Set up the baby’s room as soon as possible, so your animals will accept the new arrangement long before the baby comes home. If you and the rest of the family smell like baby products, the baby will have a familiar smell when he or she arrives. Start using baby products such as lotion, bath soap, powder, and laundry soap. Never, ever leave a baby or child unsupervised with the animals.
If your pets seem unduly frightened, you might want to seek help from a behaviorist your veterinarian may be able to refer you to someone. Watch your animals closely to see how they react. Invite friends over who have babies and small children. It will save you a lot of time and frustration when you are busy with the baby if your dog knows key cues, such as “drop it,” “leave it,” “wait” and “down.” Make sure you practice the cues daily with your dog.īoth cats and dogs can benefit from familiarity with babies before you bring your new one home. A trainer who has experience with babies and children is ideal, since he or she can design a training, exercise, and safety plan for your family. Find a trainer who uses positive reinforcement. If you have a dog, consider taking him or her in for a training refresher course. Play with your cats and dogs on a regular basis exercise helps them to relax, and it relieves stress for the whole family. Give your pets plenty of special attention.
But, if you want to be extra careful, you can begin to prepare them ahead of time for the big event.įirst, make sure your pets are up-to-date with veterinary checkups and vaccinations, since you may not have time for such things in the first few months after the baby’s birth.
Most pets accept a new baby with no problem. In addition to all that you need to do to prepare for the new baby, there are a few things you can do to make the transition easier for your pets. Getting ready for a new family member is a busy, exciting time. By Sherry Woodard What can I do to prepare my pets for the new baby?
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