Hygiene issues

[Proudad]

My son is only 4 months old. Now, we have also got a pet dog, he daily goes outside to play and walk. And along with himself, he brings dirt and mud back to the house. I am scared for my son, it is not safe and hygienic for him. He is very small and prone to many diseases. How to stop my dog from bringing dirt to the house?

With dogs come muck, and your little one, unless they're immuno-compromised, should be fine. I've been around horses since I was 5, and now there are plenty of mum's on the yards I've been on with toddlers in wheelbarrows, many a winter lunch was eaten sat on the muck heap as it was the only warm place - we have good immune systems lol!

For house muck, you're best having an area just outside, or just inside, the main doors where you can clean off the dog with brushes, towels, a hose outside if necessary, and get into the habit of cleaning off the dog before they come inside.

Like the previous poster said, unless your little one is immunocompromised they should be fine. A bit of dirt won't do any harm and is actually needed to help their immune system mature (I'm not saying cover them in dirt, I'm just saying if you kept them 100% clean 100% of the time their immune system would be weakened, so some dirt is fine). Can you leave a towel by the door to clean the dog off before they come in? Like to wipe their paws etc? Just keeping on top of basic hygiene will help, such as changing little ones clothes daily and when they begin eating solid foods make sure you and they wash hands before prepping/eating. I really wouldn't worry, I know many children who have grown up in a house full of various animals and have had no issues at all. In fact, most of them have had better immune systems than I had at their age! I didn't have pets as a child and was very over the top when it comes to cleanliness and it really didn't do me many favours; when I did get ill I would be really poorly as my immune system just wasn't used to it.

Try not to worry OP, I'm sure your little one will be fine 😊 Enjoy them and your lovely dog

My son is immunocompromised. I was thinking of introducing boots to him. I have heard that boots/shoe help in keeping the mud out of the house, just got to train my dog to open them outside the door. I found these shoes while searching the internet: https://doggyshoe.com/waterproof-dog-rain-boots/. They are stating that CUTEUP shoes are the best for mud & dirt protection. Any expertise on this?

@Proudad ahh I see, I understand your concern given he's immunocompromised. I've no experience with dog boots but I have a lot of experience with dogs and am curious whether most dogs would entertain the idea of boots. Many of the ones I work with would pull them off quite quickly. What about dog-safe antibacterial wipes? https://www.amazon.co.uk/GOODBOY-BACTERIAL-PEACH-SCENTED-PUPPY/dp/B06ZZRRCFZ I've used these on dogs before, especially after a muddy walk and they work great. The antibacterial action will help to prevent the spread of germs. Certainly don't use any normal antibacterial wipes though, it's important that they're dog-safe. Also, where possible, clean up straight away after your dog has done a poo in the garden, and water any spots where they wee regularly to help to dilute it. That should go someway into preventing the bacteria coming into your home on the dogs paws. You can also get portable dog cleaning washing devices. 'Mud Daddy' is supposedly a good brand (https://www.muddaddy.co.uk/collections/all-mud-daddy-products/products/mud-daddy-portable-washing-brush) and you can use it with warm water so it's perfect for winter months as you don't want to be washing your dog down with cold water when it's already cold outside. You could get one of those to have on standby for when your dog gets particularly muddy and could wash them outside with that and some doggy shampoo?

I'd assuming that if your little one is immunocompromised you have medical professionals involved who could give further advice specific to your situation? I'm sure they wouldn't mind you asking for a chat to go through your worries and see if there's anything they can suggest. I'd imagine it's very normal to be concerned when your little one is extra vulnerable, I know I would be. Hope some of this helps a bit

If your child is vulnerable then can you need a little outside wash station for your dog, similar to what you find in many holiday cottages. Make sure your dog is up to date with all vaccines and wormed regularly. Train out any gross doggy habits, such as fox poo rolling and eating!

Got it. Thanks

I am quite sure that this process will be very helpful. Will start right away with it.

Thank you