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"Fur Babies" and Your Baby

Before boarding the Mommy Train, if you have a pet, you will need to prepare. So get ready to take notes and remember that a hospital bag will not be the only thing item you will need.

You started off your pre-pregnancy days preparing for parent life by taking care of your precious pup. You may have even called your dog your baby. If she was an “only child” then this transition will be difficult. Your time and attention will now be split. You will have no choice or say in having to drastically alter your routine. Newborn days are ruff… excuse our pun. So how do you prepare for this change?

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We pulled a few rules and guidelines published by the ASPCA:

  • Teaching your dog some basic obedience skills will help you manage her behavior when the baby comes. Please see the section below, Teaching Your Dog Important New Skills, for specific training guidelines. Consider enrolling in a group class to get a head start.

  • Four months before the baby arrives: Gradually introduce your dog to the new experiences, sights, sounds and smells she’ll encounter when you bring your baby home, and associate these new things with rewards. This will help your dog learn to love life with the baby.

  • One to two months before the baby arrives: Anticipate the changes you’ll make to your dog’s daily routine, and start making those changes.

Minimize Changes in Attention

Resist the temptation to lavish your dog with extra attention in the weeks before the baby’s due date. This will only set her up for a bigger letdown when the baby comes and takes center stage. Instead, start scheduling short play and cuddle sessions with your dog, and gradually give her less and less attention at other times of day. Schedule your sessions randomly so that your dog doesn’t come to expect attention at any particular time.

 
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Interviewing the Professionals

There seemed to be a lot of information out there about what to do with your dog and newborn baby. So we set out to find the truth from the doggy experts. Dr. Brian Maxwell is a soon to be dad and also highly experienced Georgia Veterinarian.

Does having your dog sniff baby’s clothes before coming home help?

“There is no evidence to suggest that will help. It is worth a try but will not replace necessary precautions.”

What precautions should Moms take?

“Don’t leave baby on the floor unattended. What dogs see is a prey item, making unusual noises. It can trigger a response. The same rule applies while holding your baby on the couch. Do not allow your dog to jump up and get too close right away.”

This sounds pretty discouraging. Is there anything at all that is a good rule?

“The best thing is lots of supervision between baby and your pet. Find time for your dog when you can to give one on one attention.”

So basically Moms should nap with their dogs on the couch because it’s their only alone time… Just kidding, what’s alone time?

 
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It can be difficult carrying a baby, getting their nursery ready, packing a diaper bag, looking at Pinterest to see if you packed it correctly, and generally wondering if your fur baby will love your tiny human. Spoiler alert, they probably will. So try not to stress, watch carefully, and give as much love as you can Mama!

-Happy Feedings-

Jennifer Fletcher- Founder- Mother of 2 @NurseMeMama

 

Sources:

For more information from the ASPCA goto: https://www.aspca.org/pet-care/dog-care/dogs-and-babies

Thank you to Dr. Maxwell for allowing us time to ask questions and help our Mamas.

Images from Piximus