Introducing a new baby to the four-legged members of a family can be an anxious time for parents and stressful for the pet involved, but the key to a successful introduction is preparation.
The arrival of a new baby and the change in routine that this brings can be very stressful for pets, so it pays to prepare your pet before the baby arrives on the scene. Leading veterinary charity, PDSA, offers some top tips to make the process easier.
Preparation
- With your supervision, allow your cat or dog to investigate the nursery and new furniture before the baby arrives. If you don’t allow your pet into the room, they may feel there is something in there that needs their attention!
- CDs of baby sounds can help your pet get used to the new sounds that will soon be in the house.*
- Carry around a pretend ‘baby’ (a doll in a blanket) so that your pet gets used to seeing you do this.
- Once your baby is born, let your pet smell some of their clothing or bedding in the days before meeting them to allow your pet to get used to the smell of your new arrival.
Arriving Home
- When you bring your baby home for the first time, safely let your pets look at him or her whilst you hold them.
- Never let your pet lick your baby or get too close. However, as dogs depend on their sense of smell, a few sniffs, under very close supervision, will help them better understand the new arrival.
Routine
- Try to keep your pet’s routine the same and give them the same attention as you have previously. This will help ensure that they do not feel pushed out.
- Stay as relaxed as possible so that your pets do not pick up on any anxiety you may be feeling.
Safety
- You should never leave your baby, or any children, unattended with any pet. Pets will not understand that their actions, such as trying to climb into a cot, could be harmful to children.
PDSA Senior Veterinary Surgeon, Sean Wensley says: “It takes time and effort to introduce children and pets. Make sure you closely supervise any interaction between them and never leave them alone, no matter how well behaved your pet is. Praise your pet when they are calm and gentle around your child.
“Children often imitate parents, so how you react will show your child what is acceptable behaviour. By being a positive role model you can teach children how to respect and care for animals, which will help them become caring and responsible adults.”
For more information on responsible pet care log onto www.pdsa.org.uk
