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In general cats and dogs can actually help the imune system of a baby or child. As the baby or child grows they are more likely to come into contact with the pet and thus this strengthens the imune system

Be careful as some dogs and many cats do not like the child invading there space and can lash out at the child. Cats are especially prone to a quick swipe with a paw woth claws out. This can cause scratches. Dogs are a little more tolerant than cats, but can do more damage to a child if provoked.

It is vital to ensure both the pet and the child know what is allowed. Pets only do what is natural to them when warning off a younger member of the family. They do not understand, although some pets can get jelous of new babies.

The concerns given above are not unfounded but are often over-stated. It is also very common for cats and dogs to be very protective of a new addition to the family as they would be of their own young. In this case they can be amazing tolerant of all the tail pulling that toddlers tend to dish out. If the pet forms this sort of bond the problem that may occur is difficulty in persuading the cat to let other, unfamiliar people (like aunties and uncles) hold the baby without taking chunks out of them.

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14y ago

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