Welcome home, baby! Introducing Your Baby to Your Dog; Trusted Tips from an Expert Team
A new baby is a joyous occasion for the entire family, even your four-legged family members. For more than 35 years, we at Liverpool Veterinary Hospital have been committed to giving your dog and other pets the best care possible. We delve deeper into the process of introducing your bundle of joy to your dog to ensure a seamless and secure transition for everyone involved.
Prepare your dog: Start prepping your dog well in advance of the birth of your child. This can entail teaching them the fundamentals of obedience, rewarding politeness, and exposing them to sounds and odours associated with babies. You can help your dog get used to the new sensory experiences and lessen any early impact on the shifting dynamic by playing recordings of a baby screaming or using baby lotions and powders throughout the house.
Establish a tranquil and soothing environment: When it’s time for the big introduction, pick a place where your dog feels at ease. Make sure your dog is relaxed and has gotten a lot of exercise before the momentous occasion. This will lessen any excessively tense or worried attitude that can encourage abrupt, erratic, and highly undesirable behaviour.
Gradual exposure: Allow your dog and infant to get to know one another by watching from a safe distance at first. Throughout the first few encounters, keep your dog on a leash to maintain control. Treats and praise should be given to your dog for his calm, considerate demeanour around the infant.
Closely monitor all encounters: It’s important to keep a careful eye on all interactions between your dog and your infant. Even the most well-behaved dog might have unpredictable reactions if they are overexcited or startled by sudden movements or loud noises. To make sure that everyone stays secure and comfortable, keep a close check on both your infant and your dog at all times.
Maintain your dog’s schedule: It’s simple for your dog’s regular routine to be disturbed when a new infant is living in the house. A regular schedule for walks, playing, and meals, however, can make your dog feel safe and less likely to experience jealously or anxiety. During this transitional period, make sure your dog gets enough love and care to prevent any unwelcome jealous outbursts.
Encourage positive associations: Reward your dog with treats, praise, or playtime anytime they interact in a gentle and calm manner to help them form positive associations with the new baby. This will serve to further support the notion that being around the infant is enjoyable.
A crucial first step in creating a peaceful and secure home environment for all family members is introducing your newborn to your dog. You may ensure a seamless introduction by prepping your dog beforehand, establishing a quiet environment, and monitoring interactions. As usual, Liverpool Veterinary Hospital is available to offer direction, assistance, and first-rate care for your precious friends at every stage of their lives.
