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Veterinarians say preparation is the key to easy transition!
For some parents, introducing a new baby to the family pet can spark anxiety.
According to Deb Lewis, Executive Director of the Fox Valley Humane Association, it's important to prepare pets at least three months in advance of the baby's birth.
"We frequently see families that are expecting a baby and feel it's necessary to give up their pet," Lewis said. "That's why we researched the problem and began offering suggestions and solutions."
According to the association's web site, bringing home a baby is a major event for dogs and cats that thrive on routine and exhibit behavior problems for something as simple as rearranging furniture.
Trisha Ewing and her husband, Chad, of Dale took steps to ensure a smooth homecoming before they brought their daughter, Lydia, home 19 months ago. Although their cat Oscar didn't care, collies Sam and Nora were quite curious. "But they adjusted very, very well," said Trisha, who is expecting another baby this month.
Ewing is a veterinarian at Appanasha Pet Clinic in Menasha. From experience, she knows pets need time to adjust to a new baby just as much as older siblings do.
"Pets can get jealous, especially if they are used to getting all your attention and this new little creature comes into your house and takes up all your time," she said. "Some pout and some may act out."
Although some people might think the dog is jealous, dog behaviorist Joanne Hjella said the dog is not sure who is the leader of the pack.
Like wolves, dogs have a pack instinct. When brought into a home, the family becomes its pack.
"People have to teach the dog right from the get-go who the pack leader is, which is all of the family, even the children," said Hjella, owner of the home-based Canine Academy in Larsen. "Once a dog is clear about that, it should not have any issues with the children at all.
"I think it's really important that when you are having a baby or are thinking about having a family that your dog is already socialized around children and babies.
"If a dog isn't properly socialized and sees a toddler or baby, they can become pretty scared, and you could end up with a dog that would bite out of fear."
Making sure the dog can master basic obedience commands such as sit, stay and lay down is also crucial, as is making sure the dog gives mom and baby space.
A baby's cry can be unusual to a dog and distressful, Hjella said.
"It's good to maybe go to the hospital and record babies crying, then bring it home and play it now and again and make sure the dog is in a calm state," she said.
Smell is also of utmost importance to a dog.
Shortly after Ewing gave birth, Chad brought home a baby hat and two baby blankets with Lydia's smell on them and let the dogs and cat get used to the scent before she came home. As a result, bringing Lydia home was nearly a non-event.
"They were actually really good," Ewing said. "I think they were just more excited to see me. They (dogs) really weren't that interested in Lydia from the get-go."
Suggestions to keep in mind when bringing baby home
Preparing your pet in advance
- Spay or neuter your pet. Sterilized pets will have fewer health problems associated with their reproductive systems and are also calmer and less likely to bite.
- Consider enrolling in a training class with your dog to address behavior problems.
- Encourage friends with infants to visit your home and accustom your pet to baby-related sounds.
- If the baby's room will be off-limits to the pet, install sturdy barriers such as a removable gate or a screen door. Because the dog will still be able to see and hear the baby, they will feel less isolated.
- Talk to your pet about the baby, using the baby's name.
When baby comes home
- Bring something home from the hospital with the baby's scent, such as a blanket, and let the pet investigate before you return home.
- Your pet will be excited and eager to greet you when you return from the hospital; have someone else take the baby into another room while you give your pet a warm, but calm greeting.
- After the initial greeting, bring your pet with you to sit next to the baby and reward the pet for appropriate behavior.
- Try to maintain regular routines as much as possible to help your pet adjust. And make sure to spend one-on-one time with your pet.
- Never, no matter how well-behaved a dog is around children, leave them alone together.
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Cheryl Sherry
Post-Crescent staff writer
920-993-1000, ext. 249 or email
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