It’s a moment that often happens quickly. Your dog walks over, leans in, and gives the baby a big lick across the face. Some parents laugh. Others panic. So what’s the right response?

When a new baby arrives, many parents suddenly start thinking about parts of the house that used to feel completely ordinary. The nursery becomes one of those spaces. And a common question comes up quickly: Should my dog be allowed in the baby’s room?

For many dogs, this is the moment they’ve been waiting for. The baby moves into the high chair stage, food begins appearing on the floor, and suddenly your dog discovers what feels like a magical new buffet. From the dog’s perspective, the baby may seem like the most generous person in the house. From the parent’s perspective, it can quickly become chaotic.

A new baby has just come home. Your world has completely changed. You’re exhausted, protective, and trying to do everything right. Then it happens. Your dog suddenly lets out a growl near the baby.