Key takeaways: Most dog bites to young children come from a dog the family knows. Never leave a baby or young child alone with any dog, no matter how gentle. Prepare your dog before the baby arrives, give your dog a safe space, learn dog body language, and teach your child respectful behavior as they grow.
Many families have dogs and babies. With planning, they can coexist safely.
Why Supervision Matters
The CDC and the American Veterinary Medical Association note that children are among the most common dog bite victims, and many bites come from familiar dogs. Young children’s faces are at dog height, making face and head injuries more common.
Before Baby Arrives
- Brush up on training: sit, stay, down, leave it.
- Set up baby gear early so your dog can get used to it.
- Play recordings of baby sounds.
- Change routines gradually if the dog’s schedule will change.
- Create a safe space for your dog away from the baby.
- Talk to a vet or trainer if your dog has a history of aggression or anxiety.
From the author
From First Breath to First Birthday is my month-by-month guide to your baby’s first year, written as a NICU and postpartum nurse. My book is a month-by-month guide to your baby’s first year, including the warning signs that mean it’s time to call the doctor.
Introducing Your Baby
- Let your dog smell a blanket or clothing from the baby first.
- Greet your dog calmly when you come home, before bringing in the baby.
- Keep your dog on a leash at first meetings.
- Reward calm behavior.
Everyday Safety
- Never leave a baby alone with a dog, even for a moment.
- Keep your dog out of the nursery when you’re not there.
- Watch for stress signals: lip licking, yawning, turning away, showing the whites of the eyes, stiffening, growling.
- Give your dog breaks from the baby.
- Keep food bowls and toys out of baby’s reach.
As Your Baby Grows
- Teach your child not to pull ears or tails, hug, or bother a dog that’s eating or sleeping.
Health Tips
- Keep your dog’s vaccines and parasite prevention up to date.
- Wash hands after handling pets.
If your baby is bitten: wash the wound and call your doctor. Seek emergency care for deep wounds or bites to the face.
The Bottom Line
Dogs and babies can live safely together with preparation, constant supervision, and respect for your dog’s signals.
Want more support for your baby’s first year? My book, From First Breath to First Birthday, is available on Amazon.
Related Articles
- Preparing Your Dog or Cat for a New Baby
- Preparing Older Siblings for a New Baby
- Cats and Babies: Myths and Facts
- Choking First Aid for Infants: What Every Caregiver Should Know
Sources
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Preventing dog bites. https://www.cdc.gov
- American Veterinary Medical Association. Dog bite prevention. https://www.avma.org
- American Academy of Pediatrics. Protecting your child from dog bites. HealthyChildren.org. https://www.healthychildren.org
This article is for general education and is not a substitute for individualized medical advice. Always talk with your baby’s health care provider or your own provider about your specific situation. If you think your baby or you may have a medical emergency, call 911.
