What can I do to prepare my pets for the new baby? Getting ready for a new family member is a busy, exciting time. In addition to all that you need to do to prepare for the new baby, there are a few things you can do to make the transition easier for your pets.
Pets and Children
Information provided in these articles is intended to provide some guidance for you and your pet. Not all animals behave (or respond) in the same manner. Should you have questions or concerns about anything you see here, please consult your veterinarian. While we work with vets on a regular basis, we are not veterinarians. We feel the articles here provide useful but general guidelines and suggestions for working with your pet. Please note, some articles may be disturbing to young children. Please preview articles to make sure they are appropriate for your child.
Congratulations on deciding to enrich your and your children’s lives by adding a feline friend to your household!! Here are ten golden rules to follow, to ensure happy and safe interactions for all of you.
Children are the most likely victims of dog bites, and all dogs have the potential to bite. As a matter of fact, more dog bites happen in a home, with a familiar dog than with an unknown dog.
Does this mean kids and dogs can't coexist? Of course not--but it does mean that parents and kids need to understand why dogs might bite and what to do to prevent it. For more information about living with children and dogs, see "Children and Dogs Together."
Living with children and dogs can be rewarding all around: kids learn about being responsible for another creature and considering their feelings and thoughts, and the bond that kids and dogs form can be very strong. The whole family can benefit from living with pets. But kids and dogs (or any animals) aren't automatically going to know how to get along; it's up to parents to make sure the relationship goes well.
Helping your pet adjust to the arrival of a new baby is much like preparing a young child for the same event. Handling your pet’s curiosity, anxiety and increased insistence for attention may seem like an overwhelming task, in addition to preparing yourself and your household for the baby’s arrival. You can, however, help your pet adjust to the big changes ahead with minimal time and effort by making gradual adjustments to your lifestyle before the baby arrives.