to play or go for a walk with you and without the baby.
Your schedule might get turned upside down with a new
baby in the house, but you must make sure that you feed
the pets regularly. The baby should never be allowed to
play with the pet’s food or around the feeding area. A child
must never disturb a pet while it’s eating or try to take
food or treats from the dog: instinctually, animals are very
protective of their food and may snap if someone interferes
with their dinner.
Respect should be taught both ways. Gentle love and
play should be encouraged, but, with the best intentions,
young children are enthusiastic and interact by reaching
and grabbing, often with little warning. This can make pets
uncomfortable, and, if they’re surprised, they may even nip
back. Also make sure the new child doesn’t encroach on
the pet’s special bedding area or disturb a sleeping pet. The
pet’s toys should always be just for the pet – don’t let your
child take or play with them.
get fearful in new situations (as demonstrated by barking
excessively or acting very timid on walks or when guests
visit the house, for example) may require more care and
attention during the introduction. Parents should never
allow a risky situation to develop, and signs of potential
problems include a pet that growls or hisses, raises its lip or
snarls, snaps, barks at a child, and/or always tries to avoid
interaction with a child. In these cases, don’t force the pet
to interact. Take things slowly and don’t pressure the pet to
spend time with the child. If you have any doubts or think
there is any possibility of a risk, contact a qualified pet
trainer, who can help with the introduction.
Fortunately, it’s extremely rare to see any problems
as long as parents follow these few basic guidelines and
exercise a little common sense. Allow the pet to be part of
the family and involve them in the integration of the new
family member. Use that natural hierarchy to make them
feel like they have a role, and make sure they still get some
one-on-one time so they don’t feel displaced or forgotten.
Give them a safe place to call their own that they can
retreat to when it all gets a bit much. And, of course, make
sure there is never a situation that could be dangerous or
make the pet feel cornered or threatened. With a bit of
luck you’ll see a new maternal or paternal side of your pet
develop, and watch a new bond of friendship grow.
Dr David Gething is a small animal veterinarian at Creature
Comfort Veterinary Housecalls
(www.creaturecomfortvet.com
), and is
also the proud father of two young girls, two dogs, a cat and some fish,
all of whom get on very well together.
Try to let the dog or cat feel
that they are part of the
experience, rather than having
been displaced by this new
member of the family.
As much a part of the family as you consider your
pet to be, it’s important to remember that dogs and cats
are animals, each with their own personality. Some pets
will take much better to children than others, and, in all
interactions with your baby, parents need to be attentive
and careful. In general, dogs that are nervous, anxious or
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