Bringing a baby into a home is a huge adjustment for pets. New smells, new sounds, less attention, changes in routine and energy in the home.
I firmly believe children that are raised (appropriately) around animals are blessed. They become empathetic, loving and kind.
When you first bring a new baby home expect your pet to be unsure. They will sense your fatigue, anxiety, worry and stress.
They will try to be involved because they are part of the family! They might not be happy at first, but they’ll learn with time and patience.
They deserve that. Your time, your patience and your understanding. If you have a toddler and you bring a new baby home you explain things in depth and you teach your toddler how to behave around the new baby. Your pet deserves the same.
Please don’t expect just to know they aren’t suppose to lick, jump, scratch, etc. they need to be taught patiently. They need to be loved and included.
It’s ok to keep your pet on a leash for safety Initially. But please don’t isolate or ignore your pet. You wouldn’t do that to a toddler child. That will cause the wrong behaviors to manifest. And your pet will feel unimportant and discarded. Undesirable Behaviors will reflect this.
There will be jealousy. There will be confusion and uncertainty. But if you treat your pet the way you would treat your toddler who is welcoming home their first sibling, you will end up with an animal that adores your baby.
So bring home items that smell like the baby before the baby comes home. Give these to your pet. Show the pet the new areas for the baby. Make it FUN for your pet. Include your pet, while keeping everyone (baby and pet) safe. Your family can grow WITH your pet. And everyone, including your pet, can be happy and feel loved. Your pet deserves the time, patience, and inclusion. They would never ignore or isolate you.
And please, teach your baby/child to be gentle with your pet when that time comes. I see too many pets tolerating things they are unfair.
And as a bonus pets are GREAT at making babies and kids laugh!! And they make great best friends for kids.
