BABIES AND PETS

A baby is born in Australia every two minutes and five seconds, according to an Australian Bureau of Statistics estimate. And many of these will be entering a home where the resident dog or cat has, up to the time of the new arrival, been fondly regarded as “the baby” by the parents-in-waiting.

Many parents-to-be worry about problems that may occur in the relationship with a pet once a baby joins the household.

However, according to animal behaviourist Dr Joanne Righetti, with some planning and adjustment, a baby and family pet can live happily together and, as research shows, the pet and child are likely to grow up to become best friends.

There are a number of simple steps that can be taken well before baby comes home from hospital that will minimise any sense of disruption a pet may experience and help them accept the baby’s presence.

One of the most important rules, says Dr Righetti, is to familiarise the pet with the sights, sounds and smells the new baby will bring into the home. This could include:

• As the house or baby’s room fills with baby clothes and furniture, allow the pet to sniff and inspect everything, including lotions and soaps

• Make sure the pet learns that baby’s room is off-limits unless you are present

• Wrap a doll in a blanket scented with baby lotion or powder and practice having the dog or cat stay at a respectful distance while you perform pretend baby-care tasks.

Babies and Dogs
Dogs are particularly responsive to a routine, so months before the baby is due, it is useful to adopt a routine with your dog that will still be manageable for you when everything is a little chaotic!

• If your dog is used to a regular walk, make adjustments to the times before baby arrives.

• Investigate other options for the dog’s exercise, such as hiring a dog walker or asking a neighbour or friend to help

• Look at any habits your dog has that might cause a problem, such as jumping up when excited, and undertake any re-training that is necessary

• While you are still in the hospital, have your partner bring home something that has the baby’s scent on it, and allow the dog to sniff it

• Praise or reward your dog when he or she behaves well around the baby, such as sitting or staying at the distance you tell the dog to

• Never leave your baby and dog alone together – if it will give you peace of mind, install child gates to bar the dog when you need to leave the baby unattended

• Spend quality time with your dog while baby is asleep, and reward it for good behaviour.

Babies and Cats
“The biggest problem with a baby and a cat is that your cat can become restless if its nose gets out of joint, so make sure it gets plenty of attention,” said Dr Righetti.

Some tips include:
• Keep the cat out of the room the baby will be sleeping in.

• Avoid banishing the cat out of the room when baby appears – instead, include your cat by talking to him and giving him a treat when you feed the baby.

“With thought and forward planning a pet will readily adjust to the new baby and become a loyal friend to your child,” said Dr Righetti.

Author: Petcare Information & Advisory Service Australia Pty Ltd