cats and dogs

[kbaby]

DD is 18 weeks and we have cats. She has got to the stage where if the cat is sat next to her she leans over and pulls the fur. Its the same with a friends dog. Is she ok to do this? im thinking that pehaps she could pick up germs etc from doing this as she sucks her hands.

Thanks and sorry for such a silly question.

[Mum2girls]

Not a silly question at all. I don't know anything scientific about animals and kids, apart from the quite real dangers when kids and animal faeces come into contact. DD2 is now a thriving 22 month old and has been obsessed with our dog since birth. Lies in his bed (yeuchh), does 'horsey' on him and even found her sucking his tail once . Still alive, no major health problems.

[Distracted]

Apparently kids who grow up in homes with animals have lower levels of asthma and allergies and ?possibly better immune systems? - presume it's the old theory of some exposure to dirt being a good thing to build up immune system. So don't think it's a bad thing. However, I still watch our 2.5 year old carefully around the cat to make sure she's not putting her hand up his bum, which I'm paranoid about (she goes to push him out of the way sometimes).

[iota]

We have a cat so I'm relaxed about children and pets.

One day, however, I was round a friend's house and caught ds2, who was about a year old, snuggled up with their cat, him sucking the cat's paw (they were both sitting on friend's dh'ds lap at the time).

[Lisa78]

Don't worry kbaby, there are no zoonotic diseases from dogs or cats other than those related to worms and fleas. So as long as your cats are wormed every 2-3 months and treated for fleas every month, there is no risk whatsoever - same for the dog except the flea treatment only needs to be every other month

That said, you would notice signs of infestation on the animals fairly quickly and probably long before there is a risk of infection to your DD

Rabies is the only one to be alarmed about really, and I don't suppose your friends dog is at risk of that!!!

[Lisa78]

check out this - dogs

and this - cats

[Chandra]

I won't worry much about diseases...they are far less likely than a bite or scratch if she pulls the fur! Better to keep an eye on them to ensure security of both parties

[Lisa78]

True - and a cat scratch HURTS!