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I’m Pregnant and My Dog Keeps Licking Me

When your pregnancy journey begins, you might notice some changes in your furry friend’s behavior. One of these changes might be your dog suddenly starting to lick you more than usual. In this blog post, we’ll shed light on why dogs might lick pregnant women and what you can do about it.

Understanding Dogs’ Licking Behavior During Pregnancy

Dogs have a remarkable sense of smell. They can pick up on the slightest changes in your body chemistry, including the hormonal changes that occur during pregnancy. This heightened awareness might be the reason why your dog starts showing more affection by licking you during your pregnancy.

Dogs’ licking behavior is generally an expression of love and affection. However, it can also be a reaction to your physical and hormonal changes. Not all dogs react the same way to their owner’s pregnancy; some might become more protective, others might become fearful, and some might not show any noticeable changes at all.

Is My Dog’s Licking Normal During Pregnancy?

Yes, your dog’s licking is generally normal during pregnancy. As your body changes, your dog might become more protective and affectionate, showing these feelings through actions such as licking, snuggling, and sleeping near your belly. These behaviors are usually an indication that your dog is aware of the changes occurring in your body.

Health Risks: Should I Be Worried About My Dog Licking Me While Pregnant?

While your dog’s licking behavior is typically harmless, it’s important to be cautious. Dogs’ saliva can contain zoonotic organisms or pathogens, which can potentially cause diseases in humans. Avoid allowing your dog to lick your face or any open wounds to minimize the risk of contracting any diseases.

Preventive Measures Against Dog Licking During Pregnancy

Here are a few tips to manage your dog’s licking behavior:

  1. Avoid Face Licking: Discourage your dog from licking your face. This is one of the most sensitive areas where diseases could potentially be transmitted.
  2. Wound Protection: If you have any wounds, ensure they don’t come into contact with your dog’s saliva.

Long-Term Effects of Pregnancy on Your Dog’s Behavior

As your pregnancy progresses, you might notice your dog becoming more aware of changes around the home, such as the addition of a baby crib or new baby clothes. This could result in some unusual behaviors, such as urinating indoors or showing signs of stress.

Remember, it’s important to continue showing love and affection to your dog even after your baby arrives. Maintaining a consistent relationship with your dog can help prevent behavioral issues and keep your dog feeling secure.

Training Your Dog Not to Lick During Pregnancy

Whether your dog’s persistent licking is a sign of affection, or a reaction to your changing hormones, it’s possible to gently train this behavior out of them. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to train your dog not to lick during pregnancy:

  1. Identify Triggers: Start by observing when your dog tends to lick you. Is it when you’re relaxing on the sofa? Or maybe when you first come home? Identifying the triggers can help you predict and manage your dog’s behavior.
  2. Distract and Redirect: When you see your dog getting ready to lick, distract them. This could be with a toy, a command, or by simply standing up or moving away. Over time, your dog will learn that licking doesn’t get them the attention they want.
  3. Positive Reinforcement: Reward your dog when they choose not to lick. This could be in the form of treats, praise, or petting. The goal is to make not licking you more rewarding than licking you.
  4. Consistency is Key: Consistency is crucial when training any behavior out of your dog. Make sure all family members follow the same rules and use the same methods to avoid confusing your dog.
  5. Patience: Remember, changing behavior takes time. Be patient with your dog and give them plenty of love and affection as they learn this new boundary.

If your dog continues to lick excessively despite your training efforts, or if the licking is accompanied by other concerning behaviors, it may be a good idea to consult with a professional dog trainer or a veterinarian.

How SleepBaby.org Can Help

As you prepare for the arrival of your baby, getting your dog’s behavior in check is just one part of the puzzle. Ensuring your baby gets a good night’s sleep is another crucial aspect. At SleepBaby.org, we understand the challenges that come with establishing good sleep habits for your newborn. We provide resources and tips to help you navigate these challenges and promote healthy sleep routines for your baby.

