Most pets can be very tolerant of children and will adapt to a new baby easily but some pets may not be as enthusiastic about the new arrival as you may have hoped.
Your dog or cat may be used to getting lots of attention from yourselves and when they find themselves being pushed off the top perch by a baby it can leave them feeling threatened.
- Before you give birth try to get your dog or cat into the sort of routine you can continue when the baby arrives.
- If you will only manage one walk a day with your dog when the baby comes then get them used to it before you give birth.
- Get them used to an area in your house where they can go to feel safe and escape when they need to.
- Try to give them some attention after the baby has gone to bed so they don’t feel ‘pushed out’.
- Get them used to sleeping well away from the babies bedroom and don’t let them claim ownership to any of the babies things such as toys, beds or chairs. Use a cat net on their pram or cot.
- Cats may change in their temperament when the baby arrives as they tend to be very sensitive to their surroundings, they may even start to spray to mark their territory.
- Make sure your pets are up to date with their worming treatment.
- When your children start to crawl keep the garden free of pet faeces.
Growing up with a pet can be great, studies have proven that children introduced to animals can build up immunity towards some allergies.
Most pets can be very tolerant of children and will adapt to a new baby easily but some pets may not be as enthusiastic about the new arrival as you may have hoped.
Your dog or cat may be used to getting lots of attention from yourselves and when they find themselves being pushed off the top perch by a baby it can leave them feeling threatened.
Growing up with a pet can be great, studies have proven that children introduced to animals can build up immunity towards some allergies.