Do you have a dog… or a cat… and a baby on the way?
Before you were a mommy to your newborn baby, you were a mommy to your pet.
It is easy for pets to receive less attention than they is used to once a baby comes along.
However, this lack of attention could confuse your pet.
And if you don’t prepare your dog or cat for the new arrival, this could lead to problems down the road.
In order to avoid this, check out thsee tips…
To Do After The Baby Comes Home
Here is some excellent advice to help your pet and baby interact together safely – especially in those all-important first days:
- Allow your pet to sniff everything in the baby’s nursery so he can get used to the smell of a baby. You can even sprinkle baby powder and other baby lotions and creams on yourself to get your dog used to them.
- Play baby sounds for your pet during the months of your pregnancy so he will know what the baby sounds like and won’t be disturbed by the new sounds.
- When you take your dog for a walk, allow him to get close to babies and young children who may be around along the way. This is a good way to get your pet used to children.
- Don’t scold your dog for taking the baby’s things or getting in the way. That will only create frustration and rebellious actions from your dog. Always remain calm and orderly, even when it’s difficult to do so.
- When you bring the baby home, allow your pet to sniff your baby’s feet. It’s even okay to allow your pet to lick the baby’s foot once. Since taste and smell go together for pets, this is a great way to acclimate your pet to your baby.
Things You Can Do Before The Baby Comes Home
Of course, before the baby comes home there are a few things you can do as well.
Sometimes a pet doesn’t quite know how to deal with his owner’s pregnancy.
Here are 5 ways to get your dog on board with your pregnancy before the baby arrives:
- Work with your dog to decrease attention-seeking behaviors like barking, pawing or jumping for example.
- Familiarize yourself with your dog’s body language and subtle signals.
- Start using a flexible feeding and activity schedule with your dog that is baby-friendly.
- Work on obedience training during the activity periods, and tackle and particularly worrysome behaviors like aggression or chewing.
- Expose your dog to what it will be like having a baby around. Try role-playing with a baby doll and other baby things (like baby sounds, making fast movements, etc). You should even leave baby items around and teaching your dog not to steal them (a burp cloth with some milk on it, pacifiers, rattles, etc). When your dog displays the desired calm behavior, reward him!
- With the baby stroller empty, practice teaching your dog to “heel” with the stroller.
- Set up designated "dog zones" and incorporate "a baby schedule" get your dog used to them before the baby comes. Experimenting with crating your dog — especially if you have more than one dog, You want to get them used to sometimes being separated from one another and the rest of the family.
More ideas for getting your pet & baby together successfully:
How To Introduce Your Dog To Your New Baby
Expecting? What To Know About Your Dog And Your Pregnancy
Videos Of Dogs WIth Babies
These videos provide proof that dogs and babies do, in fact, establish a bond (so adorable!):
