Bringing a new baby into the house is a big adjustment for the entire family, including the family dog. The
Humane Society of the United States offers these tips for a safe, smooth introduction - and the beginning of a
beautiful friendship.
Months before baby's arrival, expose your dog to recordings of a baby crying. Encourage visits from friends with infants. (But never leave a baby and a pet together unsupervised.)
Visit the vet for a routine exam and necessary vaccinations.
Spaying or neutering your pets makes them calmer, and they are less likely to bite.
Address behavior problems now. If necessary, enroll in an obedience class or see an animal-behavior specialist.
If baby's room will be off-limits to your pet, install a sturdy baby gate that lets him see what's happening in the room.
Arrange for your pet to receive excellent care and attention while you're away giving birth.
Use baby products on yourself, so Fido gets used to the smell.
Before baby comes home from the hospital, send home a blanket with the baby's scent for your pet to investigate.
The day you bring home baby, have someone else carry the baby into another room while you warmly greet your pet for several minutes. When the animal is calm, have the dog sit next to you while you sit with the baby.
Child Care