New parents strive to create an environment where their babies can thrive. These environments sometimes include pets and there are a few things to keep in mind when there’s a baby and pet in the same home.
Cats and dogs love the outdoors, it’s in their nature. So countering the possibility of germs and bacteria coming indoors is something worth thinking about.
Can germs be spread from pets?
Some germs that pets carry (including salmonella and staphylococcus) can be spread to humans. To protect your pet, you should ensure they are vaccinated and treated for fleas and ticks regularly. You should also take them to the vet if they show signs of ill health. Protecting your pet is just as important as protecting your home.
Tips for practicing good hygiene
Keeping your home clean can be tricky – but it is even more important to protect your pet and little one from germs. Here are a few tips when it comes to eating, playtime and overall hygiene.
Pets and eating
• Cleaning your pet’s eating area is important when there are children around. Pets that eat dry food are likely to remove pellets from their bowls and spread crumbs over the floor. If your little one is on the move already this could be a potential risk. You can stop the spread of germs with Dettol Power and Fresh Multi-Purpose cleaner.
Pets and playtime
• If your pets have chew toys your baby might want to play along. This is another potentially harmful situation that you can combat with the power of Dettol. For hard plastic or rubber toys, you can use Dettol’s Multi-Purpose Cleaning Wipes. Wipe down the toys, rinse them thoroughly and dry them before letting your pet play with them again.
• When it comes to fabric toys, you can run them through a washing machine cycle using Dettol Laundry Sanitiser which can kill 99.9% of germs* in your laundry at temperatures as low as 20°C.
Pets and hygiene
• Wash your hands after petting or playing with pets and when preparing or serving food. Encourage your children to do the same, especially before eating after they have been in contact with pets.
• Keep your pet’s claws trimmed. This reduces the risk of scratches. Dogs’ paws and cats’ nails can pick up dirt and inadvertently transfer it to you or your children.
• Give your pets their own feeding bowl and store and clean them separately from other household dishes.
• Regularly clean and disinfect your pet’s feeding bowl and rinse the bowl thoroughly with clean hot water. Don’t forget to dry them!
• Create “off-limit” areas for your pet. A kitchen counter or any surface where food is prepared and served is a good starting point to ensure you minimise the risk of spreading germs.
• If you or your little ones share a bed with a pet, use Dettol Laundry Sanitiser to kill 99.9% of germs in your laundry when washing below 40°C and reduce the risk of germs spreading.
To find more tips on what products we have available to keep your home protected against potential risks when raising a baby and a pet, visit tips page.
*Including bacteria and viruses. Keep out of reach of children. Use disinfection safely. Always read the label and product information before use.
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