pets and pregnancy

[ginloveshemp]

So... my first two babies are a couple of ball pythons named Jackson and Bradley. I am not concerned about them with the baby as I am a very responsible snake owner and they are wayyyy too small to eat a human of any size (had to include that, people say crazy things about snakes). My concern is actually in cleaning their tubs during pregnancy. My guy won't touch them, lol. Any one else with pet concerns?

 

[BadMamaJAMA]

I don't have pet concerns in that way (although I am afraid to clean the bathroom because of chemical inhalation).

However, my first baby - an eight year old Silky Terrier - is a big cause for concern right about now. I've been really maternal with her lately, and I know my attention for her will probably be compromised after Peanut is born.

So I am worried about being a bad pet parent. My dog has been my best friend since I was 19, and it breaks my heart to think that she might be neglected in some way.

 

[bozzy]

The only thing to worry about is cat faeces due to the risk of toxoplasmosis infection. I clear out my horses stable and clear up after my dogs on a daily basis with no concerns!

 

[Katerz]

I cleaned my lizards out with no issues. Just made sure I washed my hands really well afterwards. Xxx

 

[AlwaysDreamin]

Always wear gloves when cleaning reptiles... Or any animal for that matter. But reptiles carry the risk of salmonella (I'm sure you already know this). I have chameleons and bearded dragons but I've been lucky enough that my OH likes taking care of them.

I also have two dogs and a little cat.... Which are driving me absolutely crazy. I don't know about anyone else but since I've become pregnant, they're really stressing me out! I love them so much though.... Must be my hormones lol xx

 

[Harleyy]

So... my first two babies are a couple of ball pythons named Jackson and Bradley. I am not concerned about them with the baby as I am a very responsible snake owner and they are wayyyy too small to eat a human of any size (had to include that, people say crazy things about snakes). My concern is actually in cleaning their tubs during pregnancy. My guy won't touch them, lol. Any one else with pet concerns?

Having around 40 + snakes at the moment, I think I can answer this one!

To be fair, just use gloves, and wash your hands like normal, thats what ive been doing, and ive been feeding/cleaning/handling, like normal!

I use to breed ball pythons, great snakes by the way!

I also have 2 cats aswell, as long as you are careful,use handwashes, ect. You'll be fine.

 

[ginloveshemp]

That's awesome, Harley! I have room for 5, but certainly not for breeding... Lol, time to shut up before I turn this into a bp morph thread...
I never have worn gloves while cleaning, just wash up well after. I will pick up some rubber gloves, though, time to be extra careful. As far as pups not getting enough attention- we also have a blue heeler and he is very active. I worry that he won't get as much love, too.

 

[emzilouu]

no concern with any reptile like creatures cause I don't own any they scare the living C**p out of me lol but I am concerened about my field spaniel shes doing my head in!! she was protective over me during my last pregnancy but this time shes really taking it too far and im only 8 weeks!! god help me for the next 7 months!

 

[xjesx]

I think the concern is beyond the cleaning aspect, but the socializing. Maybe that is something more to think about when baby comes home.

But that is my worry. I know my dog is super friendly with other dogs and kids. Its not in his nature to be territorial and I predict he will be a protector as opposed to a threat when our bundle comes home.

 

[Kittycat155]

I worry about my puppy. She is so playful I fear shed try to nip. I know she was around under 5 kids for over 2 months and held alot so hope it will be ok. No one I know has babys that I could bring her around just for the sounds/scent. I have worst case scenario planned for far as gates and all that. Cats do not worry me minus one who is the baby(bottle raised from day one) He would be happy to have someone new to point he may be a bit of a pain as he knows nothing bad (minus that darn puppy I am sure) My other dog would be the type to walk away from the crying/headache. She thinks she is a lap dog and is 50 lbs

 

[Itsychik]

Since you already got an answer to the snake question (I used to have several reptiles/amphibians myself! Love them!) I'm going to address your other one...

We have a cat and a rabbit, which were both 'our babies' before I ever got pregnant (especially the cat... she was DH's constant companion). I also was feeling really maternal when I was pg with DS and cuddled the cat as often as she'd let me.

When DS was born... for a long time, it was like a switch was turned on and I just didn't have room in my heart for my cat anymore I felt awful, but I just didn't 'love' her as much as I had (or I was just so consumed by my DS that I just didn't have as much room for the cat). She definitely missed out on a lot of attention, and started seeking attention from ANYONE who came to visit (which she had NEVER done before). We felt really bad for her, but just didn't know what to do in the first few months.

Now that DS is older (for the past year) we've been trying to make it up to our cat by spending lots of evenings with her (once DS is in bed... if he's not, she won't sit on anyone's lap for long because DS comes running over to see her). But we've noticed she's definitely back to her 'old' self. It just took us a little while to figure out where to place all the new feelings.

Although throughout the whole time, our cat has been really good with our DS. She was really interested in him when he was a baby and once he started crawling he used to take one of her cat toys and wave it around and they would 'play' together. Only now that he's reached the toddler stage (and is a little rougher) does she generally avoid him.

 

[xjesx]

I worry about my puppy. She is so playful I fear shed try to nip. I know she was around under 5 kids for over 2 months and held alot so hope it will be ok. No one I know has babys that I could bring her around just for the sounds/scent. I have worst case scenario planned for far as gates and all that. Cats do not worry me minus one who is the baby(bottle raised from day one) He would be happy to have someone new to point he may be a bit of a pain as he knows nothing bad (minus that darn puppy I am sure) My other dog would be the type to walk away from the crying/headache. She thinks she is a lap dog and is 50 lbs

I guess it will be a matter of monitoring the puppy's behaviour around baby. And of course baby wont be "loose" during introductions.