Due to Covid-19, we have changed our check in procedures. We know that this is a challenging time for all involved and we are doing our best to ensure the safety and well being of our clients, patients, and team members. Read More

Close
×

Would you like to switch to the accessible version of this site?

Go to accessible site Close modal window

Don't need the accessible version of this site?

Hide the accessibility button Close modal window
Accessibility View Close toolbar
Durango Animal Hospital

2461 Main Ave

Durango, CO 81301 US

970-247-3174

Open mobile navigation
  • Home
  • New Patient Center
    • Online Forms
    • What to Expect
    • Virtual Office Tour
    • Veterinary Resources
    • Payment Options
  • About Us
    • Services
    • Meet Our Team
  • Canine Rehabilitation
  • Pet Memorials
  • Contact Us
  • Veterinary Topics
    • We Help Your Pet With
      • Chronic Conditions
      • Digestive and Oral Health
      • Diseases and Viruses
      • Pests and Parasites
      • Orthopedics
    • Today's Veterinarian
    • Choosing Your Pet
      • Birds
      • Cats
      • Dogs
      • Ferrets
      • Rabbits
      • Reptiles
        • Lizards
        • Turtles
    • Living With Your Pet
      • Bringing Your Pet Home
      • Providing Care
      • Travel
      • Saying Goodbye
    • Finding Your Pet
    • Newsletter Library
      • Tips for Pet Owners
      • Fun with Pets
      • Equine
      • Visiting the Vet
      • Unbelievable Pets
      • Seasonal Topics
      • Pet Dangers
      • Nutrition & Food
      • Recognizing Illness
      • Cats
      • Keeping Pets Healthy
      • Fleas & Parasites
      • Behavior & Training
    • Video Newsroom
      • Health Topics
      • Technology and Science
      • Other Interests
    • Client Survey
    • Pets4Kids
    • Feline
  • Covid-19 Curbside
  • Home >
  • Articles >
  • Newsletter Library >
  • Pets and Newborns

Pets and Newborns

  • Created in Newsletter Library
Newborn baby with mom and pet dog

How to Get Your Pet Acclimated to Your New Addition

You never know how your pet will react to a new baby in your home. Some animals don't even seem to notice the new addition to the family while others regard the introduction of a small, crying creature as a threat or annoyance. Fortunately, taking a few steps before your baby arrives can make the transition much easier for your pets.

Start Slowly

Your dog or cat will be bewildered if the household routine changes abruptly one day. Make changes slowly and gradually to help your furry friend adjust. For example, if you fill food and water bowls at precisely 6:15 every morning, vary your usual routine. With the unpredictable sleep schedule of a newborn, it may no longer be possible to follow your current schedule every day.

You may also want to gradually decrease the amount of one-on-one time you spend with your pet. No matter how much you love your pet, you'll definitely have less free time once your baby arrives.

Although you certainly don't want to ignore your pet, it's a good idea to prepare him or her by reducing play sessions by a few minutes every day for several weeks. The ASPCA recommends offering play sessions randomly to accustom your pet to the variable schedule you'll soon be following.

Curb Undesirable Behaviors

Are you worried that your dog will jump on you while you're carrying your newborn or that your cat will want to sleep in the bassinet or crib? Whether you enroll you and your dog in obedience classes or handle training yourself, it's important to teach your pet a few commands, such as sit, stay, sit-stay, down, and leave it.

As soon as you set up the crib in your baby's room, your cat may claim it as the ideal napping spot. Discourage the behavior by covering the mattress with aluminum foil or double-sided tape, or add a crib tent to the top of the crib. The mesh tent zippers open for easy access to your infant. When it's closed, your cat can't jump into the crib. (A crib tent will also prevent your baby from climbing out of the crib when he or she gets a little older.)

If you don't want to buy a crib tent, you may want to keep the bedroom door closed constantly or install a screen door in the doorway. A screen door allows you to see and hear the baby but prevents the cat from entering the room.

Although cats won't suck the breath from your baby, despite the old wives' tale, it's not a good idea to let them sleep with infants. Newborns can't turn their heads and can suffocate if the cat sleeps next to their noses or mouths.

Try a Little Role Playing

Buy a doll and carry it around with you a few weeks before your baby arrives to help your pet gradually adjust to the new infant-centered routines in your home. As you walk or sit with the doll, practice the sit, stay and down commands with your dog. Don't ignore your pet completely while you're holding the doll but don't pay quite as much attention to him or her as usual. You may also want to play a recording of common baby sounds while you hold the doll.

New babies mean new smells. Apply a little baby lotion and powder to your doll or your skin so that your pet will be used to the new odors before your baby arrives. If your baby is born in a hospital, you may want to bring home a piece of clothing with the newborn's scent before your little one comes home. Your newborn won't seem quite so strange if his or her scent is familiar.

