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The new baby comes home. A joy to the parents, friends and family. The home has been transformed by the equipment, the diapers, and the new smells that accompany an infant. There are hordes of guests that come to sing the praises of the newest member of the family. While this is exciting, there is one family member who might feel confused, overwhelmed, and left out of the celebration. The family pet may react to the new member of the family with dejection, hostility, and jealousy, unless some measures are made to prepare the animal for the changes coming to the household.
One approach is to simulate the changes before the baby actually arrives. This can be done with a doll. Dress the doll in clothes the infant will wear. Bathe the doll in infant soap, so the dog or cat can get used to this new smell. Carry the doll around the house to help the pet adjust to your new behaviors. If the pet can have a chance to get used to these new actions, it will not be so startled by them when the real thing happens.
As you are role-playing your tasks as a parent, get your animal used to the commands you will be using to keep your child safe. If your pet does not know the command, “Down!” now is the time to teach it. You may choose to keep the pet away from a certain area of the house to protect the child. This can be accomplished by keeping a spray bottle of mouthwash at the entrance of the door. When the dog or cat attempts to enter the room, spray it with the mouthwash. This spray is distasteful to an animal, will not cause it harm, and may possibly improve the pet’s odor. If this process is completed before the baby comes home, it will be one less thing to do in your new life as a parent.
Another approach to preparing for the new child may seem strange. Add another cat or dog to your household well in advance of the baby’s arrival. This will give your pet companionship as you devote your attention to the new child. If the animal has a companion, it will still suffer from less attention, but it will have another creature to turn to for attention. Often in a house where there are two dogs, the animals adapt to the changes by growing closer to each other, and giving each other more affection.
In homes where there are two pets (particularly dogs) there is less attention getting behaviors and acting out of the animals. The transition is easier for the family, and the creatures seem less traumatized by the life change.
Preparing for a new baby in the family is an exciting process. There is a great deal to get done, and many revisions in lifestyle that will occur. As you gear up for the exciting transition, do not forget the creatures you nourished and loved before the baby. Take some time to acclimate your pets for their new housemate. This effort will result in a happier family for the people, canines, and felines in the home.
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