Would you like to switch to the accessible version of this site?

Go to accessible site Close modal window

Don't need the accessible version of this site?

Hide the accessibility button Close modal window
Accessibility View Close toolbar

(775) 825-7984

Open mobile navigation
  • Home
  • About Us
    • Meet The Team
    • Virtual Office Tour
    • Pet Memorials
  • New Patient Center
    • Online Forms
    • Payment Options
    • Veterinary Resources
  • Services
    • Rx Home Delivery
    • Dentistry
    • Ultrasound
    • Laser Therapy
    • Cancer Treatment
    • Geriatric/Hospice Care
    • Online Medical Records
    • Veterinary Topics
    • Pet Selector
  • Contact Us
    • Emergencies
    • Schedule an Appointment
  • Schedule Appointment
  • Galleries
  • Petsimonials
  • Links
  • Careers
  • Blog
  • Home >
  • Articles >
  • Newsletter Library >
  • Pets and Newborns

Pets and Newborns

How to Get Your Pet Acclimated to Your New Addition

You never know how your pet will react to a new baby in your home. Some animals don't even seem to notice the new addition to the family while others regard the introduction of a small, crying creature as a threat or annoyance. Fortunately, taking a few steps before your baby arrives can make the transition much easier for your pets.

Start Slowly

Your dog or cat will be bewildered if the household routine changes abruptly one day. Make changes slowly and gradually to help your furry friend adjust. For example, if you fill food and water bowls at precisely 6:15 every morning, vary your usual routine. With the unpredictable sleep schedule of a newborn, it may no longer be possible to follow your current schedule every day.

You may also want to gradually decrease the amount of one-on-one time you spend with your pet. No matter how much you love your pet, you'll definitely have less free time once your baby arrives.

Although you certainly don't want to ignore your pet, it's a good idea to prepare him or her by reducing play sessions by a few minutes every day for several weeks. The ASPCA recommends offering play sessions randomly to accustom your pet to the variable schedule you'll soon be following.

Curb Undesirable Behaviors

Are you worried that your dog will jump on you while you're carrying your newborn or that your cat will want to sleep in the bassinet or crib? Whether you enroll you and your dog in obedience classes or handle training yourself, it's important to teach your pet a few commands, such as sit, stay, sit-stay, down, and leave it.

As soon as you set up the crib in your baby's room, your cat may claim it as the ideal napping spot. Discourage the behavior by covering the mattress with aluminum foil or double-sided tape, or add a crib tent to the top of the crib. The mesh tent zippers open for easy access to your infant. When it's closed, your cat can't jump into the crib. (A crib tent will also prevent your baby from climbing out of the crib when he or she gets a little older.)

If you don't want to buy a crib tent, you may want to keep the bedroom door closed constantly or install a screen door in the doorway. A screen door allows you to see and hear the baby but prevents the cat from entering the room.

Although cats won't suck the breath from your baby, despite the old wives' tale, it's not a good idea to let them sleep with infants. Newborns can't turn their heads and can suffocate if the cat sleeps next to their noses or mouths.

Try a Little Role Playing

Buy a doll and carry it around with you a few weeks before your baby arrives to help your pet gradually adjust to the new infant-centered routines in your home. As you walk or sit with the doll, practice the sit, stay and down commands with your dog. Don't ignore your pet completely while you're holding the doll but don't pay quite as much attention to him or her as usual. You may also want to play a recording of common baby sounds while you hold the doll.

New babies mean new smells. Apply a little baby lotion and powder to your doll or your skin so that your pet will be used to the new odors before your baby arrives. If your baby is born in a hospital, you may want to bring home a piece of clothing with the newborn's scent before your little one comes home. Your newborn won't seem quite so strange if his or her scent is familiar.

Control the Introduction

Choose a quiet room for the introduction. It's a good idea to put a leash on medium or large dogs or a harness on cats and smaller dogs since you don't know how your pet will respond to the new family member. If your pet seems frightened or becomes aggressive, another person can quickly remove your dog or cat from the room.

Allow the pet to sniff the baby while you're holding him or her. Offering treats during the introduction may help your pet decide that having a baby in the house might not be such a bad thing. Once the baby is napping or being cared for by another family member, be sure to spend a little quality time with your pet.

Sources:

ASPCA: Cats and Babies

https://www.aspca.org/pet-care/cat-care/cats-and-babies

ASPCA: Dogs and Babies

https://www.aspca.org/pet-care/dog-care/dogs-and-babies

Parents: How a Baby Changes Your Pet’s Life: Frequently Asked Questions

https://www.parents.com/parenting/pets/babies/how-baby-changes-pets-life/

No article settings found. Please configure it

Ask Us About Our Referral Program

Refer a friend and receive $10 in “SWVH Bucks” to use at your next visit!

Featured Services

  • Online Forms

    Our patient forms are available online so they can be completed in the convenience of your own home or office.
  • Services

    We strive to provide complete care for our patients. Learn more about all the services we provide.

Office Hours

Monday:

7:30 AM-5:30 PM

Tuesday:

7:30 AM-5:30 PM

Wednesday:

7:30 AM-5:30 PM

Thursday:

7:30 AM-5:30 PM

Friday:

7:30 AM-5:30 PM

Saturday:

Closed

Sunday:

Closed

Find Us

Check out the map below to locate SWVH!

Testimonials

We love to hear your feedback!

  • "Southwest Vet is a wonderful place to take our animals. The front desk ladies are knowledgeable, patient, and compassionate. The vet techs are so wonderful with our animals. And Drs. Sargent and Rasmussen are just the tops!! The care our animals receive is extraordinary!!"
    Sarah S.
  • "Thank you so much for all that you do. You have always gone above and beyond for my pets and I. I feel truly blessed to have found you when I moved to Reno. Tank thinks you’re pretty awesome, too!"
    Ashley D.
  • "Thank you to each and every one of you who helped care for Gus while he was recovering during his long and scary week with Parvo. We can’t thank you enough for everything you did to get our loving and playful guy home."
    Aaron and Lisa C.
  • "So rare it seems to encounter an entire professional office who are as smart as they are kind. We are so grateful to have you care for Einstein. Thank you for your excellent care, patience and generosity."
    Leah R.

Featured Services

  • March Newsletter: Care Tips for Your Pocket Pets

    Do you follow these pocket pet care guidelines? ...

    Read More
  • March Newsletter: First Time Pet Owner? Here's What You Need to Know

    Bring a pet home soon? Take a look a few things you should know. ...

    Read More
  • Caring for Your Older Pet

    Many of the same problems that affect people as they age, such as arthritis and diabetes, can also affect your pet. Making a few changes to the way you care for your furry friend will help you ensure that your pet stays healthy and happy as the years go by. Look for Common Signs of Illness Changes ...

    Read More
  • February Newsletter: Weird Things Your Cat Does and What They Mean

    Looking for an explanation for your cat's strange behaviors? ...

    Read More
  • February Newsletter: Where to Start When Training Your Puppy

    Is your puppy ready to be trained? ...

    Read More
  • January Newsletter: National Bird Day

    Got any plans for National Bird Day? ...

    Read More

Newsletter Sign Up

  • Copyright © 2023 MH Sub I, LLC dba iMatrix.
  • Admin Log In
  • Site Map