National Pet Day 2019
Written by Candace Inge
Most people have pets whether it’s a dog, cat, turtle, hamster, or fish but let’s face it, our pets are often our first children. We love them and care for them. We buy them food, toys, and even clothes. We put so much value into the lives of our pets because they bring us so much joy. Sometimes that joy can become a bit stressful when it comes to introducing your newborn to your pet. Animals just like people, need their routines and although your baby is a welcomed addition to your family, you have had nine months to mentally prepare for this, your pet has not.
Cats:
Introducing a cat can be interesting depending on the temperment of your cat. For the most part, cats keep to themselves and could care less what happens around them as long as they have food, water, a few catnip toys, and a clean litter box. Cats do thrive on routines and it is important to welcome them into the upcoming changes as you prepare for baby so that they don’t become too jealous when he/she comes home one day soon. Try to keep things as normal as possible. Remember, cats are curious so it is ok if kitty wants to sniff around the nursery and check out the new furniture just make sure the things you want to remain off limits are made off limits from day one.
An easy way to make sure your cat is aware of their space verses the babies space is double sided tape. You can place double sided tape on furniture you don’t want kitty to climb on. After a few jumps onto something, resulting in sticky foot pads, your cat will leave those things alone. They do not like sticky feet. Tin foil is also a good way to deter cats from furniture although a particularly playful kitty may just knock it down and play with it.
Make sure your cat has a “safe space” like a window perch, a cat tree, or a room that is rarely used with a cat bed in it. Cats like their own spaces and may feel the need to escape from baby when he/she cries, or gets all the attention kitty thinks they should be getting from mom or dad. In that regard, do not smother your cat with more affection than they’ve ever been shown before. If that extra attention stops, your cat may become jealous.
It is important to remember that it is ok if your cat doesn’t want to spend as much time with the new baby as you do. Cats need to adjust to the new smells, sights, and sounds in their own timing. Do not force it but encourage kitty when they come up to baby. Let them sniff and take a look at baby so they can decide for themselves if they like baby or not. If a behavior issue arises with the cat, address it right away so that you can hopefully avoid any other issues in the future.
Dogs:
Dogs get a bad reputation when it comes to being introduced to newborns. That is not to say, that they all behave perfectly when they are introduced. Dogs are used to getting a lot more attention than most house pets as they enjoy interaction like walks, running, playing fetch, and so on. It is important that you gradually change your dog’s routine before baby comes home with you rather than changing it all of a sudden. This does not mean poor Rover no longer goes for walks or gets to chase his favorite ball, it means change what time he goes for a walk periodically and maybe feed him slightly earlier, or slightly later so that they get used to subtle changes.
Dogs also need to be taught, prior to baby coming home, basic commands so that they are listeners before these changes take place. This does not mean you need to spend a ton of money on the fanciest training school you can find, it simply means your dog knows basics like place (meaning lay on your bed, mat, or whatever you have chosen as their place) and off. Most dogs, not unlike people, respond best to training when rewarded so you may want to get some treats or a special toy that you reward your dog with for following his/her new training commands.
Just like with a cat, let your dog explore in the babies room. They need to see what the new set up looks like and know what is and isn’t off limits. Let them take a sniff around the nursery as new things arrive so that they are already familiar with the smells and sights before baby is one of those too. It is ok to put a gate up so that the nursery is totally off limits to the dog, once they have explored, iif you so choose.
When bringing baby home it is important to go in the house alone (have your spouse, or the new grandparent wait with baby) and let your dog smell you before bringing in baby. Your dog will already smell baby on you and likely be excited and jumping trying to figure out what the new thing is. After the dog is settled, put them on a leash and bring baby in. It is ok to let your dog check baby out in your arms with a sniff and a few licks. Know your dog’s body language so if you sense jealousy you can redirect your dog to their place or relocate yourself. Once you feel the dog is doing well on leash, you can unleash them and let them continue to introduce themselves to baby.
Another way to introduce your dog to baby before they actually meet baby is to bring in something they had on prior to their homecoming. This can be a hat, an outfit, even a swaddle blanket. Your dog’s keen sense of smell will know a tiny human was wearing it and excitedly check it out.
Again, dogs need routines and it may take awhile for everyone to get in sync but that is ok. Do not stop loving on your dog but make sure they know appropriate boundaries. Make sure your dog has a safe “place” whether that is a dog bed or a crate. Sometimes your dog may need some alone time or even a timeout for inappropriate behavior, just be sure they always associate that place as safe, whether that is with a treat or a toy.
Other Animals:
Although cats and dogs are amongst the most popular house pets, there are many other pets people may have and handle. Hamsters, rabbits, fish, and turtles probably do not need to be introduced to your newborn as the likelihood of them coming into contact with them is probably, or hopefully, slim to none. If you handle such pets on a regular basis and know of any aggression or potential issues, simply handle them away from baby.
The most important thing is not to neglect your pet just because you are growing your family with humans. Remember, your pet was your child first and they have feelings too. Now get out there and hug your pet! Happy National Pet Day!!
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