When growing your family, it only makes sense to worry about how your canine will react. After all, a new baby is a significant change for everyone—including your canine.
However, there are many benefits of having a dog while pregnant. Studies are just beginning to show all the potential benefits a dog can have while you’re pregnant and shortly after the baby arrives.
Of course, many of these are dependent on your dog’s temperament. An aggressive dog is never a good idea to have around a baby, and some training may be helpful for even the most well-behaved dog. However, when prepared carefully, dogs can provide plenty of benefits during this time.
Top 4 Benefits of Having a Dog While Pregnant:
1. Pets May Help Baby’s Immune Development
There are some suggestions that pets may help babies develop their immune systems, making them less likely to develop allergies.1 While we used to believe that early introduction to allergens is what caused allergies, we now know that the opposite is true. Therefore, exposure to pet dander early on can help reduce the odds of the baby being allergic to dogs later.
Of course, dogs also track in all sorts of other allergens, such as pollen. Theoretically, they can also help reduce the odds of the baby being allergic to these.
Furthermore, dogs may also reduce the odds of the baby getting asthma. Asthma is often linked with allergies.2 If the dog reduces the baby’s chance of having allergies, then their asthma chance may be reduced, too. Just keep in mind this is a possible connection, not a guaranteed effect.
2. Mood Improvement
Experiencing ups and downs is very common during pregnancy. Luckily, there is evidence that dogs can improve their owners’ moods. Of course, this is just as true during pregnancy as at any other time. Anxiety, depression, and stress aren’t good for an unborn baby. They can lead to psychological changes in the mother, which can furthermore cause issues with the baby.
Therefore, keeping your mood as even as possible is recommended. Having a dog may increase your chances of accomplishing this.
However, it shouldn’t be the only thing you do. Meditation, time in nature, and other stress-reducing methods are also recommended. If you’re having a particularly bad time with your mood, we recommend speaking with your care provider.
3. Exercise
Exercise is vital for your unborn baby. There is plenty of evidence that exercising while pregnant prevents problems from occurring. It’s a common misconception that exercise is dangerous for your baby. However, it can reduce laboring times and prevent some pregnancy complications.
After all, giving birth is a marathon. It only makes sense that women who are more fit would be better able to give birth without interventions.
Dogs promote exercise because they need it, too. Most dogs require daily walks and active playtime. It’s hard to say “no” to a walk when your dog is whining with his leash in his mouth.
4. More Beneficial Gut Bacteria
Having a good gut biome is vital for gut and immune health. Babies with a solid microbiome are less likely to develop colic and other gastrointestinal issues. Therefore, promoting a healthy gut should be on your to-do list if you want a healthy baby.
One study found that babies who lived in homes with pets, especially dogs, had a more diverse mix of gut bacteria during their first few months of life. The researchers noticed that this difference appeared even when the mother had pets during pregnancy, which suggests that having a dog in the home may help shape the healthy bacteria babies are exposed to early on.
Summary
Sharing your home with a dog during pregnancy can bring several meaningful benefits. Dogs add more variety to the microbes in your environment, and some studies suggest that this early exposure may play a role in shaping a baby’s developing gut bacteria and immune system. Many people also find that having a dog supports their mood and encourages regular movement, which can be helpful during this stage of life.
There is no need to consider rehoming a well-behaved, well-cared-for dog simply because you are expecting a baby. With good training, preparation, and positive interactions, dogs can continue to be wonderful companions as your family grows.
Featured Image Credit: Stela Subashi, Shutterstock
