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Dog & Baby: How to Disinfect and Clean Your House

For many dog owners who are expecting a child, the prospect of safely introducing their beloved pet to their new little bundle of joy can be the source of a lot of anxiety. However, it does not have to be.

Child sits on floor surrounded by toys next to dog looking out window with front paws on windowsill

By establishing positive associations — allowing for your dog to begin linking good sensations and outcomes with the presence of your baby — and establishing good cleaning habits before the baby arrives, introducing your dog to your baby can be an easy and rewarding experience. After all, they’re all family.

  • Allow your dog to meet the baby when both are feeling particularly calm. There’s no need for nerves to be involved on either side.
  • Keep the first interactions short. Allow your dog to sniff its new pal for a few seconds, then interrupt this and reward him for keeping his cool by giving him a treat.
  • Prevent your dog from licking your baby. As much as it may want to show the little one some affection, this can be an easy way for your dog to share germs.
  • Wash your hands thoroughly with soap prior to handling the baby in the instance that you have made any contact with the dog.

Making introductions

Acclimating to the sights and smells

Another great means of preparing your dog for baby’s arrival, is to begin getting them acquainted with certain sights and smells that will be commonplace when the baby arrives. If you know what lotions or creams you will be using for your baby, put them onto your own hands so that your dog can become familiar with the smells ahead of time.

 

Cleaning products can actually help out here. If you plan on using a disinfectant in your new nursery like Lysol® Disinfectant Spray, try it out before your baby’s arrival and allow your dog to sniff around and get used to the smell.

 

As the new items and supplies roll in — the car seats, the highchairs, the toys, etc. — take them out of their packages with your dog nearby and let him sniff around.

Child lying in bed cuddles two sleeping dogs

Establishing boundaries

 

Like everything in life, communication is key. Make sure your dog knows all of the commands it will need to know in order to keep them from unintentionally harming your baby.

  • Teach your dog not to jump up while you are holding the baby in your arms as well as to sit or lay down.
  • Practice while holding a doll or another object in your arms like a baby. Keep plenty of treats around to reward your pooch with when they do as they are told.
  • Be sure that your dog has a “leave it” command in the event that they get their mouth on one of the baby’s toys.
  • Clean toys thoroughly, rinse with water and then dry them off before your baby gets back to playing with it.

 

Cleaning Up

Train your dog well and be sure that he does his business in the right place, as failure to do so can mean the introduction of a host of germs inside your home. If your dog has an occasional accident and dirties any hard surface in your home, turn to Lysol® All-Purpose Cleaner to deodorize and disinfect the affected area. Our All-Purpose Cleaner kills 99.9% of bacteria and viruses,* so you can be sure that it helps to protect your home from germs. For area rugs, use Lysol® Max Cover Disinfectant Mist to help kill germs or bacteria and viruses and leave behind a crispy fresh aroma.

 

*Use as directed

Becoming best buds

Follow these tips to ensure that your dog is not a potential hazard for your home’s newest and most important addition. With the right coaching and a period of adjustment, your pooch will continue his streak of being man’s best friend once your baby has arrived.

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