Introducing your Pet to your New Baby

If the stork has already brought you some four-legged kids and is now preparing to drop off a two-legged one, you’ve got some relationships to build. Dogs operate in a hierarchy and pets who are used to having all of mom and dad’s attention can feel jealousy just as much as the next guy.

The key to a smooth transition and acceptance is to let your pet know that having baby around will only improve the quality of his/her life. Before the baby even arrives, you need to start associating the baby’s arrival with the two things our pets love most-treats and love (And treats and love and treats and love!). Here’s how you do it:

1.   Before the baby arrives, allow your pet to sniff and play with baby things such as toys, clothes, and blankets, remembering to offer your pet treats and praise as they examine the items. Get creative. Let kitty or pup smell baby lotion on your hand - right as you hand them a treat! 

2.   In the days before baby arrives, pull back a bit emotionally from Bowser. Don’t love him up quite as much as usual, and don’t make the common new parent mistake of pre-compensating for what’s about to happen and showering him with attention. Instead, do the opposite. Go easy on the attention, the treats, and the hugs until-and here is the critical part-you bring your baby home. 

3.   Once the baby’s in the door, now is the time to shower Bowser with gobs of attention. When you put the baby down for a nap, ease up on the attention. When the baby’s in the room, go right back to giving Bowser plenty of love and treats. What are we teaching Bowser with these actions? To associate the baby being in the room with good things.

Unfortunately, people usually do exactly the opposite. They wait until the baby is sleeping to play with and love on Bowser. What does this teach him? That having the baby out of the way is what makes life grand. Be careful with your attention. We want Bowser to associate affection with the baby’s presence.

4.   Very important - don’t shoo Bowser away from baby! In fact, do just the opposite and encourage them to be together: Do this even if your mother-in-law law turns red and hyperventilates. I’m a vet-trust me and don’t worry about the germs!

Follow the above path and Bowser will quickly understand that his and baby’s fortunes are very much intertwined. And that’s one giant leap towards a very happy family! 

Article by Dr. Jeff Werber, DVM