Almost half of American households own a dog. Depending on their financial situation and housing capabilities, households may have more than one pet. But, according to the American Veterinary Medical Association, on average, one family owns 1.5 dogs and 1.8 cats.
So, when these young parents told their family that they're sheltering eight dogs in their home, there were some questions. The in-laws started fearing for their new baby's safety, raising concerns about the dogs possibly harming the child. But soon, the parents found out that it was more about control than genuine concern for the baby.
A couple got in a fight with their in-laws about owning too many dogs
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The grandparents believed that the eight dogs in the household posed a danger to the baby and threatened to report them to CPS
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"They are animals, and we always have that in mind." The mom defended their decision, saying that they already took safety precautions
"It's totally acceptable to go no-contact with them," the commenters said, giving their verdict
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Even the most loving and friendly dogs can be unpredictable around a baby
Multiple dogs and a baby living under one roof might sound dangerous, but it can be pretty special and rewarding if done with enough care. Pet lovers might protest and say that their pooch would never do anything to harm even a fly.
Yet experts still argue that pet owners should take steps to prepare the home, the pet, and the family for a new baby's arrival. Why might dogs act aggressively towards a baby? As Las Vegas-based dog behavior consultant Eileen Koval, CDBC, CBCC-KA, CPDT-KA, MSc, explains:
Most owners think that these three things can be avoided through extensive training and preparation. But Koval writes that accidents can happen. Always.
"Some dogs can be incredible dogs, but still are never going to be safe enough to live in the home or neighborhood with young children and babies present. They may be dangerous due to unpredictability," she continues.
"They may be around children or small dogs 100+ times with success, but in only one instance there is some noise, context, or specific child's movement that somehow resembles prey behavior that inadvertently triggers that behavior pattern."
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Pets might also carry serious diseases and illnesses
Behavioral problems aren't the only risks that a pet might pose to a newborn baby. Pets can spread illnesses and diseases, and because babies have barely developed immune systems, they're more susceptible to them.
The Irish public health provider HSE warns that children often get stomach illnesses from pets. These include germs and bugs like salmonella, campylobacter, giardia, and cryptosporidium.
The experts also caution parents to be wary of infections that can best be prevented by keeping up good hygiene: keeping pet areas clean, washing hands often, keeping the pet's toys and food out of the baby's reach, and vice versa. Some children may be allergic to pets, so that might lead to keeping the pet outside if possible.
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Parents should never leave their baby or child with any pet alone
So how should parents proceed when there's a baby and a dog, or even multiple dogs, in a house? According to the UK-based vet charity PDSA, there are four main things to remember:
The wife came back with an update: "I am going NC with the in-laws for the foreseeable future"
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In another update, she wrote that the in-laws, after all, didn't contact CPS
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Commenters reveled in the uncommon happy ending
