Introducing Your Pet to Your New Baby

If you have had your pet for quite some time, expecting a baby could bring out behaviors you have never seen your pet exhibit. Normally an exciting time for parents, your pet may not share your happiness about your new baby. Sometimes pets tend to feel left out or set aside by the new baby. They do not always understand that a new baby is something mom and dad have been looking forward to. It is important to help your pet accept and adjust to the changes about to occur in their home.

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.

When your baby is born and you are recovering in the hospital, ask the hospital staff if you can take one of your baby's used receiving blankets home 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 not let the pet jump towards the baby or lick her face, something dogs particularly like to do, but do let the pet smell and look at the baby. 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. Talk to your vet about potential training methods you can use to ease the transition. Remember, never leave your baby and your pet alone together, because your pet is an animal and can 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.