Give me all your slobber!
After a recent study was published about the better health of babies who live with dogs (and cats), I was feeling pretty smug about the amount of awesome dog in this house. If there’s ever a baby in here, it will have so many dogs to lick. There were so many articles covering the results, that I would think it would be common knowledge to build an immune system and to make it strong, we have to be exposed to and come in to contact with many things. I had a pretty good feeling about perhaps our newfound respect of exposure and maybe a little less fear of “dirt” in general. Then I read this article, apparently the five second rule has been outlawed.
Now, I’m not saying I’ve never tossed food that I found questionable. We all have our limits, but to call into question ALL questionable food? To put that doubt into people’s minds that if there’s ever a doubt, throw it out? I find that disturbing. I also find the story in the article about a parent “cleaning off” their child’s dropped pacifier with their own mouth disturbing. Not because the baby is now exposed to the parent’s bacteria but because I at least need a rinse off of hair and other debris before putting something in my mouth. Floor hair makes me want to vomit. Never mind that the baby is “exposed” to their parents’ bacteria daily, scientists! If they don’t sell the baby first.
I think we’re too concerned about magical killer germs and exterminating everything in our kitchens and bathrooms and around our babies. We have to live in this whole world, we can’t walk around in little bubbles. At least I wouldn’t want to. Babies exposed to dogs are healthier because they’re exposed to more, period. Dogs are gross. They roll in things, they eat disgusting bugs, they pee on their feet and then they come in and kiss your baby! Thank you, dogs, for being awesome and saving babies. The real American heroes are dogs (and firefighters) (and …. ya know, other first responders and stuff).
brahm (alfred lives here)
07/20/2012
Screw the scientists…. I’m keeping the five minute, err, the five second rule….
Handflapper
07/20/2012
Hellbaby has eaten a respectable amount of dirt, kissed and been kissed by every dog she has ever met, including the two that live in her house and the four that live in mine. At going on 17 months old, she has yet to be sick. I believe in a healthy exposure to germs. Oh, and NO CHICKEN NUGGETS. Fast food is creating a bunch of antibiotic resistant snot-nosed monsters.
Lance
07/21/2012
MY dog and cat are cleaner than my three daughters. This family wouldn’t be whole without the furry kids. Good post.
JoRuu
07/21/2012
Just felt compelled to say something on the baby and dog issue. I had five of my own little darlings and they ate all sorts of things that were probably very disgusting unbeknownst to me. I am not a clean freak or fanatic BUT I would definitely teach baby to not lick or kiss the dog. Ok….I have to draw the line somewhere. I love my pets and the dog gets a regular bath and I also vacuum the excess fur off of her but PLEASE don’t lick the baby.
Adrienne
07/22/2012
See, now this makes me feel like an awesome mom. My two eldest are easily the healthiest of my kids, and when they were babies my parents had this dog who wouldn’t quit licking their faces no matter what we tried.
Theory: confirmed!