Introducing Your Pet To Your New Baby

If you are having your first baby, your pet is going to need some time to adjust to your new addition. Until that baby comes home, your pet has had your undivided attention. Even if you are not always doting on your dog or cat, the amount of attention you have to spend with your furry companion is going to dwindle when baby comes home. Some animals react negatively to their new family members as a result. You can make this transition easier for everyone in the family with these tips.

Smells Are Essential

Almost all pets, dogs and cats especially, are driven by smells. Your house smells a certain way to them, and when someone new is brought in, they notice the new smell almost immediately. You can ease the transition by introducing baby smells into your home before the baby comes home. All common baby household items such as baby powder and diapers have scents which your pet may need to learn.

During your hospital stay, ask the nursery staff if you could take home one of your baby's used receiving blankets for your pet to smell. If you place this near the pet's feeding dish, you will help him associate the smell of the baby with eating, one of his favorite activities. Do not let it become part of the pet's bed, though, because you do not want your pet claiming the crib or baby carrier as sleeping space as well.

Positive First Encounter

The day you bring baby home from the hospital, be sure you greet your pet as you normally would, just without too much excitement. Perhaps you can leave the baby in the car with another parent while you say hi to your pet. Then, bring the baby in and calmly introduce them. Do let your pet smell and look at your baby, but do not let your pet jump towards your baby or lick her face. If your pet tends to get excited in new situations, consider having her restrained when you have this first meeting.

Watch Carefully

You will need to watch carefully for the first several months for any signs of aggression towards the new baby on the part of your pet. Some pets are very concerned when your baby cries and some pets are completely indifferent to your newest addition. You will need to deal with any signs of fear or aggression in your pet. Your vet may have suggestions for training methods to help ease your pet's transition. Your baby and pet should never be left alone together because your pet could be unpredictable.

Once your new baby and pet have established a good relationship, you will have wonderful opportunities to do things like take walks as a family. Remember to be patient with your pet since a new baby is a big change not only for you but for your pet.