Dogs, Cats & Babies

by Susan Miller

How will Fido or Fluffy react when your new baby arrives? Often family pets have been “the baby” of the house and have come to expect a fair amount of time and attention from their “parents.” Expectant parents may fear that their beloved pet may become jealous or even aggressive toward this new little “intruder” in their territory. In most cases family pets adjust very well when baby comes home. It is, however, a good idea to do some early planning to ease this transition for your pet, and to work through some of the practicalities of caring for your pet as well as your new baby. Preparing your pet for the arrival of the new baby is quite similar to preparing young children for the arrival of a new brother or sister.

It is not uncommon to witness a personality change in a cat when the new baby comes home. The most common change noted by cat owners is that the cat becomes aloof and distant. It is rather hurtful when your formerly cuddly cat does not want to give you the time of day. Eventually cats do come back into the family fold, but on their own terms, and when they are good and ready. Many people worry about cats climbing into the baby’s sleeping area and smothering the baby. The B.C. Children’s Hospital Safe Start Program states there is no truth to this old myth, but cautions parents to supervise babies around the family cat as cats can scratch and bite if irritated or provoked by a baby grabbing at them.

Dogs especially need to get used to babies. Being introduced to other babies (under careful supervision) is one strategy to consider. You may want to role play life with a baby in your house so that your dog will be familiar with the changed environment that includes all the baby equipment, and the associated smells and sounds. Some people even use a baby-sized doll as a prop during this training. You may also play a tape of a baby crying to let your dog get used to this sound.

Dogs are very aware of scent. While you are still in the hospital, you may introduce your dog to the baby’s scent by sending home a piece of baby’s unwashed clothing for your dog to sniff. When you arrive home with the baby, permit your dog to sniff her while you carefully protect baby’s head and face. Afterwards, when baby is in a safe place, spend some time with your dog and give him a special treat, just like you would do with an older child.

Dogs are creatures of habit and will be particularly affected when their familiar routines and environment are disrupted. Try to maintain routines if at all possible. For example if your dog has a daily walk, this should continue after the baby arrives. If this will not be possible, start changing the routine now. Perhaps someone else will be walking the dog, or the walk will take place at a different time of day.

If you have a lively young dog, you should consider obedience training. A frisky, frolicking dog may not be a problem in an adult household, but this may prove to be unmanageable and dangerous when there is a baby in the house. Obedience training will not squash your dog’s spirit, but will make him more stable and predictable. You will not always be able to anticipate your baby’s every move, so it is a benefit to have an animal that is more trustworthy and predictable.

Perhaps your pet will have to change its sleeping area after the baby is home. Move your pet now and reward him for his cooperation. A comfortable bed for your pet can become his secure haven. When your baby is older and toddling around the house, your pet will have a safe place to retreat to which is off limits to baby.

You will be consumed with the care of your new baby, but take every opportunity to acknowledge your pet and let Fluffy know that she is still loved. Let your pet get to know the baby in its own time. You cannot rush this process. Avoid being overprotective of your newborn while around the pet. This will only make the pet more jealous and insecure. Make a point of spending at least five minutes a day alone with your pet. In time, your pet will come to know that it is still a special member of the family.

Safety must always be the first consideration when you have pets and children in the home together. Babies and young children should never be left alone with a family pet. Remember that pets can be very cranky if they are not feeling well or are developing a chronic health condition that affects their ability to enjoy life. If despite your best efforts, your pet is showing obvious signs of jealousy or aggression toward your baby, you must address this problem. Consult a knowledgeable dog trainer or animal psychologist to assess the situation. Some families have to find a new home for their pet. This can be a heartbreaking decision, and should be the very last option after all other approaches have been tried or considered.

Pets are an important part of many families. The time you spend to help your pet get accustomed to the new baby will be time well spent. Happy pets are great companions for you and your baby, and children learn important lessons from being with and caring for family pets.

Susan Miller, R.N. BScN, is a Perinatal Educator and Certified Breastfeeding Counsellor. She works with prenatal and post-natal families in the Greater Victoria area.