With the right preparation, bringing a dog and new baby together should pose no problems at all. Of course, it is always an exciting time bringing a new baby into the world, but sometimes a dog won't share your enthusiasm.
All change
Your life will change once you bring your new baby home and inevitably, the life your dog leads will have to change as well. Your dog will be used to all of your attention and even though you won't consciously mean to, your focus will now be on the new baby.
Some dogs adapt quickly and take on roles of protector and guardian while others respond more slowly and need some help getting comfortable in the new family situation.
One of the potential trouble areas is the sleeping location. If your dog sleeps on the bed with you make another cosy spot for them to sleep. Find something to put into the new location that reminds your dog of you so they feel happy and safe. It sometimes takes a few weeks to make the change but be persistent. Your dog will eventually learn and be comfortable with their new bed.
Familiarity and contentment
Tasty Tips
Your dogs' walking routine is likely to change so it may be worth taking out the buggy before the baby arrives so your dog gets used to it. It is also a good idea to change the pace of your walk to match how you would expect to walk with your baby.
It's a good idea to let your dog go into the babies' room before the happy event so that they get used to all of the new baby smells and things in there, especially if the room was somewhere that your dog used to spend a lot of time.
Introductions need to be calm with your new little one and your dog. Keep your dog on the lead and let them have a little sniff and just sit by the baby. All good behaviour should be rewarded with praise.
Never leave your dog alone with your baby and just keep observing behaviour until you are confident that your dog has become comfortable.
New Babies are a big adjustment for everyone including your pets. With just a little bit of help, even a jealous dog will adapt and continue to be a good, sociable companion for the household.
Related products
Adult Wet Dog Food with Beef
Hill's Science Plan Adult Multipack Wet Dog Food with Chicken, Beef & Turkey are complete premium pet foods for adult dogs from 1 year. Your dog will love these deliciously smooth and savoury minced loaves, formulated for balanced nutrition and overall health.
Puppy Food
Hill's Science Plan Puppy Multipack Wet Dog Food with Chicken & Beef are complete premium pet foods for growing puppies from weaning until 1 year old and for pregnant and nursing dogs. Your puppy will love these deliciously smooth and savoury minced loaves, formulated for balanced nutrition and overall health.
Hypoallergenic Adult Dog Food
Hill's Science Plan Hypoallergenic Adult Wet Dog Food with Salmon is a complete premium pet food for all adult dogs from 1 year. This savoury tinned loaf is specially formulated for dogs with delicate skin and stomachs. It features a single novel animal protein source and is grain-free.
Mature Adult Dog Food
Hill's Science Plan Mature Adult Multipack Wet Dog Food with Chicken & Beef are complete premium pet foods for mature adult dogs from 7 years. Your dog will love these deliciously smooth and savoury minced loaves, formulated to deliver the appropriate amount of energy to support the needs of adult dogs.
Related articles
Dangers of Raw Diets for Dogs
Learn about the potential health risks of a raw diet for dogs and why they aren't the best option for your pup or you.
How to Feed a Fussy Eater Dog: Tips & Advice for Dog Picky Eaters
Learn effective tips for feeding a dog that's a picky eater and ensure proper nutrition for a finicky eater. Discover tips for pet parents at Hill's Pet UK.
Feeding your puppy
How, when and what to feed your new puppy is an important decision, learn more about the things to consider for feeding your puppy.
Human Foods That Are Dangerous for Your Dog
Many human foods are dangerous to dogs. Read about 5 of the worst toxic food offenders that can kill your dog - and how much it takes to hurt them.
Put your dog on a diet without them knowing
Our low calorie formula helps you control your dog's weight. It's packed with high-quality protein for building lean muscles, and made with purposeful ingredients for a flavourful, nutritious meal. Clinically proven antioxidants, Vitamin C+E, help promote a healthy immune system.
Put your dog on a diet without them knowing
Our low calorie formula helps you control your dog's weight. It's packed with high-quality protein for building lean muscles, and made with purposeful ingredients for a flavourful, nutritious meal. Clinically proven antioxidants, Vitamin C+E, help promote a healthy immune system.