Many women decide to undertake their road to motherhood and at the same time with a pet at home. Doubts may arise when we do not know if it is harmful to your health or that of the baby to have that dog or cat at home when there is a pregnancy.
A woman must have more care during your pregnancy and the presence of animals at home should not be an impediment while taking the corresponding sanitary security measures. To know all these precautions it is important to continue reading what are the pros and cons.
When our pets are our best company
Any animal that accompanies us at home and especially dogs can become our best company. This can become a great concern, when he has been enjoying them with a lot of love for years and now it is not known whether to do without them.
When it is known that pregnancy is present and you have some type of pet, it is essential tell your gynecologist or any specialist who carries out the follow-up. In this way, the necessary tests will be carried out, including a examination for toxoplasmosis.
In this test it will be verified if you have passed toxoplasmosis and a series of measures and guidelines will be given. These will include a correct hygiene and nutrition throughout the pregnancy so that there is no risk of any kind.
What risks can a dog present in a pregnancy?
It is normal that the uncertainty of having an animal at home could be a risk. As a general rule there is no need to worry or have to get away from a dog if a series of requirements are met.
A dog has to periodically leave the house to relieve himself and enjoy that walk in the street. You never know what it is can touch and bring home, so an animal cared for and controlled with its veterinary inspections will always be better controlled. You have to have vaccinated dog of all those vaccines that can help you be healthy.
A pregnant woman should wash her hands every time she touches the animal, especially if she is going to handle any food. In the same way, you should avoid touching or manipulating any of your belongings and if you have to touch it, it should be with gloves and then wash your hands.
The dog must always be clean and do not let it touch or get close to food. It is not indicating that negative things always happen, but anything that can be avoided as a safety measure will be much better.
These animals are always part of transmit some kind of parasite, even if it is harmless. A pregnant woman may not react well to what it can transmit to her, so she must take many more precautionary measures. It is not good that touch the animal's mouth, or pick up its droppings let alone get licked by them.
You have to be more careful with cats
Some families may have a pet. There are families who share a cat and dog and here the measurements must be the same, but with some exceptions.
Cats can transmit toxoplasmosis, a disease that can cause many problems in the development of the baby. For this, the woman must have an analysis at the beginning of her pregnancy to know if she is positive. In many cases you already have antibodies, so they can be protected.
In the case of cats you have to take them to a vet to be done a test confirmation of toxoplasmosis. If the cat tests negative, it does not leave the house, nor does it eat raw meat, there is no need to worry. Otherwise, extreme measures must be taken in their care, especially in the handling of their litter box and excrement.
Other pets can also be carriers of some type of germs such as salmonella. It is present in animals such as snakes, turtles or lizardsTherefore, cleaning their cages or habitats must be done with gloves and great hygiene. However, these are essential measures to take into account, in case some kind of problem arises. Well cared for and hygienic animals can be kept at home.