To not want the dog near my baby?

[changednamealways]

I see so many people letting their dogs lick their babies and slaver all over them, I couldn't think of anything worse. Aren't dogs mouths full of germs, they lick their own bums after all? I even hate my baby crawling on the carpet because the dog walks on there when he's walked outside barefoot, probs through his own wee. Is anyone else like this or am I being a bit over protective? Can the germs do him any harm? He's 5mo:)

Babies who grow up with a dog in the house have less allergies. It's a bit gross but when a friend's dog licked my 3 month old's face this is what I focused on - we can't have a dog partly due to my allergies so at least she got a good dose of dog that day. I've always encouraged her to pet dogs if the owner said it's ok and she's gentle. She 5 and so far no allergies.

I used to eat dirt in the garden and drink the water from the stream that ran through it, was licked by neighbourhood dogs and eventually got my own. I've survived 60 years!

I agree a dog should not lick any baby, especially near the face.

And of course a dog should never be left alone with a young child.

So in the end it's very close supervision- or don't have a dog.

Oh gosh it makes me feel sick, the thought of a dog licking a baby, licking its mouth etc.
All you can do is make sure you never leave the dog alone with the baby, which you say you do anyway, and watch them when they’re together.

I wouldn't let them lick the baby or anything but I do think being around animals is good for their immune system.
Also dogs tend to look after babies and are great with them. X

Yuck! YANBU.

We are teaching our puppy not to kick faces but it truly won't do your baby any harm germ wise. I'd not allow it from a safely point of view though. A dog might scratch a baby or scrape with their teeth even totally accidentally

I think it's normal to be worried and I speak as a dog lover who had the most licky dog ever! However, I didn't let him lick them when they were babies and tried to restrict it as they got older. While your baby is still crawling/on floor a lot/eating anything they find I'd keep the dog away, plenty of time for them to become friends as child grows. Yes, a few germs are fine but reduce the risk by not allowing licking, especially when still babies and keeping dog off carpets...till they have licked thereselves clean! This doesn't mean they can't stroke dog and have fun walking/training etc but getting licked isn't necessary! I guess it's a balance. I read in comments farm kids are healthier.....maybe they are but I know a few who have picked up horrible diseases from the animals they care for...... I guess it's all about risk and how much you are willing to accept.

Make sure you worm the dog regularly - Toxocara (round worm) can cause ocular problems in babies. Dogs mouths also contain faecal bacteria

You're being far too precious. YABU.