I talked about introducing your pet to your new baby in last months column so this month we are going to introduce your baby to your pet. So, you’re going to become parents?  Congratulations!  Having or adopting a baby or young child is a huge, happy, life-changing event; here are some ideas for helping your dog or cat feel as happy and excited as you do!

BEFORE THE BABY COMES HOME:
Let your cat or dog sniff and explore any new equipment or supplies you might be bringing home.  Make sure to praise (or even reward) your pet when he treats these things gently, and let him know, in a loving way, what is off-limits.  Let him sniff diapers, diaper cream, baby shampoo, the crib, bedding, toys.  Practice taking walks with the stroller so that your dog can get used to it and learn how to walk well alongside it—before you have the baby in it and before you’re already short-tempered and tired!  Turn on the swing or bouncy seat, lay out the play-mat—let your pet get used to these strange contraptions before they’re put to actual use.  It’s also not a bad idea to expose your pet to crying babies in advance—invite over friends who have newborns or toddlers, but always supervise any interaction, of course, and make sure your pet feels safe and not threatened.

Reinforce any training your pet will need to remember; make clear to your pet when and where she is allowed.  If you want the baby’s room to be off-limits or if your dog is no longer allowed on the couch, institute those rules now—again, before stress levels are higher and patience levels are lower.  If she’s not allowed in the baby’s room, your dog might appreciate a baby gate so that she can at least see you and still feel part of what’s going on.  Any behavior or training issues you currently have will not get any better with a new baby, so address them now for your—and your pet’s—emotional and physical well-being.

If your pet is not already spayed or neutered, consider taking care of this before the baby’s arrival, as altered pets are generally less aggressive.

Make sure to arrange—ahead of time—loving care for your pet while you are away at the hospital, birthing center, or adoption location.  Try to arrange things so that your pet’s routine is not too altered, that he arrives home (or welcomes you home) relaxed and rested.  Many pet-care companies will be “on call” for you, as long as you have an existing relationship with them!
It’s a great idea to have someone, say Dad, bring home a blanket or item of clothing from the hospital that your baby has worn, and allow your pet to sniff it, to adjust to all the new scents.  Praise your pet for being gentle or even reward with a treat so that these smells equal good things in your pet’s mind!

When Mom and baby arrive home for the first time:  Have someone else hold the baby so that Mom can lovingly and calmly greet the pet one-on-one (and allow him or her to calm down again before introducing the baby).  Moms, try to relax so that your pet can, too.  

To introduce baby and pet:  Sit down and calmly present the baby to your pet; reward him with treats and/or praise; let him sniff and—if you feel comfortable and your doctor has given the okay, even give a lick (on the top of the head or a foot, for instance, not on the face or hands).  Again, remember not to admonish your pet but to give praise so that the experience is a positive one for him; a gentle “no” is enough if your dog does something you’re not comfortable with.  Don’t force the interaction, though—if your pet does not seem ready or comfortable, he will come around when he is.  Finally, always supervise interaction between your baby and your pets.  Even the most gentle, non-aggressive pet can be provoked, so it’s best never to leave your pet alone with your baby or toddler.

MOST OF ALL, try to think of this major life change from your pet’s point of view, and remember three things:  first, as much as possible, help your pet associate baby with GOOD things (attention, treats and rewards, your smiling face and gentle, calm, approving voice).  Second, make as many changes as possible BEFORE the baby arrives; be proactive and not reactive:  changes are easier to stomach if one is not already stressed or tired (and by “one” I mean you AND your pet!).  Third, don’t forget that, in many ways, your pet was your first baby, and deserves as much love, affection, and attention as you can manage in this time of transition.  Try to relax: this is an exciting but stressful time, and it’s going to take some getting used to for everyone in your family!

For more information, tips and ideas, consult your veterinarian, your pediatrician, or your local bookstore.  The following websites offer some great guidance, too:

http://www.humanesociety.org/animals/resources/tips/pets_babies.html

http://www.professorshouse.com/pets/dogs/introducing-your-dog-to-your-new-baby.aspx

http://www.babycenter.com/404_how-do-i-prepare-my-pet-for-our-new-baby_1393920.bc


Ashley recently completed her PhD in English literature and also works in the Old Town Alexandria office of Doggywalker.com. Doggywalker.com is a professional pet-sitting company providing daily walks and customized in-home pet care. Celebrating 10 years in business, visit Doggywalker.com or email This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .

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