Author: David Cummings Added: May 25, 2009
Parents are always excited to welcome a new member to their families, but sometimes pets can feel displaced or disconnected from their owners. Being aware of the changes in behavior that can occur and helping your pets understand that new babies are demanding is imperative to the functioning of your 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. 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. Talk to your vet about potential training methods you can use to ease the 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.
--- David Cummings is a devoted husband and father who regularly writes on a variety of family topics. He is committed to helping parents create more-enjoyable family time and to working with children-oriented organizations. David is also the General Manager for BustlingBaby.com - a company that offers the Eddie Bauer Bassinet and lightweight strollers as well as other mobility products families need.
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