Having a Dog Can Be Beneficial During Pregnancy

Despite what you might think, having a dog while you’re pregnant has clear benefits. Dogs are a part of the family and provide unconditional support that could be useful in many cases.

According to studies, contributing to the physical fitness of the future mother and maintaining an emotional balance are just two benefits of having a dog during pregnancy.

We know that you may be concerned about living with an animal during a such a delicate process like pregnancy. And in fact there are some cases in which this isn’t recommended. However, if you take the necessary precautions, having these furry friends as company can be very helpful.

How could having a dog help during pregnancy?

One of the greatest benefits of having a dog is that they provide us with company. They also allow us to feel responsible for another living being, and to establish an emotional relationship with them.

These things are all very important during pregnancy, as future mothers go through different changes in their condition, which can be balanced out by the presence of these friends.

According to experts, pet dogs are usually very balanced, they become a member of the family, whose coexistence causes them to be healthy, obedient and respectful. So, as long as hygiene and safety measures are taken, there should be no problem with having a dog in these cases.

Likewise, due to the very likely possibility that the expecting mother and the dog will become emotionally attached, spending time with a dog is good for emotional balance, and it reduces the onset of stress and depression.

A dog provides company that otherwise is not always available in the home. If during your pregnancy you are alone for long periods of time, these friendly companions are experts in offering this type of support.

Benefits of Having a Dog During Pregnancy

Scientists claim that having a dog gives pregnant women the opportunity to develop themselves through their habits. In this sense, experiences with animals are likely to involve pleasurable, comforting, stimulating, and healthy activities.

Here are some of the main benefits of having a dog during pregnancy:

• Dogs can help with weight loss, reduce obesity levels, promote physical exercise, and improve the cardiovascular system, as they need to be taken on walks daily. Moderate physical exercise during pregnancy helps prevent complications at the time of delivery and reduces the chances of a premature birth.
• The company of a dog helps to decrease stress levels and at the same time makes people feel happier because it stimulates the release of endorphins.
• Knowing that we have a dog in the home gives us a sense of security, as they will alert you to the presence of people in the vicinity and in many cases also tell you if there are unwanted animals in the house.

• In extreme cases, dogs can help save lives, because with a certain level of training they are able to give warnings in emergencies, retrieve objects, open doors, or remain vigilant
• Growing up with a pet helps children develop healthily because they are exposed to more bacteria, so they become more resistant on an immunological level.

Precautions to Take If You Have a Dog During Pregnancy

In order to effectively enjoy the benefits of having a dog during pregnancy, we must take certain precautions during this time. Since we are in a delicate stage of our life, we have to be careful about certain things.

In this regard, it is important to remember these preventative measures.

• When you go on a walk with your dogs, avoid letting them be out of control, because this could make you fall. Other sudden movements or the typical playfulness can also cause accidents.
• To prevent putting yourself at risk, it is advisable that you vaccinate your pets for rabies, coronavirus and parvovirus, as well as make sure they are de-wormed; in addition to keeping them clean at all times.
• It is not advisable for pregnant women to clean up their dog’s waste, in order to avoid contact with the parasites present in the feces..
• It is preferable for pregnant women not to come in contact with the dog’s mouth, and to avoid being licked by them or sharing food with them, because there can be harmful bacteria in their saliva.