When it comes to dog bites and injuries involving children, we often focus on cases where the dog is cornered, stressed, or otherwise uncomfortable. However, the truth is that even happy, relaxed dogs can pose a risk to babies. This is not due to aggressive behavior, but rather the unintended consequences of your dog, well…being a dog. From unsafe sleeping arrangements to playful zoomies, well-meaning dogs can accidentally cause serious injuries, or even fatalities. Understanding these risks can help parents and caregivers take proactive measures to ensure the safety of both their babies and their furry friends.
Sleeping Arrangements: An Overlooked Risk
Even if you don’t plan on co-sleeping with your baby or having your dog in bed, accidents happen. Maybe you’re nursing your baby in bed, and you doze off. Perhaps your dog, wanting to be near you, jumps onto the bed while you’re asleep. Sometimes, co-sleeping happens, even when you didn’t plan for it! In any case, the combination of a baby and a dog in the same sleeping space can be a dangerous one.
Potential Risks:
- Smothering: A dog shifting in sleep or seeking warmth might unintentionally smother a baby, leading to breathing difficulties or suffocation when the baby is unable to move away.
- Crushing: Even a small breed dog rolling over in sleep could place pressure on an infant’s fragile body, causing injury.
- Startle Reflex: If a baby startles a sleeping dog, the dog might react instinctively, potentially leading to accidental bites or scratches.
How to Minimize the Risk:
- Always keep your dog out of your sleeping space when your baby is in bed.
- Use baby gates or barriers to prevent nighttime access to bedrooms.
- If nursing or feeding in bed, set alarms or have another adult check in to prevent dozing off.
Jumping Up and Mouthing: Innocent Play with Serious Consequences
Dogs express excitement and curiosity in ways that can be dangerous for babies. Jumping, mouthing and tugging are normal dog behaviors, but they can pose significant risks when a baby is involved.
Potential Risks:
- Jumping Injuries: A dog that jumps on their parent can unintentionally knock the caregiver over, putting a baby at risk if they are being held or worn in a carrier. This is especially the case if the dog jumps when you’re not expecting it.
- Scratches and Bites: Dogs often explore their world with their mouths. A dangling baby limb, blanket or wrap can become an unintended target for biting and tugging. Furthermore, dogs may accidentally scratch your baby with their front nails while jumping.
- Face-Level Encounters: If a dog is tall enough to reach the baby’s face, risks of accidental scratches or bites to the face increase significantly.
How to Minimize the Risk:
- Train your dog to sit or keep all 4 feet on the floor when you enter a room with the baby.
- Use positive reinforcement to discourage jumping and mouthing, and give your dog a “legal” outlet for tugging or biting.
- When baby-wearing, be mindful of your dog’s energy levels, and keep interactions controlled.
Zoomies and Play: The Energy Surge That Can Lead to Injury
Dogs love to play, and sometimes that means running at full speed through the house, known as “zoomies.” While entertaining to watch, play and zoomies can be hazardous if a baby is lying on the floor or in a playpen nearby.
Potential Risks:
- Stepping on the Baby: In an excited state, a dog may not be aware of their surroundings and can step on or scratch a baby by accident.
- Landing on Baby: If not paying attention, an excited dog is at risk for landing on top of a floor-bound baby during running or play.
- Accidental Collisions: A fast-moving dog might crash into baby gear or knock over a bassinet, leading to injuries.
How to Minimize the Risk:
- Set up designated play zones away from where your baby is resting or playing.
- Ensure your dog receives play and adequate exercise on a regular basis.
- Always separate babies and dogs when not actively supervising.
- If you see play or Zoomies heating up, move baby off of the floor and away from your dog.
The Importance of Supervision and Management
It’s essential to understand that your dog does not need to be stressed, scared, or aggressive to accidentally hurt your baby. Dogs will behave like dogs, and it’s up to the parents to both dogs and kids to prevent accidents from happening.
Key Takeaways for a Safe Environment:
- Supervision is Non-Negotiable: Never leave your dog and baby together unsupervised, no matter how gentle your dog has been in the past.
- Training is Essential: Training behaviors such as polite greetings, settling on a mat, or “leave it” can be a lifesaver. This will be more effective if trained before you need them.
- Use Barriers Wisely: Baby gates, playpens, and crate training can create safe spaces for both your dog and your baby. Train your dog to feel comfortable confined before your baby arrives, if possible.
- Respect Your Dog’s Space: Give your dog designated areas where they can relax away from baby-related stress.
- Prepare for the Unexpected: Even the most well-behaved dogs can have unpredictable moments. It’s better to take precautions rather than to assume everything will be fine.
Conclusion: Setting Up for a Safe and Happy Coexistence
Bringing a baby into a home with a dog requires careful planning, but with the right precautions, your child and your dog can coexist safely. While we often think of dog-related injuries as coming from stressed or scared animals, the reality is that everyday dog behaviors can pose risks, too. By being proactive — managing sleeping arrangements, preventing jumping, and controlling play areas — you can create a home environment that ensures both your baby and your dog are safe, happy, and comfortable.
About the Author:
Kathleen Alvania (she/her) is a multi-certified dog trainer in Fairfax County, VA. Kathleen is also a licensed Family Paws Parent Educator, which means she has been specially trained to support families who have (or will soon have) young children and dogs.
Kathleen has over a decade of experience working with dogs: walking dogs professionally, volunteering at shelters and rescues, monitoring puppy play groups, assistant teaching group classes, and training dogs individually. She loves teaching puppies that the world is safe and generally fantastic, and she loves helping humans deal with the big feelings of Puppy (and Dog) Parenthood. She is patient and cheerful in the face of frustration and always challenges herself to make lessons fun, clear, and engaging.