PREPARING YOUR DOG FOR BABY – Just as the arrival of a baby in the house causes a change in habits and the establishment of some new rules between mom and dad, so the addition also affects the change in the way pets behave.
Believe it or not, pets (especially cats and dogs), as well as older children, have a period of getting used to the baby, which you all have to go through together in order to overcome the lack of attention, jealousy or depression as painlessly as possible.
In the following text, we will try to point out a few main characteristics in the behavior of an unadapted and confused pet to a new family member, as well as the steps by which you will put their behavior in order.
Get your pet used to your baby’s things and smells
Until the baby arrives at the shared home, parents who live in a community with a pet are advised to slowly start introducing the dog or cat to the baby’s belongings. Offer them to sniff minky baby blankets, get used to the smell of her things and get acquainted with the toys. Animals do not need much time to get used to the new furniture in the house, so these steps will save you time getting to know the smells and the new layout.
You must not punish him when he growls!
New environments and unfamiliar odors can be very stressful stimuli for beings who do not possess the intelligence that man is endowed with, so be prepared for them to cope much harder with stress and can often feel like they are in a hostile environment, and try to defend.
Although it is rare for a pet to become aggressive when changing environments – in case this is the case with you, what you must not do is punish a dog or cat for growling, scratching furniture or defecating in unusual places. Punishing him would only teach him to stop warning us when he is not satisfied.
Regular pet care
Not only before the baby arrives, regular pet care should be an integral part of maintaining his psycho-physical health – just like any other family member. Regular care includes:
- Proper vaccination against rabies and infectious diseases;
- Deworming (cleaning from worms);
- Application of flea repellents.
The hair should be brushed more often and the paws washed or wiped regularly (after each walk or out of the sand). Vacuum the room regularly, especially the place where your pet usually sleeps. In this way, you prevent the hair of your pets from being found everywhere in the apartment, on the baby’s things, and you exclude the possibility of the baby inhaling them or irritating her even more sensitive skin.
Prepare him for short walks
As you will devote almost all your attention and time to her care and habit with the arrival of the baby in the home, it is time to start introducing your house or cat to this procedure. The first thing they should become more aware of is a shorter stay outside and less time for jogging outdoors.
The pet and the child must get used to each other
You should never force pets to suffer cuddling and socializing with a child if he does not like it, just as you should not leave them alone with a baby! However, pets (especially dogs) are usually very interested in everything new that is happening around them, so you will probably get into a situation where you have to get it out of the way often.
However, the joint “socializing” of pets and babies, especially during the child’s growth, has numerous benefits for learning about understanding the environment and dangers. It is important for your child to learn the difference between a house in his house and a house on the street, because something that he would like to do with his house, other dogs may not tolerate.
After playing with the dog, be sure to wash your child’s hands. In case of bite or scratch, rinse the area immediately with water, if redness or swelling occurs, go to the doctor immediately.
A little trick and the early arrival of the “baby”
Many dog owners prepare very actively and dedicatedly for getting their pet used to the arrival of a baby. One of their tricks can serve as an insight into how the dog will treat the baby when he is in her presence.
Buy your pet a baby toy, which cries, moves the extremities, etc. Put a piece of baby’s clothes on her or wrap her in clogs and leave her with the dog to get used to her smell.
You can also wipe some parts of the baby doll with handkerchiefs or a bath that you intended for the baby’s bath – so that the dog gets acquainted with the way his new friend will smell as soon as possible.
This may seem too complicated, but take our word for it – the adjustment period passes quickly, and pets quickly and easily get used to the new member and enjoy playing and cuddling with him. Also, keep in mind that growing up with animals teaches children responsibility, and the loyalty that a child establishes with a pet has a positive effect on his later self-confidence.
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