A new baby disrupts and changes the lives of everyone in the household, including the household pets. Cluttered and unused storage rooms or office are explored to decide which room to rearrange to make room for the new arrival. The hustle and bustle begins early in pregnancy. The house is purged. There are many adjustments to make. How do you let the pet know what’s going on? She’s watching you and maybe she already knows it, as she picks up one of her stuffed animals and starts shaking it hard until the stuffing comes out. It may be that she is showing us what she thinks of the news and the changes it has precipitated. With everything that’s going on, even a well-trained pet can react negatively to the shift in attention and focus. Remember that he was your “first baby”. How will you greet the “new baby” in town? Get advice from your vet on what you can do to prepare Fido for the imminent arrival of the babies. Positive reinforcement of training techniques should be used consistently before the baby is born. Not being allowed in rooms the pet has spent time in, new smells, and most importantly, new sounds are things your pet should be prepared for. It has also been suggested that you bring an item that belongs to the baby home and allow the pet to smell it. Limit the dog and cat from the chosen nursery before the baby arrives to give them time to make any necessary adjustments to their environment. Establish routines such as when you will walk your dog and when he eats etc. Plan play areas away from the baby’s room. This is the time to try new training techniques to correct problem behavior, use words and sounds in your training that the dog responds to best. Make sure you are in control of your pet at all times.

Hopefully, as time goes on, your pet will respect your baby as a “new leader” in the family and bond well with your growing child.

Steps to help your pet adjust to a new baby

Before the baby is born

• Make sure your pet’s health needs and vaccinations are up to date. A healthy pet is a happy pet. Make sure your pet has had a physical exam and that there are no underlying health issues.
• Take care that your pet is well groomed. Keep your pets’ nails trimmed. Long fingernails can accidentally scratch your baby.
• If you haven’t already, consider having your pet spayed or neutered. Doing so now will help lessen feelings of jealousy that can cause both cats and dogs to scent mark the house.
• Consider obedience training for your dog. Every dog ​​should understand come and sit commands. There are many books that will help you teach your dog these basic commands, as well as many dog ​​obedience courses for you to consider. Contact your local pet supply store or vet for information on dog obedience classes in your area.
• Address any serious behavior problems. If you are having trouble disciplining your pet or your pet has anxiety, seek specialist help before your baby arrives and be sure to get specialist opinions on how your pet will react once the new baby arrives.
• Consider the behaviors you’ll want to change after the baby is born, and start working on changing them now. If you previously allowed your pet to jump freely into your lap, now is the time to teach him not to. Block access to areas that will be “off limits” for several months before the baby arrives, for example, no longer allow your pet into the room that will be the nursery when the baby arrives. Consider double-sticking furniture to prevent your pet from jumping on it.
• Start spending less time with your pet. Try to set a schedule that mimics the one you will have after the baby is born. This will prepare your pet for the less amount of attention she will receive.
• Invite your friends with babies to visit you. This interaction will allow your pet to get used to the look, smell, and sounds of a baby.
• He begins to “play house.” He carries a baby doll with you and take care of her like a real baby. He changes his diaper, he pretends you’re giving him a bottle and lulls him to sleep.

After the baby has arrived

• Allow your pet to sniff the baby’s belongings before bringing the baby home. After the baby is born, bring home a towel or blanket that has the baby’s scent on it and allow your pet to get used to the smell of the new baby. Do this before you bring the baby home from the hospital, but after the baby is born.
• Do not scold your pet for being curious about the baby. this is natural Allow your pet to smell the baby’s feet – a little licking will not harm the baby and a positive introduction will go a long way towards a healthy baby-pet relationship. Brushing your dog or cat every time your pet is around your new baby can cause feelings of resentment.
• Consider asking someone else to introduce the baby to your pet so mom can show the anxious pet that she needs attention right now.
• A gradual process of introducing the pet to the new baby is often recommended. Some experts suggest isolating the pet from the new baby for a few days to get them used to the idea of ​​mommy and baby together in the environment.
• If you’re contemplating a new puppy or kitten for your new baby’s first playmate, you may want to reconsider. Puppies and kittens also have demands that must be met. Consider carefully whether you want to spend time training a puppy or kitten, or whether you’d rather spend that time with your new baby.

and more important

• Do not leave your newborn unattended with a pet.
• Never leave a dog and a small child unsupervised.

*** This article is for educational purposes only. None of the above information replaces the advice of your OB/GYN or veterinarian. Contact your doctors with questions, concerns, and professional advice.****

The experience, education, and knowledge of your physicians supersede all information provided here.