One of the happiest moments in life is bringing home the family's new baby. While it can give stressful time to parents, pets, too, can get stressed if they were not properly introduced to each other.
Pets are sensitive to sudden changes in its surroundings. Fortunately, there are some ways to make this stressful transition into a smooth one.
Jennie Willis, an animal behavior expert says that parents-to-be should prepare the pets for the possible changes at home. Try to set up the baby's toys especially those that emit sounds. Pets can get stressed to foreign sounds, so it is good to give them time to get used to it, as reported by Global News.
Pets might have bad habits as well such as too much jumping and barking. If it is going to be an issue, parents should work for it beforehand.
The furry family members should also get used to new things that it might sense around the house. Pets should have the chance to first "smell and investigate" the baby's things like clothing and blankets.
"Animals are afraid sometimes ... of a little creature who moves and cries and makes random loud sounds," Willis explained. So when the baby is calm, that is the right time for the baby and the pet to meet each other.
Do not give the pet extra attention few weeks before the baby's due. They might feel a little neglected once the baby comes in, according to ASPCA. Schedule a short play and cuddle session with the pet, and gradually decrease the time spent with them. Set a random schedule so the pet will not expect attention at any specific time.
Soon-to-be parents may also buy a lifelike doll to stimulate common activities with the baby. The pet will quickly find that it is not a real baby but their initial reactions to it may help the parents determine which obedience skills the parents have to focus when their baby arrives.
