Those of us who have (or have had) a pet know that in a short time it becomes one of the family. That is why the arrival of a baby generally raises many additional doubts: will he admit it well? Will you want it? Will you feel jealous? . If he is also used to sleeping with us and we are considering co-sleeping , the concern is triggered. That is why we wanted to talk about the subject with Tamara Hernán , Canine educator, veterinary nurse, founder of Growing Up Between Dogs and creator of Multispecies Breeding.
Can I co-sleep if I sleep with my dog?
Starting from the fact that there is no scientific evidence that talks about the risks or benefits of sleeping with the baby in the same bed when the dog also sleeps with us, it is necessary to take into account that the health authorities warn that it is better not to do so to avoid risks such as crushing or heating.
“In 90% of the inquiries I have received on this subject, the greatest concern of multispecies moms and future moms is that their baby could get sick from close contact in bed with the dog. However, about the health of the newborn born in coexistence with dogs there are many studies. There are more and more pediatric doctors, child psychologists, physiotherapists, veterinarians, pediatric dermatologists, speech therapists, midwives and even allergists who speak out in favor of a healthy and responsible coexistence between dogs and children “ Tamara states.
These benefits are:
- Reduction of risk of allergies.
- Better microbiota in the baby that lives with mammals with hair.
- Lower risk of asthma and obesity in children with early exposure to pets.
- Better mental health of children with dogs and / or cats at home.
- Increased perinatal immunology because the mother has passed the defenses of the environment in which she lives.
Before deciding to co-sleep with the baby and the dog, we must take into account the following factors:
Hygiene and health
The dog must have all its vaccinations up to date, a good internal and external deworming protocol prescribed by a veterinarian, that it is always clean and brushed and that the baby has favorable health conditions.
Space
The bigger the bed the better. Ideally, the dog should also sleep on the feet of the bed to avoid getting close to the baby and getting warmed or crushed.
Behaviour
If your dog growls when you move in bed or feels like he has to protect his space in it, it is not recommended . It is also important to have the resource of being able to ask your dog to get out of bed without causing a conflict and not feeling punished.
There should always be active supervision when dogs and babies (or children) are together. Therefore, a dog should not be left alone in bed with a baby (or to go to the bathroom at dawn), and we should not let dogs sleep in bed with children when they are older.
Tips for a responsible co-sleeping with dog and baby in the same bed:
According to the canine trainer, to practice co-sleeping with the baby and the dog in a responsible way, it is necessary:
- Delimit spaces by accustoming the dog to sleep in the area of the feet.
- Train him to know how to get out of bed if you ask him without feeling it as a punishment.
- Prepare a co-sleeping crib for the baby because it will give us more peace of mind and security. According to Tamara, many multispecies families choose this option.
- Prepare a co-sleeping bed for the dog if he has a hard time sleeping on the floor. In this way, it is on the side next to your bed and there are some with a ramp / stairs so that you do not have to step on your bed to enter.
I have decided that I am going to collide with the baby, but not with the dog, what should I do?
If you have definitely decided that your dog stops sleeping in your bed due to the arrival of the baby, it is advisable to do it as follows:
Prepare it before the baby’s arrival
Make all the changes you think are necessary to have a better adaptation and less impact so that you do not feel displaced (it is advisable to do it 3 to 4 months before).
Do it progressively
It is important to respect the dog’s times so that he suffers the least possible emotional impact and accepts his new resting place as a safe and comfortable place.
Use an updated method
It is important that the dog education that you choose to guide you in the process must be respectful and kind to the dog, without impositions, learning on a leash inside the house or punishments.
Teach him alternatives
This should be done both inside the room and outside of it. In fact, it may be the dog itself that decides to stop sleeping in the same bed with the arrival of the baby. That is why it is important to have another bed for him on the floor and the bedroom door open.
In short, to make a decision like this, we must also take the dog into account, because you may not mind that he continues to sleep in bed with the arrival of the baby, but perhaps it is not the best option for him , since Your rest will be affected (with the same physical and emotional consequences that they will have for you), it can generate stress, or because of the type of attachment you have.
“Whether or not you decide to let your dog sleep in bed does not make you a better or a worse human. Your relationship with him does not depend exclusively on this either. The important thing is that the decision you make also takes into account what is best for him. “ Tamara concludes.
In Babies and More | Cuddles between dogs and children: what a dog trainer recommends
