If you are planning to have a family, when the time comes if you already have a family pet such as a dog, it is important to prepare them for the new addition to the family. They’ve gotten used to the way things are and their whole world is about to change, and some pets can take it very well and others not so well.
Here are some tips for preparing your dog for your new arrival :
Make your dog part of the preparation
As you bring new things home ready for the baby such as the bassinet, stroller, and clothes; let the dog have a good sniff and look at the items so that he/she gets used to the new objects in the home.
Once your baby is born – whilst in the hospital bring home some of the clothes that they have worn, and again let the dog have a good sniff so that when you do bring the baby home he/she will already be familiar with the smell of your baby and hopefully won’t not be as wary.
If your dog is not used to babies then a great suggestion is to play a recording of a baby crying to get them used to the noise, especially if your dog is sensitive to noise. By the time you bring the baby home the noise will not be so strange to them.
Practice walking around with a doll in your arms (or a cushion if you don’t have a doll) and see how the dog reacts. If the dog jumps up you have time to train them not to before you bring your baby home, and also to be aware of any potential issues.
Attention
Consider whether it might be good to hire a dog walker for the first few weeks/months of bringing your baby home, as you may find that there isn’t as much time to walk the dog. Having a dog walker take the dog out will help to keep the dog exercised, but also give him/her much needed attention, and make time where you can to sit and pat your dog to remind them they are still loved.
Consider what you will do when you/your partner goes into labour. Will you have someone to look after the dog if you are staying in hospital for any length of time? For example at Greenslopes Maternity our patients typically stay in hospital for a few days and often their partners with them. Will you have someone to look after the dog during this time?
More info
Brisbane City Council has some great resources around preparing your pet for a new baby which you can read.
Dr Ken Law is a Brisbane Obstetrician specialising in the management of pregnancy and delivery. For more information and to discuss your specific situation, please contact Dr Ken Law to arrange a consultation at Greenslopes Obstetrics and Gynaecology.
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