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

    Best Pet-Themed Gym Gear

    We know it''s hard to get to the gym - you need a boost of motivation. Here''s our top 10 list of pet-themed gym gear, guaranteed to your butt moving!
    What is Hemangiosarcoma in Dogs?

    There are different kinds of canine cancers - one of the most serious is Hemangiosarcoma in dogs. But what breeds does it affect and how can it be treated?
    Spiny Softshell Turtle

    There are several subspecies of the Spiny Softshell Turtle, but one thing that makes all of them interesting is their unique shell.
    Spanish Pointer

    Also known as the Burgos Pointer, the official name for this breed is Perdiguero de Burgos. The Spanish Pointer breed was developed to ""point"" game.
    Huntaway

    Also known as the New Zealand Sheepdog, the Huntaway is a talented herding breed. This breed is friendly and gentle with strangers.
    Blue Lacy

    The Blue Lacy is an intelligent and inquisitive breed with a rich character that is marked by obedience, protectiveness, and devotion to the task.
    White Fronted Amazon

    With a relatively affordable price and an impressive intelligence, the White fronted Amazon could be a perfect choice for a new pet parrot.
    Adoptable Dog Of The Week – Beyonce

    You’d better put a ring on it, because Beyonce, our Adoptable Dog of the Week, sure isn’t going to stay single for long! She’s a 2-year-old…
    Gobies

    Gobies are one of the largest families of fish comprised of over 2000 separate species. Most species rarely grow more than a couple of inches in length.
    Making The Switch To A Raw Food Diet For Dogs?

    We''ve been intrigued with all the talk about the raw food diet for dogs. We wanted to get a first-hand account of a pet parent who feeds their dog this diet
    Watch Hero Dogs of 9/11 Tonight On Animal Planet

    On September 11, 2001, 300 of the 10,000 emergency rescue workers were dogs. Their job was not only to help rescue efforts when the towers fell; they were al…
    7 Ways To Get Your Dog Ready For Winter

    Before the weather outside turns frightful, make sure you and your dog are ready for winter Brrrrrr! It’s already starting to get cold outside. In no t…
    Planing Your Pet’s Future: What All Pet Parents Should Do First

    A non-profit animal welfare organization helps you ensure your pet gets continued lifetime care in case they outlive you.
    Pet-Inspired Skechers Shoes Are Lending a Paw to Those in Need

    With limited edition BOBS slip-on from Skechers, you''ll get to show off your love for your pet, and make a difference for animals and kids in need.
    Adoptable Dog of the Week- Roy

    Sweet, fun, and active, this pooch will be a perfect adventure companion! Our Adoptable Dog of the Week is Roy, a year old Shepherd mix from Sisterville, Wes…