This is how to prepare your pet for a new baby

A new baby brings joy and excitement to a home, but also a lot of change. A new arrival can affect other members of the family, including your pet. With an estimated 51 million pets in homes across the country and with more than 650,000 babies born in 2018 alone, it's important that animals are well prepared for when a new person joins the family. To help expectant parents prepare their pet for the arrival of their baby and make the transition as smooth as possible, pet food brand Webbox, has issued some advice. Expose your pet to babies and small children Even the calmest and most well-behaved pet may get a little jealous when your new baby arrives. One of the best ways to help your dog or cat ease into the transition of a new family member is to slowly introduce them to other babies and small children. Call in help from friends and family with little ones and ensure your pet meets and interacts with them. Even if your pet appears to be getting on well, make sure to never leave them and a child unattended. Invest in training Now is the time to invest in extra training for your four-legged friend. No matter how well behaved or trained your dog or cat is, a new baby in the family will be a big change that can lead to unexpected behaviours. Speak with a professional trainer about any changes you’re concerned about and how you can make the new addition as positive as possible. Prepare your pet for changes in their routine Early on in your pregnancy, it’s important to prepare your pet for changes to their routine once your baby arrives. It’s natural for you to have less time in your day to spend with your pet, so slowly introducing less attention or shorter walks should help prepare them. Sort out sleeping arrangements If your pooch or cat sleeps in your bedroom, it’s best to encourage them to sleep elsewhere in the house, as your little one and pet will disturb each other during the night. Establish boundaries As well as sorting out new sleeping arrangements, it’s equally as important to establish new boundaries around the home, especially in areas where your baby will frequently be. The baby’s nursery is a key area where establishing boundaries is important. If you’re unhappy with allowing your pet into the nursery after your baby is born, initiate new boundaries for that room before your little one arrives, to allow your pet time to get used to the new rules. Get your pet a check-up Before your baby arrives, make an appointment for your pet to get a check-up at the vets to make sure they are in good health. While at the vet, ask them to check your pet’s medical notes for any out of date vaccines and make sure that your pet is up to date with tick and flea treatment before coming into contact with the baby. Make some noise One of the most important ways you can prepare your pet for a new baby is to introduce them to sounds associated with babies and small children. Try playing sounds of a baby’s cry on YouTube, or turn on any musical toys or mobiles to get your pet used to different sounds. Introduce your pet to your baby’s scent The time just after your little one is born, but before they leave the hospital, is a crucial time to introduce your pet to your baby’s scent. Get your partner or family member to take home an unwashed baby grow or comforter to get your pet used to your baby’s scent before they arrive home. Bond with your little one and pet together It’s obvious you will spend more time with your new baby, as they are a lot more demanding than pets, however, you want to make sure your pet still feels like a loved member of your family. After careful introductions between your pet and baby, make sure to spend time with them both together, perhaps by allowing your pet to join you and sit next to you whilst you nurse or feed your baby. Keep your pet’s food out of reach If you keep your pet’s food bowl in an open area, make sure to move it to an area that is out of reach of your little one before they learn to crawl. Taking anything meant for the dog or cat out of reach of little hands will reduce the risk of your baby accidentally taste-testing food that can be unsafe for humans during the crawling and toddling stage.