The days leading up to a new baby's birth are filled with excitement and anticipation. Amidst all the baby showers and nursery preparation, there is a confused family member who might need some special attention and understanding 'the family pet.
Pets react to babies in a variety of different ways, from aggression to indifference to loving concern. While it's hard to tell how your pet will react before the baby arrives, there are a few steps you can take to help with this important transition for your pet.
Dogs socialize in linear packs, which means that your dog considers some family members dominant to its own position and others as submissive. Dogs may find it confusing and invasive when a new family member or 'member of the pack' enters the scene. A dog may initially display dominant behavior, so watch for signs such as growling, keeping the ears laid back against the head, or standing in a crouched posture. Dogs who have formed deep bonds with their owners prior to the baby's arrival may also become depressed, becoming less playful and not eating.
Cats are less social than dogs and do not socialize in packs, so they have little need to show aggression unless cornered or threatened. For a cat, the most annoying part of living with children is being bothered, so a cat may choose to ignore the baby altogether. Like dogs, however, some cats form very close bonds with their owners and may feel rejected and depressed after the baby's arrival. Watch for reclusive hiding behavior and decreased appetite.
Before the baby arrives, it helps to allow your pet to investigate the furniture in the baby's room and become familiar with the scents of powders and other baby products. This way the pet will not be intensely curious later and insist on sneaking into the room unsupervised. After the baby arrives, it's a good idea to keep your pets out of the room.
Under close supervision, allow your pets to see and smell your baby. Try not to panic and pull the child away when your pet approaches' this could send a message that the baby is a threat, and may make the animal more likely to grab before it is out of reach. Speak in a calm, soothing voice during the interaction and move slowly to allow the pet limited access to meet your baby and to remove the child from reach. Never leave your baby unattended within your pets' reach.
You also need to make a conscious effort to spend time with your pets after the baby arrives to let them know they have not been replaced in the household. As your children grow older, they must learn how to respect and treat the family pets. Praise your children for gentleness and correct them for rough and unkind behaviors toward your pets.
If you observe aggressive behavior in your pets, quickly correct the animal, but do not punish. Remember that in many instances, your pet was your 'baby' first. Since the pet doesn't really comprehend what's going on, you need to find ways to show them you love them just as much as always' a small amount of affection can make a big difference.
Keep in mind that even if you do everything you can, some pets may never get used to children. If a pet was raised around children, generally there will not be a big behavior problem, but if the pet has never seen a 'little person' before, be sure to closely supervise the interactions for a long time. Also, if you have a pet that has been teased or mistreated in the past, there may be significant obstacles to overcome this may take months or years of patient loving care.