Pets and Preemies.

Throw3ks · October 2013

Was anyone asked about pets at home with their preemie? I have been doing some of my own research about RSV and stumbled upon a bunch of information saying that pets (a dog in our case) is a no-no for preemies. From what I researched its because pet dander is bad for preemie lungs-regardless if there were any lung/breathing issues. I recall the women who spoke with us about the synagis shot asking if we had a pet but I honestly can't remember what she said after. I will have to ask again. But in the mean time did anyone get rid of a pet based on docs advice?

Missa_g · October 2013

At the time we had three cats and two little dogs (its what happens when two animal lovers get married) and no one said a thing to us about it. My little dog passed away two months ago, but otherwise we would still have the same number.

Pips09 · October 2013

I never heard anything about pets being an issue. I've actually read that having pets in the home can be good for kids, and can help prevent allergies. Regardless, we had 2 dogs when we brought our preemie home, and they did not have any negative effect on her.

staceymack · October 2013

Missa_g said:
At the time we had three cats and two little dogs (its what happens when two animal lovers get married) and no one said a thing to us about it. My little dog passed away two months ago, but otherwise we would still have the same number.

I'm so sorry for your loss :-(

PhillyGal34 · October 2013

I asked our neonat about our dog and he said that as long as the dog doesn't eat my son there's no problem.

JEPES1348 · October 2013

We were asked about our pet situation by plenty of docs, nurses, discharge coordinator nurses, etc. We told them we had 2 dogs and no one said anything about possible complications or (medical) risks.

LaciJaxx · October 2013

Nope, never even asked about it. We have a cat and haven't had any issues.

Throw3ks · October 2013

Thanks ladies! That's why I put these questions out there, to get advice. You know how searching the internet is the root of all evil.

Nita14701 · October 2013

We asked when we were in the NICU. NICU dr said dogs not an issue and with cats just have to watch that they don't try to get snuggly with the baby (blocking breathing).

direy25 · October 2013

Ditto PP's. We asked the neo about our dog and she said it shouldn't be an issue as dog dander really doesn't stay in the air.

KTZ17 · October 2013

We have a cat and our neonatologist told us just don't leave him alone in the room with her because he might jump in the crib/pack and play with her. It has never been an issue, though, because he doesn't like to be near her. He takes a sniff of her now and then when we're holding her, but other than that he keeps his distance from the "ugly kitten" (that's how my husband says the cat refers to her).