CHENNAI: I have a three-year-old St Bernard. Is it safe to be around my dog when I am pregnant? Should I be more careful?
– Sheena
Hi,
Thanks for the question. You would have already heard heartwarming stories and experiences of pregnant women and their pooches. The companionship pets provide can be soothing and comforting during pregnancy. However, we do have to understand that your interactions may not be the same as it used to be.
The important thing to watch out for, especially in large dog breeds like yours, is the ‘jumping’. If your dog has been a jumper, then this might pose a problem during your pregnancy. Even if you are the one to have encouraged him all this time, you might want to stop this and work on teaching him otherwise. If you are the one to walk him, then he needs to be well behaved on leash. If he pulls you along, or loiters or tugs and lunges forward towards other dogs, it is not good for you. Not only during pregnancy, but even otherwise, these behaviours are not acceptable. However, during pregnancy, these behaviours will have to be corrected with a utmost diligence from your side.
It is therefore, important to make sure the basic obedience training is done. If you have not already trained him, this must be your priority. There are other aspects in terms of caring for the dog that you will need help with. Giving him a bath or grooming him may be challenging given his size. You will need assistance from someone else in your family or friends for these tasks.
Use a sense of discretion when playing with him. Avoid rough play. Remain relaxed and calm around him. There is no reason to be otherwise. Enjoy your pregnancy in the wonderful company of your four-legged kid.