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Help Your Pet Avoid Seeing New Baby As Foe Rather Than Friend

Photo by SHERRI ACKERMAN

Preparing your pet for the arrival of a baby can help build bonds, such as that between Zane Newborn and his beloved Brigitte, rather than create rivalry issues.

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By KRISTEN LEVINE

Tribune correspondent

Published: July 9, 2008

Updated: 07/09/2008 05:22 pm

A new baby changes everything - and not just for you.

Your pet will notice your baby the moment you carry him or her in the front door. A dog or cat accustomed to being the center of attention may develop feelings akin to sibling rivalry when everyone's focus shifts to the new family member. For the best transition, start preparing months beforehand.

Once you know a baby is on the way, take your pet to the veterinarian for a routine health exam and vaccinations. If your pet is not spayed or neutered, get it done. Sterilized pets are calmer and less likely to bite.

Assess your pet's behavior. Will it be acceptable with a baby in the house? If Kitty is allowed to pounce or swat at you while playing, redirect the behavior to appropriate objects so that playtime doesn't result in harming the baby.

If you permit your pooch to nibble gently or to play rough, modify these behaviors now for the child's safety. Also be sure you have control of your dog through basic obedience commands and good leash manners.

"No one can afford to be pulled down the street by an overzealous dog when you have a baby carriage," points out SPCA animal behavior counselor, Donna Bainter. "Including the family dog on outings with the baby will build the bond, but be sure you can control the dog's behavior."

Allowing your pet to sniff out the nursery will satisfy its curiosity and help it get used to baby sights, sounds and smells. Turn on the mechanical swing, and sit in the rocking chair. Show it the child's toys and clothing and allow it to smell the things you'll be using, such as lotion, powder and diapers.

Before you bring the baby home, have a family member or friend take home something with the baby's scent (a blanket, perhaps) for your pet to investigate.

. Upon your arrival home, have someone take the baby into another room while you give your pet a calm, warm welcome.

After settling in, allow your pet to sit next to you and the baby. Never force the pet to get close to the newborn, and always supervise their interaction. Reward your pet with treats for good behavior.

Your pet should always view associating with the baby as a positive experience. Many new parents realize their pet needs extra attention, but too often give it at the wrong time. If you wait until the baby naps to play with your pet, then shift your attention to the child when he awakes, your pet associates the baby's absence with good times and his presence with bad times.

Break the cycle by giving your pet lots of attention when the baby is awake and less when baby sleeps. Interact with your pet in the presence of the child and do things together, like taking walks.

"You want your pet to say, 'Hey! Bring that kid back! We really have a good time together,'" says Bainter. "Making the baby and pet a team, you build a strong bond between them."

Cats may have a different reaction to a baby's arrival. Pay no attention to the old wives' tale about cats and babies - something about cats stealing a baby's breath. This is very unlikely to happen.

Your cat will probably be frightened when the child first enters the home, especially after hearing the first few cries. Kitty may hide for a bit and want little to do with the new family member initially. In time, curiosity will get the better of felines. Be sure to supervise any interaction and reward kitty with attention for good behavior.

For a list of suggestions to prepare pets for a baby's arrival, go to www.hsus.org. The SPCA Tampa Bay offers a free pet behavior help line with advice from trained pet behavior specialists at (727) 586-3591, ext. 133.

Write to pet-lifestyle expert Kristen Levine at Fetching Communications, P.O. Box 222, Tarpon Springs FL 34688; e-mail kristen

@fetchingcommunications.com.

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