Can you imagine what it is like to be someone's number one and suddenly everything changes and you are not anymore? These life changing moments happen with humans but they also happen to animals. When you bring your newborn home things in your daily routine will change a lot especially when it is your firstborn. Your newborn is in charge now and they will pretty much decide what happens all day and night too. This is something not only the parents will need to get used to, also your pets because their daily routine will change too.
The big change that happens for your pets could start when you bring a newborn home but it might have started sooner already. Have you noticed any change in your pets behavior since you are pregnant? Did your cat sit on your lap more often or did your dog treat you differently? Researchers do know that a woman smells different when she is pregnant, does that mean the dog picks up on that? Animals might know that something has changed but they won't be able to prepare for what is about to happen when you bring another person into their environment.
What can you do to prepare your pet?
When your newborn comes home it is good to have your pets prepared. One way of doing that is getting your pet used to some of the new smells your baby will bring. When your baby will have their own washing detergent, let your pet smell your newborns clothes before s/he is born. Have you bought some soap, oils or creams already, let your pets smell those too. Allow your pet in the baby room to have a sniff around and get them familiar with the new furniture. This is also a good time to make sure your pet listens to you. Your life is going to change and so does your pets life and you need to make sure that you have a pet that listens to you, a pet that you can trust.
When the newborn comes home
It is a good idea to let your pet (whom you trust) smell your newborn after s/he is born. Involving your pet is very important because you are all part of the family. You can even ask visitors to bring something for your pet. A little treat will be a great message to your pet that s/he matters too. Make sure your visitor also gives attention to your pet if they used to do it before the newborn was there.
Bringing your newborn into the family is a big life change for everyone, including pets. If you prepare, respect and communicate with each other it could go a lot smoother. Make sure you all take care of yourself and each other and it will be a easy transition.
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