How to keep your baby safe around your dog

Our pets are adorable, However animals can still be hard to predict. Here's how to maintain everyone's safety and happiness.

Begining Early Preparation

With a little preparation ahead of time, you may adapt your pet to the changes so that they won't even notice when your baby finally comes.

Start planning four months in advance rather than waiting until your child is born. Having a pet might be advantageous for the whole family if you follow the advice in this booklet.

Prior to your child's birth

Fresh Odors And Items

Use baby milk, soaps, shampoos, and powders at home in the weeks before the birth of your child to accustom the dog to them.

Before the baby is born, playpens, cribs, pushchairs, highchairs, and changing mats should all be set up.

Food

Babies or toddlers who approach a dog's food dish or try to remove a bone or chew from the dog frequently cause accidents. Make sure your dog can eat their meal and other foods without being bothered or bothered, and that they may do it in peace.

Teach your dog how to take goodies gently from your hand if they have a tendency to seize them.

Exercise

When you take your dog for a walk, consider how much exercise they get, if they tug on the lead, come when called, or are difficult with other dogs. Once your kid is born, you will need to handle any issues you encounter when pushing a stroller or pram.

Additionally, it's possible for new moms to have some physical discomfort after giving birth, so you should make sure the dog can be restrained physically. You can purchase a harness or headcollar (such as a "Gentle Leader") to help stop your dog from tugging on the lead if it does so.

Before your baby is born, it is a good idea to practice taking your dog on walks next to a stroller. This will benefit you both, but your dog might be a bit wary at first. To help them feel more comfortable, give them lots of treats.

If your dog suddenly lunges, tying the lead to the stroller might be quite dangerous.

While you are still pregnant, ask your friends or family how frequently they would be willing to walk your dog. If you can't take them out personally, this will show you how much exercise they will receive.

If you can, going for walks with your dog and child will be a great way to get you both back into a regular fitness routine and will be extremely mentally stimulating for everyone.

You should adjust the schedule a few weeks ahead of time if you anticipate giving them shorter or fewer walks once the kid is born. If they receive less walks, they will need to find other ways to burn off their energy to avoid being bored. Dogs who are bored are not content, and they may become anxious and destructive.

Don't give your dog additional food treats to make up for less walks. You will just cause them to become obese and unwell. Play extra games with them to make up for less walks, and think about hiring a responsible dog walker to take them for you.

Toys

Dog toys and infant toys are frequently constructed from the same materials, and some of them even emit the same sounds, such as squeaks.

It's therefore understandable why some dogs may become perplexed about which toys they may play with.

If you play with your dog indoors, you might want to start putting their toys away when you're done or even saving playtime for the backyard or on walks. This will make it simpler for your dog to comprehend that play only happens when you bring out their toys, as opposed to when they choose a toy from around the home.

Additionally, it stops the infant from grabbing the dog's toys and placing them in their mouth. When the baby is born, it will be simpler for you to train your dog to ignore the baby's toys since they have already been trained to believe that playtime only occurs when you bring out their toys.

If your dog does happen to take the baby's toys, try not to become upset because this will simply make the infant more afraid. To minimize any confusion, it is far preferable to have trained your dog to "leave" toys before the baby is born using positive reinforcement techniques.

Health is important

Ascertain the physical health of your dog. They ought to be clear of worms and fleas as well. A trained veterinary surgeon should investigate any concerns regarding disease or potential illnesses.

The dog's tolerance for aggressiveness will be lowered by any discomfort or irritation (ie if they are in pain, they will be less tolerant about being handled and more likely to growl, snap or bite).

Places for rest and sleep

Once the baby is born, you should consider if you want to move the location where your dog now naps and sleeps.

Do you want them to continue sleeping close to you in bed and lying on your sofa, for instance? If not, make all adjustments far in advance so that nobody connects them to the impending birth of the child.

If you do decide to switch your dog's place to relax, make sure you provide him a genuinely comfy replacement. It would be unreasonable to expect your dog to get any sleep.

If they are used to sleeping in your bed without any preparation, attempt to introduce the change gradually to help them become acclimated to it.

Finding a calm place

Every time a pet needs to relax, they should have access to a calm, secure environment. This will be crucial to them after the kid is born and ultimately starts toddling around. Dogs must have their own area to roam.

Teach your dog to visit locations that make them feel secure and content (eg a bed in the corner of a room). For such moments when they require alone, you can also think about getting an indoor kennel (also known as a cage or dog box).

Try to prevent your baby from strolling up to your dog as they retreat to their safe spot.

After your baby is born

Early days

Your dog will likely be really happy when you bring your new baby home from the hospital for the first time. When the dog is worn out from a lengthy walk and play session, it is preferable to conduct this first introduction.

Say hello to your dog without the baby at first in case they become enthused and leap up at you. Later, the child should be introduced in a peaceful area with minimal memories for the dog—not where they typically eat or sleep.

Supervision

Never leave your dog alone with a baby, not even for a second, and never place your baby on the floor with the dog. All dogs are included in this, including ones with wonderful temperaments.

You may close the door to your baby's nursery while still being able to see and hear them by using a screen door or stair gate.

Hygiene

People who don't own pets themselves could try to persuade you to comfort your pet on the grounds of cleanliness. Regular flea and worm treatments for your dog using goods from your veterinarian are crucial.

You shouldn't let your dog mess or soak the floor by leaving soiled diapers there. Any diaper bin must have a sealed cover and be emptied on a regular basis since certain dogs may find diapers to be tasty.

After feeding, brushing, cleaning, or playing with your dog, use antibacterial soap to clean your hands.

Toddlers

Your baby will soon begin crawling and toddling, and it is critical that you remain watchful as they begin to move around on their own.

It is very vital to create a comfortable spot for the dog to rest and relax that is unavailable to the child. This will prevent the dog from being constantly pursued, cornered, and harassed.