Preparing Your Pet for the Arrival of a New Baby
Before Your Baby Arrives
Ensure your pet is in good health, vaccinated, spayed or neutered, with trimmed nails, and free of fleas (avoid flea collars).
Address existing behavior issues such as jumping, pulling, mouthiness, barking, furniture access, and possessiveness for dogs, and play aggression, inappropriate elimination, and climbing on high surfaces for cats.
Gradually acclimate your pet to the sights, sounds, and smells of a new baby.
Sights: crib, changing table, toys, diaper bag, playpen, highchair.
Sounds: crying, screaming, gurgling, baby laughter (use sound clips/videos online).
Smells: baby powder, lotions, baby oil, diapers (including soiled ones with ammonia and water), bottles, and formula.
Consider using a doll to simulate baby care activities, such as holding, applying powder and lotion, diaper changing, and bathing. This helps your pet adjust to these new activities within the household. Include your dog in walks with a stroller to familiarize them with it.
Introducing these new elements to your pet before the baby's arrival is essential. Cats and dogs have highly sensitive ears and a keen sense of smell. Introducing all these changes and a new baby simultaneously could overwhelm and stress your pet. Make each introduction a positive experience by pairing it with special treats, playtime, or extra attention to help your pet adapt to the changes more comfortably.
Consider how your pet's routine will change after the baby arrives and implement those changes gradually. This includes walks, feeding times, play sessions, and cuddle time.
Allow your pet to explore areas that will become off-limits (e.g., the nursery) before excluding them. Installing a screen door in the nursery can keep cats and dogs out while allowing them to observe, smell, and hear the baby.
Set up a private and comfortable "retreat" space for your pet to escape to when things get chaotic. Associate this place with positivity by spending quality time there, offering meals, or providing special treats or toys. This helps your pet feel comfortable in their retreat and reduces the sense of isolation when confined.
Gradually desensitize your pet to common actions babies and children might take with them, such as hugs, rough petting, reaching for their face, quick movements, loud noises near their ears, tail, and ear pulling, eye poking, or accidental bumps. Increase the intensity of these behaviors gradually during practice sessions while pairing them with extra-special food treats.
Toxoplasmosis Awareness (Cat Owners) - Understand the risks of Toxoplasmosis, which can be found in cat feces, raw meats, or garden soil. Take precautions such as avoiding litter box cleaning (assign this task to someone else), wearing gloves during gardening, and thorough handwashing after handling raw meat. These measures are crucial during pregnancy to protect the fetus.
While Mom and the Baby Are Still at the Hospital
Bring home a blanket and piece of clothing with the baby's scent on them for your pet to explore. Play a tape recording of baby sounds like crying, gurgling, or breathing and pair it with positive experiences like treats or fun games.
The Meeting Day
When Mom returns home, she should greet the pet first as they will be excited to see her. Then, another person can bring the baby into the house and sit quietly on the sofa. Allow your pet to investigate the baby, with dogs on a leash initially. Stay relaxed and positive during this process, as your pet will mirror your emotions. Praise your pet for calm behavior.
From Now On
Never leave your pet and your baby alone unsupervised. Ensure your pet receives ample attention, both with and without the baby present. Be attentive to signs of stress in your pet, such as excessive vocalization, restlessness, lethargy, destructive behavior, and changes in behavior. Address these signs promptly to help your pet adjust to this period of change.
