By Lauren Malmberg, Peoria County Animal Protection Services
Congratulations, you’re expecting a new baby! What a happy time for you and your family. And, it can be a happy time for your pet as well, if you make arrangements and adjustments before the new addition actually arrives. Many pet owners make a smooth transition from no baby to new baby and include their pet in the process very successfully. Experts offer great ideas and suggestions for adapting your pet to the newest family member. It just takes planning and time.
Start early. You’ll be changing your routine for your pet when the baby comes so start making small changes now. Recognizing you’ll have less time to spend with the animal, begin working toward a schedule that will be more realistic. Instead of spending hours cuddling on the bed with your dog, take him outside for a 15-minute walk or game of fetch. While you’re not likely to find the time to hang out on the couch when your new baby comes, you’ll probably be able to squeeze in 15 minutes of quality time with your pet. Make those adjustments in advance and in small steps.
Accustom your pet to baby paraphernalia. Let them see and smell the furniture, toys, clothing, and especially the lotions and powders that go with a newborn. Bring them into the house well in advance of the birth so that they become just regular household items.
It’s best to not allow your pet to share a bed with the infant. In fact, your pet should get used to sleeping away from your bed well before the baby arrives. To keep cats from climbing into the crib, put on a crib tent (netting tents that stretch over the crib) or install a screen door.
Change undesirable behaviors early. If you allow your pet on the furniture, consider whether this will be a good idea once the baby comes. If you’re changing a diaper on the couch, or holding the baby in a recliner, do you want your dog or cat jumping up on you both? If your baby will take a bottle in the living room, do you want to have to fight off your pet from interfering?
Decide what restrictions you’ll want in place and begin re-training your animal beforehand. Start by prohibiting them from the furniture. Use baby gates or even a screen door to segregate them from areas you want pet-free. (These allow your pets to see and hear what’s happening in the room and make them more comfortable.) To discourage jumping on the baby’s crib or changing table, apply double stick tape to the furniture. Do this before the baby comes home so the animal doesn’t associate the new adjustments with the new arrival.
One question you may have is “Can I keep my cat?” You’ve probably heard of toxoplasmosis, which can cause serious birth defects. It can be transmitted through cat feces, but it is easily avoided. Your best bet to prevent even the possibility of transmission is to transfer the litter-box-emptying chore to another or simply use disposable gloves when handling the litter.
What will change for your pet? Do you have to move your dog’s crate or bed? Does the litter box have to go to another room? Will you change from an open litter box to a covered one? Make these changes in advance since they can create distress for pets, and make them in small steps to alleviate as much stress as possible.
If you have to change the location of the litter box, keep a few things in mind. Don’t place it near noisy appliances or heavy traffic areas. Be sure to have one litter box on each level of multi-level homes, especially if you have an older pet. Avoid deodorizers, plastic liners, or changing brands of litter.
Another consideration: Will you need help caring for your pet right after the baby is born? Single parents or women who have a cesarean section may need help taking care of their animal after arriving at home. If you think you may need assistance, don’t wait until the last minute. Arrange for a family member, neighbor, or friend to care for your pet while you’re in the hospital and for the first few days you’re home. Or consider boarding your pet at their usual place.
All of these suggestions should be considered before the baby is born.
For more information, contact the Peoria County Animal Protection Services at 309-672-2440 with questions or concerns regarding animals, pet-related laws, and other resources. Be sure to visit our location and find a great animal companion for your family!
Photo credit: AleksandarNakic/iStock