic parasite that can cause mild fever and potentially lead to miscarriage or fetal deformities. It's certainly a cause for concern.

However, once you understand the modes of transmission, you'll realize that contracting toxoplasmosis from a dog is highly unlikely.

Transmission occurs through animal feces and undercooked meat, such as beef, pork, or lamb. Infected animals excrete the parasite eggs in their feces. Cats, which are the definitive hosts, excrete oocysts only once in their lifetime, and humans would need to consume these oocysts while they are still viable, which is highly uncommon.

While dogs can be infected with toxoplasmosis, they do not excrete oocysts unless they are fed raw meat infected with the parasite.

Only by consuming undercooked meat from infected animals could humans contract the disease.

Some argue that dogs carry many bacteria, which could be harmful to pregnant women. However, humans are exposed to a vast array of bacteria daily. As long as there is no excessive contact with the dog and proper hygiene is maintained, there is no issue.

Many families around the world choose to adopt a dog during the prepregnancy or pregnancy period. In contrast, in some parts of China, this might be met with skepticism or misinformation. It's crucial to rely on scientific knowledge to dispel myths and make informed decisions.