This is dedicated to Shaun and Erin (my son and his wife). Who had informed me over the weekend that they were expecting their first child in June. Congratulations! I know you both will make great parents.
If your family already includes a pet, (in their case they have 3 dogs) they will need to help the first “babies” adjust to the new one they soon bring home. You can help your pet cope with this big change in much the same way parents help children understand that a new brother or sister will be joining the family. By following the tips below, you can ease your pet’s stress, help her welcome your new baby, and ensure that your pet stays where she belongs—with you and your growing family.
How Will Your Pet React?
No matter how much you plan ahead, the addition of a new family member may be difficult for your pet. Remember, your dog or cat was your first “baby” and is used to being the center of your attention. So it’s understandable that she may experience something similar to sibling rivalry when you introduce a new human baby into your household.
You can minimize this feeling by working with him/her before you bring home your baby. For example, because your new baby will demand a lot of your time and energy, gradually accustom your pet to spending less time with you.
Drastically decreasing attention and frequently scolding, ignoring, or isolating your pet after the baby comes home will likely make your pet feel stressed. If your pet is particularly attached to the mother-to-be, another family member should develop a closer relationship with the animal. That way, the pet can still feel loved and provided for while mom is busy with the baby.
How You Can Prepare Your Pet
Below are several suggestions to make introducing your pet and baby safer and smoother for all. Be sure to carry out these changes months before the baby’s arrival to best prepare your pet.
Encourage friends with infants to visit your home to accustom your pet to babies. Supervise all pet and infant interactions.
Accustom your pet to baby-related noises months before the baby is expected. For example, play recordings of a baby crying, turn on the mechanical infant swing, and use the rocking chair. Make these positive experiences for your pet by offering a treat or playtime.
Use a baby doll to help your pet get used to the real thing. Carry around a swaddled baby doll, take the doll in the stroller when you walk your dog, and use the doll to get your pet used to routine baby activities, such as bathing and diaper changing.
Talk to your pet about the baby, using the baby’s name if you’ve selected one.
Sprinkle baby powder or baby oil on your skin so your pet becomes familiar with the new smells.
Finally, plan ahead to make sure your pet gets proper care while you’re at the birthing center.
What To Do After The Baby Is Born
Welcoming a new baby is exciting for your family. Remember when you first brought home your dog or cat? But before you bring your baby home from the hospital, have your partner or friend take home something with the baby’s scent (such as a blanket) for your pet to investigate.
When you return from the hospital, your pet may be eager to greet you and receive your attention. Have someone else take the baby into another room while you give your pet a warm, but calm, welcome. Keep some treats handy so you can distract your pet.
After the initial greeting, you can bring your pet with you to sit next to the baby; reward your pet with treats for appropriate behavior. Remember, you want your pet to view associating with the baby as a positive experience. To prevent anxiety or injury, never force your pet to get near the baby, and always supervise any interaction.
Life will no doubt be hectic caring for your new baby, but try to maintain regular routines as much as possible to help your pet adjust. And be sure to spend one-on-one quality time with your pet each day—it may help relax you, too.
With proper training, supervision, and adjustments, you, your new baby, and your pet should be able to live together safely and happily as one (now larger) family.
I wish you all the best and the joy that a baby can bring into you life.
To You and Your Pets Health,
Alice
To Shaun and Erin and my grand-doggies Dillon, Tyler and Bailey all my love, Life is going to get a lot more interesting.
This festive wicker basket contains an entertaining ball-and-pull toy that squeaks! Plus, an assortment of our most popular treats. Wholesome Hearts, Gourmet Dental Treats, Antioxidant Health Bars, Tasty Rewards and a Porky Puff. All nestled in a lovely reusable holiday wicker basket with red and green accents. Makes a wonderful gift for a canine friend.
A delightful variety of playful toys that will keep your furry feline happily occupied during the holidays and a bag of Life’s Abundance Gourmet Cat Treats For Healthy Skin & Coat. The toys and treats are nestled in a lovely reusable holiday wicker basket with red and green accents. A terrific holiday gift for your favorite feline! Holiday Gift Basket for Cats
and/or the 
will get a thumbs in our house.
