How To Get Your Pet Ready For A Baby:

Wondering how your pet will do when the new baby arrives? Chances are your beloved canine or feline already knows something is up. Mom’s belly is getting bigger, the house is getting rearranged, there are all kinds of new smells… diapers and Desitin… baby blankets and bottles… and what’s the deal with all these stuffed animals? Pets pick up on hormonal changes as well, so there’s a good chance your dog or cat knew you were pregnant even before you did. Still, you are going to want to make preparations in order to ensure a happy homecoming for your baby.

Don’t wait until the third trimester to get things ready with your pet. Once you know you’re expecting, there are a number of things you can start with right away.

Obedience Training

No, not your husband. If you haven’t already done this kind of work, you’ve got the next nine months to break your pet of any bad habits. Focus on problem behaviors such as mouthing, jumping, possessiveness, fear, or anxiety. If you’re not sure how to work with your pet on your own, seek help from an animal behaviorist. Consider enrolling in a training class with your dog - this will help with obedience and enhance the bond between the two of you. Remember, your dog’s behavior is controllable while your baby’s is not for the first few years (though there are reports that this can extend well into the teenage and even adult years).

Baby Practice

Invite friends with babies over to your home so that your pet can get used to the sounds, smells, and sights of children. You can use a rocking chair, turn on the mechanical swing, play tapes of 'baby noises' such as crying and even practice holding a baby doll in order to accustom your pet to the upcoming routine.

Sleeping Arrangements

If you allow your dog or cat to sleep on your bed, think about whether or not this will continue once the baby comes. Your pet looks to you for stability and consistency. If you suddenly decide that the bed is off limits because the baby is there sometimes, you will create anxiety and possible resentment in your pet. A gradual transition to a pet bed is a better way to go.

Health

Take your dog or cat for an annual wellness exam before the baby comes. This way you will be able to address any particular health problems while your life is still relatively controlled. Spay or neuter if you haven’t already done so - fixed pets tend to have fewer health problems and are generally less aggressive.