Control the Introduction

Choose a quiet room for the introduction. It's a good idea to put a leash on medium or large dogs or a harness on cats and smaller dogs since you don't know how your pet will respond to the new family member. If your pet seems frightened or becomes aggressive, another person can quickly remove your dog or cat from the room.

Allow the pet to sniff the baby while you're holding him or her. Offering treats during the introduction may help your pet decide that having a baby in the house might not be such a bad thing. Once the baby is napping or being cared for by another family member, be sure to spend a little quality time with your pet.

Sources:

ASPCA: Cats and Babies

https://www.aspca.org/pet-care/cat-care/cats-and-babies

ASPCA: Dogs and Babies

https://www.aspca.org/pet-care/dog-care/dogs-and-babies

Parents: How a Baby Changes Your Pet’s Life: Frequently Asked Questions

https://www.parents.com/parenting/pets/babies/how-baby-changes-pets-life/

  • We Help Your Pet With
    • Chronic Conditions
    • Digestive and Oral Health
    • Diseases and Viruses
    • Pests and Parasites
    • Orthopedics
  • Today's Veterinarian
  • Choosing Your Pet
    • Birds
    • Cats
    • Dogs
    • Ferrets
    • Rabbits
    • Reptiles
      • Lizards
      • Turtles
  • Living With Your Pet
    • Bringing Your Pet Home
    • Providing Care
    • Travel
    • Saying Goodbye
  • Finding Your Pet
  • Newsletter Library
    • Tips for Pet Owners
    • Fun with Pets
    • Equine
    • Visiting the Vet
    • Unbelievable Pets
    • Seasonal Topics
    • Pet Dangers
    • Nutrition & Food
    • Recognizing Illness
    • Cats
    • Keeping Pets Healthy
    • Fleas & Parasites
    • Behavior & Training
  • Video Newsroom
    • Health Topics
    • Technology and Science
    • Other Interests
  • Client Survey
  • Pets4Kids
  • Feline

Featured Links

Click to find out more

  • Services

    We strive to provide complete care for our patients. Learn more about all the services we provide.
    Learn More
  • Make An Appointment

    We will do our best to accommodate your busy schedule. Schedule an appointment today!
    Schedule Now
  • Online Forms

    Our patient forms are available online so they can be completed in the convenience of your own home or office.
    View Forms

Office Hours

Our Regular Schedule

Monday:

8:00 am

5:30 pm

Tuesday:

8:00 am

5:30 pm

Wednesday:

8:00 am

5:30 pm

Thursday:

8:00 am

5:30 pm

Friday:

8:00 am

5:30 pm

Saturday:

8:00 am

12:00 pm

Sunday:

Closed

Closed

Location

Find us on the map

Testimonials

Read What Our Clients Say

  • "Wow! Thanks to all the staff at Anderson Vet Clinic. I feel like you all truly love what you do! My kitty, Lola and I always have such a pleasant experience when we come in. Fortunately, it’s usually just for a check-up, but I would not leave Lola in anyone else’s hands but yours. Thank you for your caring commitment!"
    Maya Smith / Los Angeles, CA
  • "I have benefited tremendously from the care my pet received from Dr. Anderson."
    John Doe / San Diego, CA

Featured Articles

Read about interesting topics

  • Identifying Dementia in Senior Dogs

    Have you noticed changes in your older dog's behavior? ...

    Read More
  • Keep Your Pets Safe From Toxic Household Items

    Do you know which household items can sicken your pet? ...

    Read More
  • Preventing Obesity in Cats

    Even one extra pound could affect your pet's health. Find out how you can keep your cat slim and trim. ...

    Read More
  • Pet Dental Care - Tips to Manage Your Pet’s Oral Health

    Do you know how to keep your pet's teeth and gums healthy? ...

    Read More
  • Learn How to Master Walking Your Dog for Walk Your Pet Month

    Does your dog need a little help walking on a leash? ...

    Read More
  • Bringing a New Pet in the Home in the New Year

    Are you planning on adding a pet to your family this year? These tips will help you prepare for the arrival of your furry, feathered, or finned friend. ...

    Read More
  • Cold Symptoms in Dogs

    Could your sneezing, sniffling dog have a cold? ...

    Read More
  • Cold Weather Pet Safety

    Do you know how to keep your pet safe this winter? ...

    Read More
  • Keep Your Pet Safe During the Holidays

    Keep Thanksgiving day safe for your pet by following these tips. ...

    Read More
  • November is Pet Cancer Awareness Month

    Do you know the symptoms that can occur if your pet has cancer? ...

    Read More

Newsletter Signup

Sign up for more articles

Connect With Us

  • Copyright © 2021 MH Sub I, LLC dba iMatrix.
  • Admin Log In
  • Site Map