Pet and baby siblings make for great viral videos, but it takes time to help your pampered pooch make the transition without feeling left out. Introducing pets to a newborn child requires careful planning to ensure safety and foster a positive relationship between the two.
Prepare Your Pet Before The Baby Arrives
Slow & gradual exposure: Play baby sounds or use baby-scented items to get your pet accustomed to the presence of a new person.
Establish new routines: Adjust your pet’s schedule (for instance, feeding, walking) to reflect changes that will occur once the baby arrives.
Training: Reinforce basic commands like ‘sit’, ‘stay’, and ‘leave it” to control your pet’s behaviour and sudden movements.
Create safe spaces: For your pet, designate an area where they can retreat when feeling overwhelmed. For your baby, set up a baby-only zone where the pet isn’t allowed unless supervised.
Introduction of the newborn: Scent first - before introducing the baby, bring home an item such as a blanket or onesie with the baby’s scent and let your pet sniff it.
Controlled meeting: Introduce the baby in a calm, controlled environment. Keep your pet on a leash if necessary and maintain a relaxed demeanor.
Supervise all interactions: Ensure your pet and child interact safely, especially if your child is young or the pet is adjusting to the baby. Observe your pet’s behavior for signs of stress, like growling, pacing, or avoiding the baby.
Reinforce positive behavior: Reward your pet with treats, praise, or affection when they behave calmly around the baby. Avoid scolding your pet for being curious; instead, redirect their attention if they get too excited.
Respect: As your baby grows, teach them to interact gently with your pet. No pulling tails, ears, or fur or interrupting them while they are resting.
Monitor ongoing interactions: Adjust as needed based on the baby’s development and your pet’s reactions. Older babies and toddlers may unintentionally provoke pets, so supervision remains key. By introducing them carefully and providing both the baby and your pet with guidance, you can foster a safe and loving bond between the two.
Balancing attention between your beloved kids and pets requires thoughtful planning to ensure both feel loved and included. Dr Hemant Thange, Veterinarian (Petvets Veterinary) recommends strategies that can be used to foster the bond.
Integrate pets into family activities: Include your pet in daily routines, like walks, playtime, or story sessions with the kids. For instance, let your dog sit nearby during family reading time, or have your child throw a ball to your pet while playing outside.
Teach kids to interact with pets: This helps your pet get attention, while also teaching your kids empathy and responsibility. Encourage your children to bond with the pet by teaching them age-appropriate responsibilities such as:
- Younger children can refill water bowls or gently brush the pet.
- Older kids can help with walks, training, or playing fetch.
Spend quality time: Just as with children, pets appreciate focused attention. Spend time with your pet exclusively, such as a cuddle session or a short walk, especially when the kids are busy or napping. Similarly, spend time with your child alone doing their favourite activities.
Create family rituals: Establish activities where everyone is involved, such as morning walks with the pet and kids, weekend outings to a pet-friendly park, family movie nights where your pet can lounge with you all.
Balance physical and emotional needs: Pets often need active play, while children may require emotional engagement or help with schoolwork. Alternate activities to meet both needs - Play tug-of-war or fetch with your pet, then do a puzzle or read with your child.
Avoid favoritism: Avoid showing obvious preference for either the pet or the child, especially in front of them. Both need to feel equally valued as part of the family.
Celebrate both: Include both pets’ and children’s milestones in celebrations. For example, bake treats for your child’s birthday and have a special snack for the pet. Plan pet-themed family activities, like visiting a petting zoo or a dog-friendly beach.
Be flexible and observant: Pay attention to how your pet and kids feel. If your pet seems jealous or your child feels left out, adjust your routine to include more engagement.
Image source: My Pet, Face4pets, Agebold