Bringing home a new baby is an exciting time for any family, but big changes can be stressful for any household. While there will be plenty of things at the top of your priorities list when bringing your baby home, there are a few things you can do to help your pet with the transition!
Before Baby Arrives
A Vet Check-Up: It's a great idea to get you pet checked out before the baby arrives and make sure they are in good health and up to date on all of their vaccines and prevention. A fecal test to check for any intestinal parasites is a great idea, as there are some intestinal parasites that can be transferred to us from our pets. Additionally, most monthly heartworm preventatives contain a broad spectrum de-wormer to help combat any exposure your pet may encounter. Knowing that your pet is healthy and doing well before the baby arrives should hopefully cross one source of potential worry off your list!
Revisit Obedience Training: Having a pet who understands physical boundaries (ex: doesn't jump up on you, get underfoot, etc.) and understands (and listens to) basic commands like sit, stay, or go lay down is great for all occasions, but especially helpful for pregnant mothers and new parents trying to navigate life with a new baby. Being able to control your dog though verbal commands and ensure that they don't accidentally knock over Mom or young children and babies is an invaluable skill that is much easier to accomplish before the baby arrives and brings along all that change and excitement.
Adjust Your Pet's Routine: Life with pets before a baby often looks different once the baby actually arrives, and while you might have had all the time in the world to play, walk, and spend time with your pet, it's a good idea to encourage your pet to spend a little more time entertaining themselves. For example, if you usually spend a lot of time playing ball with your pet, encourage them to enjoy a puzzle toy of frozen Kong - it's still a great form of enrichment and one that keeps your pet quiet and occupied while you tend to your new baby.
Walk Them With the Stroller: This one might seem silly, but if you plan on having your dog accompany you on walks around the neighborhood, it's a great idea to get them used to walking by the stroller before the baby arrives. Walking your dog next to the empty stroller can help them adjust to walking next to it, and you can get a better idea of how your pet might behave while on walks with the baby.
Prepare Them for the Noise: This one is a little tricky, but if possible, play videos of babies crying to get your pet adjusted to the noise. Pets can sometimes struggle or be fearful of unexpected or loud noises, which is going to be inevitable with a new baby around. Any exposure to loud noises may be helpful!
After Baby Arrives
Don't Rush an Introduction: You don't need to introduce your baby to your pets as soon as you walk in the door. When the timing feels right to you, and your pets and your baby are all calm and quiet, let your pets approach you holding the baby at their own speed. While most pets will not react aggressively towards the baby, make sure you are holding the baby at all times while ideally, someone else monitors your pet and can quickly remove them from the room if needed. If at any point your pet seems stressed of fearful around the baby, allow your pet to take some space and revisit the introduction once both parties have settled.
Don't Feed Discouraged: If the first impression in underwhelming, or your pet seems apprehensive or wary of the baby, they are certainly not the first. While we would all love to see an instant bond and connection form, there are many qualities about babies that some pets might not find endearing until they frow up a little (such as screaming, crying, etc.). As long as your pet is not behaving aggressively towards the new baby, you can call it a win!
Never Leave Baby Unattended with Pets: This goes for pets around any baby, toddler, or small children - avoid leaving your pet unattended with you child! Regardless of your pet's normal temperament, or their history of being good around your little ones, any pet can and will bite if they are in pain or become fearful. Children and babies may accidentally spook pets by stepping or falling on them/ their paws/ their tails, try to pick pets up that don't want to be lifted, etc. and will be unable to read signs your pet may be giving off as a warning.
Hire a Dog Walker: If you have a high energy pet who is used to daily walks and suddenly find yourself too busy or tired to make the trip every day, hiring a dog walker or taking your pet to doggie daycare can be a great way to ensure your pet is having a good time burning off some energy while freeing you up to focus on things at home.
Find Time to Squeeze in Special Snuggles: Even if it's just for 10 minutes each day, making time to do something special with your pet like going for a quick walk, playing in the yard, or cuddling up on the couch can be a great stress reliever for new parents whose worlds have just been turned upside down. After all, pets are considered to be very therapeutic and this brief period of normalcy can work wonders on stress and nerves.
If you have any questions or concerns before or after bringing home a new baby, please contact us at 972-347-6100 for further recommendations.
Click here to schedule an appointment. https://connect.allydvm.com/practice/prosper_trail/appointment_request
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