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Getting a puppy while pregnant isn’t a big deal—it’s once you have your baby that things become tricky. Puppies are hard work, and so are babies. When you mix the two together, your disturbed sleep will become more disrupted, and your stress levels might be higher than those of other new mothers. However, if you got a puppy before finding out you’re pregnant, you will be able to make it work, and your bond will be a special one. You also have the added bonus of your baby and puppy growing up together.
So, is it a good idea to get a puppy while pregnant? Probably not. However, it depends on your capacity. Although many advise against it, there are some new parents who say it was the best decision for their family. In this article, we’re going to discuss the pros and cons and help you come to an informed decision.
The 4 Pros of Getting a Puppy While Pregnant
1. Reduces the Child’s Risk of Developing Allergies
There are many health benefits of having pets, no matter your age. For babies, one of the biggest advantages of sharing a home with a dog in their first year of life is that it reduces their risk of developing allergies later in their life. The best results are seen when the baby is exposed to at least two dogs or cats—so the more dogs in your home, the merrier.
The way exposure to dogs influences a child’s immune development is still being studied. Researchers have shown that prenatal and early-life dog exposure alters a child’s gut microbiome, and this is thought to be one mechanism for the development of altered immunity and the reduction in the development of allergies.1
2. They’ll Grow Up Together
One of the sweetest things to watch is the development of your dog and baby’s bond. When babies and puppies grow up together, they become best friends. There are so many movies depicting the relationship between kids and dogs, such as Lassie, Marley & Me, Beethoven, and more, which will melt your heart. Experiencing it firsthand is something truly special.
Babies also tend to have a natural love for pets. They can be entertained for ages as they watch their dog play fetch or chew on their toys. In a way, having a dog is similar to having a sibling.
Growing up with a dog is also a great way to teach your child to be kind and respectful of dogs in a controlled environment. They will be less fearful of dogs if they’ve grown up with one.
3. They’re Good Practice
If you’re nervous about how you’re going to cope with a newborn, getting a puppy while pregnant is a great way to practice. Just like babies, puppies require a lot of attention; they will wake you up several times a night to pee, they will grow your patience, and they require a routine. They’ll also keep you so busy that your pregnancy will feel like it’s flying by!
4. They’ll Encourage You to Exercise
It’s important to exercise during pregnancy, even if it’s just by going for a daily walk. However, most moms-to-be don’t have as much energy, and it’s easy to put exercise off to relax instead. When you have a puppy who needs daily exercise, you’ll be more motivated to go on walks for their sake, which will benefit you at the same time.
The 5 Cons of Getting a Puppy While Pregnant
1. Puppies Are Unpredictable
Puppies are tons of fun, but they’re also boisterous and unpredictable. Puppies are energetic, get overly excited, and want to play any moment that they’re not sleeping. Unfortunately, their unpredictability is a factor to consider when pregnant because they could jump on your belly or knock your baby over once they’re born.
Although training will help iron out some bad behaviors in your pup as they get older, puppies do bite because they’re teething, figuring out the world around them, and playing. They also scratch, sometimes deep enough to make your skin bleed. It’s important to consider these risks for your newborn and how you can prevent them if you decide to get a puppy.
2. You Might Not Be in the Best Position to Care for Them
A lot of pregnant women suffer from some degree of morning sickness. Although it is usually manageable, and they’re able to carry on with normal life for the most part, some women cannot and are bedridden or periodically hospitalized until their severe morning sickness passes later on in their pregnancy.
If you suffer from severe morning sickness, getting a puppy is not a good idea because you won’t be able to care for, walk, or train them until your morning sickness passes. Early socialization and training are important for a well-adjusted dog, and if you miss that window of opportunity, you may encounter problems later on.
3. You’re Not as Energetic
Pregnancy fatigue can also affect women terribly. They struggle to wake up in the morning, can barely keep awake during the day, and can feel irritable because of their constant state of tiredness. Getting a puppy requires a lot of patience, which is hard to give when you’re feeling so tired. They will also need to be let out often at night to pee, which will disturb your sleep and add to your tiredness.
4. You’ll Have Less Time Once Your Baby Arrives
If you feel like you don’t have enough hours in the day now, wait until your baby arrives. Babies are incredibly needy and demand all of your attention. Unfortunately, that will leave little time for your puppy, especially in the first few weeks.
After giving birth, you’ll also need time to rest and allow your body to recover, which means that you may not be able to take your puppy on walks or to puppy training classes. If you have a partner or friend who can take over these responsibilities for you while you adjust to your new life, you will be able to make it work.
5. They’re An Added Cost
Puppies cost a lot, and so do babies. It might be better to wait and see whether you can still comfortably afford a puppy once the baby has arrived. Other than the cost of purchasing or adopting your pup, you will need to get them all the supplies they need, as well as buy them dog food and toys every month. They will also need to go to the veterinarian regularly within their first year for vaccinations, parasite treatment, and neutering.
It’s not fair to bring a baby into the world and then give your dog away because you can no longer afford them. If you’re unsure about your financial situation, rather make the responsible decision to get a puppy once you’re financially confident that you can.
Tips for Getting a Puppy While Pregnant
For the most part, getting a puppy while pregnant is safe. However, there are some things you should consider and implement to ensure that you keep you and your baby safe:
- Don’t let your puppy jump on your pregnant belly.
- Be careful when playing with your puppy, as tripping and falling is dangerous while pregnant.
- Keep them up to date on their vaccinations.
- Stay up to date with parasite prevention treatment.
- Take your puppy for training to prevent them from becoming anxious or stressed out around babies and children later in life.
- Provide your puppy with a safe area where they are happy to go when you are busy with your baby. Consider buying some treat toys and puzzles to keep your puppy occupied.
- Get your partner involved so that when your baby is born, your dog is comfortable with spending more time with them and less time with you.
- When your baby is born, ask your partner to take home an item of clothing that your baby’s smell is on and let your puppy smell it. This will help familiarize your puppy with your baby before they arrive home.
- Supervise all interactions between your child and your dog.
Conclusion
Getting a puppy while pregnant has its pros and cons. Some moms-to-be benefit from having a puppy in their home before their baby arrives because the pup keeps them active, is good practice, and exposure to pets early in life reduces the development of childhood allergies. Watching your puppy and baby grow up together is also a special experience.
However, it can be incredibly taxing to be pregnant with a puppy, especially if you suffer from morning sickness or fatigue. Puppies need a lot of time, energy, training and patience. They are often boisterous and can also be an added financial burden. You have to consider that you won’t have as much time for your puppy once your baby arrives, but if you have a partner or friend who can step in and help, it will be a big help.
Featured Image Credit: Capifrutta, Shutterstock
