Congratulations on your upcoming baby from all of us at Garden Oaks Veterinary Clinic! Now that you’re expecting a two-legged baby, you and your four-legged baby is in store for some serious life changes. We recommend that you do your best to prepare your fur baby for your human baby. Here are six ideas to keep in mind:
- Train basic commands first — Before your baby arrives, spend time teaching your pet basic commands, like “sit,” “stay,” “leave it,” and “off,” or sign him up for obedience classes. You’ll appreciate a well-behaved pet when you have your hands full with a new baby
- Introduce new sounds and smells — The sound of a crying baby can be nerve wracking to anyone, especially a pet who doesn’t understand what’s going on. Before baby comes home, play a recording of baby noises while giving him treats so he’ll develop positive associations with the new noises in his life. Similarly, use baby lotion and other products you’ll use on baby, and send a blanket home with her smell on it, so your pet will get used to her smell.
- Shower your pet with extra love when you get home — When you arrive home from the hospital, have someone else carry baby inside so you can pepper your furry companion with plenty of love, praise, and extra special treats right when you walk through the door.
- Stick to your routine — While there will certainly be changes in routine after your baby is born, try to keep staples—like your pet’s walk, meal, and bed times—consistent to help prevent him from resenting your new family member. If you have to make changes, try to make them before baby arrives to give your pet time to get adjusted.
- Create a safe place for your pet — Be sure your pet has a place all his own with comfortable bedding, calming pheromones, and favorite treats and toys that is away from the noise and not accessible by even the most mobile of toddlers.
- Never leave your pet alone with the baby — Even the most well-behaved and mild-mannered pet will not understand how fragile the baby is and will need to learn how to appropriately interact with her. Your pet may inadvertently lay on the baby or knock her baby seat over, causing accidental harm.
Do you have additional questions? Call our office and let us help you get your fur baby ready to meet your growing family!