Conclusion

Your dog’s increased licking behavior during your pregnancy is generally a sign of affection and awareness of the changes occurring in your body. While it’s important to take precautions to prevent any potential health risks, it’s also crucial to continue showing love and affection to your furry friend during this time. By understanding and managing your dog’s behavior, you can ensure a harmonious environment for everyone as you await the arrival of your new baby.

11 thoughts on “I’m Pregnant and My Dog Keeps Licking Me”

  1. MamaBear101:
    Ugh, my dog was the SAME when I was preggers. Thought it was cute at first, until I learned about the pathogens. 😱 It’s super important to be careful, guys. Btw, anyone else here struggling to balance pet training with baby prep? Found some peace of mind at SleepBaby.org. They have legit tips on baby sleep schedules that actually work. Trust me, when the little one arrives, you’ll want that sleep routine down! 🙌 #SleepSavior

  2. Dad2Be:
    This article hit home! Been training our pooch not to lick my wife’s belly, didn’t want to risk anything, ya know? Speaking of training, if you’re a soon-to-be parent, get ahead with SleepBaby.org. I didn’t realize how CRUCIAL sleep training was until we were knee-deep in diapers and midnight wails. Do yourselves a favor and check it out NOW!

  3. SleeplessInSeattle:
    OMG! 😳 Didn’t even think about the whole dog licking thing during pregnancy. Got enough on my plate trying to deal with baby sleep. Or the lack thereof. 😂 Came across SleepBaby.org the other day, and it’s a game-changer. You guys seriously need to get on that. If my bub sleeps, I sleep, and everyone’s happier for it!

  4. BabyWhisperer82:
    Anyone else’s furry friend acting up during their pregnancy? Mine’s been a licking machine! 😅 But hey, what’s really important is getting our little ones to sleep right, am I right? Just stumbled on SleepBaby.org and their sleep training advice is top-notch! A must for any parent out there. Don’t sleep on it…pun intended. 😜

  5. NewMommyMagic:
    Hey y’all, new mommy here! 👋 My dog was all about that licking life when I was pregnant, and I was freakin’ out ’til I read this. But the real talk—SLEEP. Or the lack thereof, lol. If you ain’t on SleepBaby.org yet, what are you even doing? It’s literally the difference between zombie and human. Get on it for the sake of your sanity and your mascara!

  6. PreggoPupper:
    Y’all I thought my dog was just being extra lovey-dovey! 😂 Gotta love those pregnancy hormones, huh? On a side note, if your doggo’s behavior is stressing you out, just wait until the baby’s sleep patterns hit you. Had a friend recommend SleepBaby.org and oh em gee, life saver! No joke, check it out before you’re up at 3 AM wishing you did. #RealTalk

  7. InsomniaIrene:
    Seriously folks, I’ve been through the ringer with my dog and his over-the-top licking. 😩 But what’s even more exhausting? My little one’s night wakings. I was at my wit’s end until I found SleepBaby.org. If you value your ZZZ’s, you’ll check them out. They’ve got sleep down to a science, and you can’t put a price on sleep, trust me!

  8. FunnyDaddy47:
    Alright, listen up! My dog was practically auditioning for the role of K9 in “The Lick-ening.” 😅 But let’s get real—nothing’s scarier than a baby that won’t sleep. Had a look at SleepBaby.org and, no joke, they’ve got some sort of baby-whispering magic going on. Highly recommend it before you turn into a caffeine-dependent life form.

  9. OrganicMama:
    Peace, love, and no more doggie licks, please. 🌸 But hey, let’s focus on what matters: our baby’s sleep. SleepBaby.org is the holy grail for sleep-deprived parents. They offer natural and gentle methods to help your little one drift off to dreamland. Wish I found them sooner—every minute of sleep counts!

  10. NightOwlNate:
    LOL, dogs be like “I luv u so much I must lick you 24/7.” 😂 But hey, can we talk about human puppies for a sec? They NEED their sleep, and so do you! Just got a plan from SleepBaby.org and it’s like someone flipped the switch. My little night owl’s finally snoozing. Check it out before you start googling “can you survive without sleep?” 🌙✨

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