If you have pets in the family, it is natural that you will have concerns regarding them during your spouse’s pregnancy. Fortunately, you need not rush to offer your pet for adoption. Discuss with your vet any risks that your pet may pose for the baby and take adequate steps to eliminate them before bringing the baby home.

These are some of the precautions you might have to take with your pet:

Dogs

• Retrain your dog to modify any of its habits that could be a problem once the baby arrives.
  
  
  
• Teach it to distinguish between its own toys and those of the baby.
  
  
  
• Once the baby arrives, continue to show attention to your pet as before to avoid jealousy.
  
  
  
• Do not leave your dog alone with the child.

Cats

• Have your spouse tested for toxoplamosis immunity to avoid infecting the baby.
  
  
  
• Do not let your spouse change your pet’s litter box.
  
  
  
• Do not leave the cat alone with the baby.

Birds

• Inform your spouse’s doctor about your bird and discuss precautions you may need to take.
  
  
  
• Have a pet bird examined beforehand to rule out the risk of infection to your baby.
  
  
  
• Make it a practice for both you and your spouse to wash your hands after handling your pet or its cage.
  
  
  

Exotic pets

• Inform your spouse’s doctor about your pet and discuss precautions you may need to take.
  
  
  
• Make it a practice for both you and your spouse to wash your hands after handling your pet or its cage.
  
  
  
• Do not allow pets such as reptiles, amphibians, or tarantulas near the kitchen or area where you prepare your baby’s food.
  
  
  
• Do not let your baby handle your exotic pet.