Person Goes No Contact With MIL And FIL After They Said They Were Thinking On Calling CPS

Almost half of American households own a dog. Depending on their financial situation and housing capabilities, households may have more than one pet. But, according to the American Veterinary Medical Association, on average, one family owns 1.5 dogs and 1.8 cats.

So, when these young parents told their family that they’re sheltering eight dogs in their home, there were some questions. The in-laws started fearing for their new baby’s safety, raising concerns about the dogs possibly harming the child. But soon, the parents found out that it was more about control than genuine concern for the baby.

A couple got in a fight with their in-laws about owning too many dogs

Share icon Couple sitting on beach with four small dogs, highlighting stress over potential CPS call and disapproval of dogs in house.

Image credits: Jonathan Borba / Pexels (not the actual photo)

The grandparents believed that the eight dogs in the household posed a danger to the baby and threatened to report them to CPS

Person loses sleep over potential CPS call as spouse's parents disapprove of multiple dogs in the house.

Person loses sleep worried about potential CPS call as spouse's parents disapprove of having many dogs in the house

Text image showing concern over potential CPS call due to spouse’s parents disapproving of dogs in the house.

Text excerpt discussing concerns about dogs tracking sand indoors and family disapproval over cleanliness in the house.

Share icon Baby lying between two dogs on bed, highlighting person losing sleep over potential CPS call due to dogs in the house.

Image credits: Sarah Chai / Pexels (not the actual photo)

Text excerpt discussing concerns about CPS calls and dogs in the house affecting family dynamics and child safety.

Person loses sleep worrying about potential CPS call due to spouse’s parents disapproving dogs inside the house.

Person loses sleep worrying about potential CPS call as spouse's parents disapprove of dogs in the house.

Person loses sleep over potential CPS call as spouse’s parents disapprove of dogs in the house and child safety concerns.

Share icon Person looking stressed and sleepless worried about potential CPS call over spouse's parents disapproving dogs in house.

Image credits: Engin Akyurt / Pexels (not the actual photo)

Person loses sleep worried about potential CPS call as spouse's parents disapprove of dogs in the house.

Text excerpt showing a person worried about spouse's parents disapproval and potential CPS call over dogs in the house.

Image credits: Significant_Try_1044

“They are animals, and we always have that in mind.” The mom defended their decision, saying that they already took safety precautions

“It’s totally acceptable to go no-contact with them,” the commenters said, giving their verdict

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Even the most loving and friendly dogs can be unpredictable around a baby

Multiple dogs and a baby living under one roof might sound dangerous, but it can be pretty special and rewarding if done with enough care. Pet lovers might protest and say that their pooch would never do anything to harm even a fly.

Yet experts still argue that pet owners should take steps to prepare the home, the pet, and the family for a new baby’s arrival. Why might dogs act aggressively towards a baby? As Las Vegas-based dog behavior consultant Eileen Koval, CDBC, CBCC-KA, CPDT-KA, MSc, explains:

They’re guarding their resting spots, food, and toys;
They’re competing for attention;
Or their predatory behaviors are triggered inadvertently.

Most owners think that these three things can be avoided through extensive training and preparation. But Koval writes that accidents can happen. Always.

“Some dogs can be incredible dogs, but still are never going to be safe enough to live in the home or neighborhood with young children and babies present. They may be dangerous due to unpredictability,” she continues.

“They may be around children or small dogs 100+ times with success, but in only one instance there is some noise, context, or specific child’s movement that somehow resembles prey behavior that inadvertently triggers that behavior pattern.”

Pets might also carry serious diseases and illnesses

Behavioral problems aren’t the only risks that a pet might pose to a newborn baby. Pets can spread illnesses and diseases, and because babies have barely developed immune systems, they’re more susceptible to them.

The Irish public health provider HSE warns that children often get stomach illnesses from pets. These include germs and bugs like salmonella, campylobacter, giardia, and cryptosporidium.

The experts also caution parents to be wary of infections that can best be prevented by keeping up good hygiene: keeping pet areas clean, washing hands often, keeping the pet’s toys and food out of the baby’s reach, and vice versa. Some children may be allergic to pets, so that might lead to keeping the pet outside if possible.

Parents should never leave their baby or child with any pet alone

So how should parents proceed when there’s a baby and a dog, or even multiple dogs, in a house? According to the UK-based vet charity PDSA, there are four main things to remember:

Keep your dog busy with exercise. A dog needs to expel their energy throughout the day, and it’s best to do so when the baby’s not around. Adequate exercise will also keep the dog happy and away from destructive behaviors.
Pets need their private space. Parents should ensure that a pet has a corner of the house where they can go to decompress.
Do introductions gradually. Make sure that the baby and the dog’s first meeting is when the pet feels calm and relaxed. Some experts even advise introducing the baby’s things like blankets and clothes to the dog to smell prior to the baby’s arrival. Be sure to introduce them to each other with close supervision!
Don’t ever leave a baby or child with a dog alone, unsupervised. However well-behaved and sweet your dog is, they’re still an animal. “Direct supervision of children and dog interactions by a responsible adult is necessary and, where not possible, dogs and children should be physically separated by a secure barrier,” the specialists at the RSPCA write.