Dr Katrina Warren warns us that if your pet has been your ‘baby’, you may need to prepare for a bit of ‘sibling rivalry’ when you bring your new child home from the hospital. Fortunately, she says, most pets adapt very well to the arrival of their replacement.

START ALTERING YOUR PETS ROUTINE EARLY ON

You want your pet to see the new baby’s arrival as a positive thing, not allow it to be linked to a time of major upheaval. If behaviour (such as leaping onto the bed) needs to be adjusted, then it is best started a few months before the child arrives. Suddenly changing the rules can be distressing for your pet.

BEHAVIOURAL PROBLEMS NEED TO BE FIXED…NOW!

Minor problems such as running around the house or barking should be dealt with. After all, when you finally get the kid asleep, you don’t want the dog to start yapping. But major problems (such as growling or biting) require professional help from a veterinarian or professional dog trainer. If you start becoming nervous about whether or not the dog will attack the baby, the dog may sense this and become confused.

SO THAT’S WHAT THEY LOOK LIKE

Ask friends who have babies to bring them around so that your pet can get accustomed to their sight, sound and smell. They need to learn “babies are friends…not food”.

Speaking of smell, when child is born (and before bringing it home) send some of its clothing home so that your pet can familiarise itself with the smell of your bub.

For more advice, read the whole story at http://www.aww.com.au/mother-and-baby/expert-advice-for-mums/how-to-prepare-pets-for-the-arrival-of-a-new-baby-26021

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