Hands down, dogs are the best family pets. Kids and dogs go together like PB&J. But, the love for dogs that the human species has developed over the years can be blinding to parents. It can cause them to overlook the problematic relationship between kids and dogs. Here’s a look at the truth about kids and dogs that everyone needs to remember.
Facts About Kids and Dogs
1. Puppies and babies don’t mix well.
Sure the idea of mixing babies and puppies can lead to an adorable explosion, but it is just wrong. Babies and puppies should not occupy the same space. In fact, they can be a deadly combination. When kids under the age of four fall prey to dog attacks, the family dog is responsible for it 50% of the time. Yes, dogs are great for kids. But older kids. Kids who have the impulse control to keep them from inadvertently causing the dog to lose his marbles and bite.
2. Dogs need to learn how to deal with kids.
Most couples start out by raising a dog before they dive in and have kids. And, in many cases, parents feel like their “oldest” family member – a.k.a the canine – has been such a good boy that he will weather life with a kid just fine. But even the best dogs benefit from some training before they’re introduced to kids. Before you had a kid, your dog was the centre of attention. Now that there’s a baby around, he might feel threatened. Even after you’ve trained your pet and had him socialise with kids, you still need to keep an eye on him.
3. Dogs don’t make kids sick.
If you have any idea what your baby puts into his mouth when you’re not watching, you’ll never blame Fido again. Sure there’s slobber and fur, but dogs can actually increase a child’s health outcomes in some pretty cool ways. Kids and dogs just go so well together. Kids that grow up with dogs are colonised with Ruminococcus and Oscilluspira. Both of which are good bacteria. The bacteria are linked to lower obesity rates and allergies in kids.
4. Your kid needs to know if your dog crosses the rainbow bridge.
Telling your kid that Fido went to live a happy life on a distant farm sounds like a good idea. But it is a lie that won’t give them the opportunity to mourn the absence of their pet. Kids as young as three can start to grasp that death is a natural part of life. And if the opportunity presents itself, parents should have open conversations with their kids about it.
With so many misconceptions flying around, it’s easy to understand why people don’t always praise the special bond between children and their pets. Kids (both human and canine) can complete a family, but it’ll require some parental guidance along the way.
