6 Ways to Prepare Your Dog Before Your Baby Arrives

Published A Few Days Ago
ADVERTISEMENT

Congrats on the new human addition! How is your dog taking to the changes? Here are some things to do to get your dog ready before baby comes home.

If you are expecting a new baby, you already know that big changes are on their way. When you bring new life into the world, it is a huge responsibility to care for and love that baby.

During the first few months, you’ll be devoting almost all of your time to the new baby and that means other things may fall to the wayside. If you have a dog, there are certain preparations you should make to ensure that everything goes smoothly for the whole family. Keep reading to learn more.

Related:Tips for Preparing Your Cat for a New Baby

Tips to Prepare Your Dog for a New Arrival

When you first find out that you are expecting, it is easy to get caught up in the excitement of making the announcement and preparing your home for the new arrival. Amidst all of the excitement, however, you need to be practical.

Adding a new baby to your family is going to change your life, of course, but don’t forget about your dog! Significant changes like adding a new member to the family can be stressful for a dog and the new baby will take a lot of your attention. Follow these tips to prepare your dog for your new baby:

    Related:Dogs Respond to Baby Talk

    In addition to following these tips, you should spend as much time with your dog as you can in the weeks leading up to your delivery. The stronger your bond with your dog, the more likely he is to adjust well to a new addition to the family. You also just want to make sure he knows he isn’t being replaced.

    How to Introduce Your Dog to Your Baby

    When you are ready to bring your new baby home, you should think through the details of introducing him to your dog. You will probably already have the nursery set up, so make sure your dog is respectful of the space by making sure he has a comfortable space of his own – set up an area of the house with his crate or bed, his food bowls, and his favorite toys.

    In terms of the actual introduction, keep it short and sweet at first. Your dog will be curious and maybe a little cautious, so try sitting down with your baby and let your dog come up and sniff him when he’s ready. Over the next few days you can let your dog spend more time with the baby, but always supervise the interactions just in case. Eventually, you can let your baby interact with the dog directly so the two of them can start forming a bond.

    By following the tips provided above, you can improve the chances that your dog will adjust well to the new addition and will come to form a positive bond with your new baby. Keep in mind, however, that every dog is unique in terms of his personality – some dogs simply do not like or get along with children. So, do your best to smooth out the bumps in the road and follow the tips above to prepare your dog for your new addition to the family. Good luck!

    ADVERTISEMENT

    ADVERTISEMENT

    You May Like

    European Pond Turtle

    The European Pond Turtle is unique and attractive, and is highly sought after as a pet. There are actually 14 regional subspecies of European Pond Turtles.
    4 Calming Tips to Ensure Stress-Free Pets This Holiday Season

    Do your pets go into excitement overdrive during the holidays? Here are a few tips to make sure your dogs and cats enjoy the festive season stress free.
    Learning About Collapsed Trachea in Dogs

    Let''s talk about collapsed trachea in dogs, what you should know, and what your options are. The most common symptom is a dry, honking cough.
    Benefits Of A Grain-Free Diet For Your Dog

    Is a grain-free diet right for your dog? Here’s how to tell if you should go against the grain and make a switch. A grain-free diet for dogs is very mu…
    Essential Gear for the Dog-Friendly Road Trip

    Pet Parents won''t leave their furbabies behind when embarking on a road trip. Make the trip as comfortable and safe as possible with this essential gear.
    PetPace Wireless Smart Collar Tracks And Monitors Your Pet’s Health

    I''m excited to hear about the PetPace, a new smart wireless collar that monitors your pet''s health, vital signs, activity and wellbeing all day, every day.
    Bassugg

    A mix of Basset Hound and Pug, the Bassugg is a friendly, loveable pooch that''s ideal for couples, singles or families looking for their first dog.
    How to Solve the 7 Most Common Kitty Litter Problems

    From peeing in miscellaneous places to suddenly refusing to use the litter box: here''s what your cat is trying to tell you.
    American Hairless Terrier

    Although a new breed, the American Hairless Terrier has gathered quite a fan club in its few decades of existence. It is an intelligent working breed.
    Best Harnesses For Shorkies

    Your Shorkie has a delicate neck and windpipe - make sure you protect her. That''s why we''ve compiled a list of the best 10 harnesses for Shorkies.
    Oscar Takes a Bite Out of Best Bully Sticks

    Oscar loves when the mailman comes to the door. And today it''s because he''s bringing Oscar a special delivery from Best Bully Sticks!
    Ellen Rewards Firefighters Who Pulled Dog Out Of Icy River With A Cari

    Firefighters do more than just put out fires – they also jump into frozen rivers to rescue dogs. And when Ellen DeGeneres heard about a team of Wellesl…
    Cortese

    Cortese Basics Petite, adorable, and happy-go-lucky, the Cortese will charm your pants off in an instant. This designer dog breed comes from crossing the cut…
    Eastern Rosella

    Incredibly adorable, playful and quite unique, the Eastern Rosella is becoming a rapidly popular choice for a feathered companion.
    Pros And Cons Of Retractable Dog Leashes

    Are you for or against retractable dog leashes? I''m not a huge fan, but I know pet parents who won''t leave home without them. Here are some pro and cons.