What can I do to prepare my three-year-old pet for the arrival of our new baby?
Pets may see the arrival of a newborn as an intrusion, especially since the amount of attention they receive is reduced. Here are some things you can do to make the transition easier on everyone.
BEFORE THE BABY ARRIVES
Don't wait until you bring home the new bundle of joy to prepare your dog or cat. Two months prior to the baby's arrival, take your pet for a complete veterinary examination, including a fecal analysis for intestinal parasites. There are several bacterial and parasitic diseases that babies can get from dogs or cats (roundworm, ringworm, salmonella and the bacterial infection giardia are the most common). While they generally don't cause serious illnesses in adults, they can be harmful to babies with underdeveloped immune systems. Investigate any skin lesions, hair loss, itching or redness that your pets may have, and pay attention to changes in their stools. I always ask pet owners to have their pets' feces analyzed at least three times a year when there is an infant or toddler at home. This applies only to outdoor pets.
If your cat or dog has a flea problem, get it under control. Fleas are a constant problem in certain parts of the country (Southeast and West). Although they don't like to live on humans, they could provoke an allergic skin rash on your baby. There are a variety of high-tech, anti-flea products available to help eliminate this threat. Monthly pills that prevent flea reproduction can be combined with topical repellents. If you find the strong chemicals in repellents objectionable, there are some good cream rinses that give lasting protection even after they are rinsed off. Be certain to use only products labeled for cats on the cats and those for dogs on dogs.
If you're worried that your pet will be too aggressive with the new baby, your vet can refer you to an animal trainer or at least a good book on animal training. You should also decide if you will not be allowing your dog to do certain things, like sleeping in your room, after the baby arrives. If so, it's a good idea to begin these changes before you bring the baby home so that your pet doesn't associate this new behavior with the baby.
WHEN YOU BRING THE BABY HOME
Once the new baby has arrived, catering to Fido might be the last thing on your mind. But taking time to prepare him for the new family member will pay off in the form of a more tranquil household. Before you leave the hospital, pick up one of the baby's blankets or dirty diapers and send it home for the pet to sniff. Getting to know the child's scent will help a dog or cat adjust to the baby before meeting the little competitor face-to-face.
When Baby comes home from the hospital, it's good to have somebody other than the birth mother (husband, friend or family member) carry the newborn into your home. That way, the pet doesn't hold Mom solely responsible for the new arrival. If you plan to hire a nurse or a nanny to help with the baby, make sure she has no problems with pets. In fact, let her meet your pet when you interview her to be sure there aren't any bad vibes.
If you're like most new mothers, you'll feel as though you barely have time to shower in the morning, let alone pay attention to your dog or cat. But if you can, find a little time each day to devote solely to each animal. Spend a few minutes brushing your cat, tossing a ball to your dog or just doing the simple things you know he or she enjoys most. This will probably be calming for you too.
Initially, it's best to supervise all the contact between child and pet. No, cats do not suck the air out of babies, but their claws do scratch. And dogs' mouths may be cleaner than man's, but they are still loaded with germs. So, keep Kitty's nails trim, and don't interchange Baby's pacifier with Rover's latex chew toy. Reassure your cat or dog that the baby's crying or screaming is okay, as it will undoubtedly upset your pet initially. Try to make all contact between the two positive and rewarding. Treats and praise will help. If you are always reprimanding the pet around the baby, it will start to resent him or her. Remember, your pets can be a great source of comfort in your child's early days, so try to make them feel like a cherished part of the family.
Dr. Peter Kross, DVM, has had his own veterinary practice, the Rivergate Veterinary Clinic in New York City, since 1989. He lives in Manhattan with his three white boxers, Buchanan, Wilhelmina and Laila.
What can I do to prepare my three-year-old pet for the arrival of our new baby?
Pets may see the arrival of a newborn as an intrusion, especially since the amount of attention they receive is reduced. Here are some things you can do to make the transition easier on everyone.
