you return home with the new baby. This routine should consist of a feeding schedule, a walking schedule, and brief play times without the new baby. Prior to bringing the baby home, have someone bring home something that has the baby’s smell on it, like a blanket or clothing, so the dog can become familiar with the baby’s odor. Let the dog smell the item and give them treats at the same time so they will associate the baby’s odor with something positive. Upon returning home, greet the dog without the baby. Place the dog on a leash and have someone not holding the baby there to handle them. Let the dog get used to the sounds and smells associated with the baby. After the dog has calmed down and the baby is quiet you may start to make introductions. With the dog still on a leash put them in a sit/stay posture and gradually bring the baby closer to the dog. Repeat this introduction several times, each time bringing the dog and baby closer together until you feel comfortable enough to invite the dog to sniff the baby. It is generally a good idea to teach the dog a boundary around the baby of a few feet unless otherwise invited by the parents. This ensures that there will be no accidental baby/ dog interactions that could cause unwanted behavior. Be sure to devote the same amount of attention to the dog as before. If you go for a walk with the baby, take the dog. Acclimate your dog to the baby stroller before walking your dog next to it with the baby in it. If you can’t handle the dog and the stroller together, have someone go with you to walk the dog. The dog can be allowed the same household freedom as before, with the exception of the baby’s room, as long as it doesn’t cause any unwanted behavior. Use a gate to prevent the dog from entering the baby’s room without you. There are no set guidelines as to when a dog will get used to a baby. It could take a few days or a few weeks. It should take less time with proper preparation and good
management. If, after several weeks, there has been no sign of unwanted behavior, it is unlikely that anything serious will happen. It is good to remember that dogs are still animals so their behavior can never be fully guaranteed. Proper management and supervision remain important throughout the life of your dog. All experts agree that you should never leave a dog unattended with a baby under any circumstances. The sudden movement of a baby could startle the dog and cause unwanted behavior such as biting. Most dogs will adjust to a new baby without incident. Observe the dog’s behavior for any signs of unwanted behavior or possible aggression. That way, you can avoid problems and accidents. If you do observe any behavior that is concerning, call a trainer so the problem can be remedied. When introduced properly, with proper preparation, you can have a smooth introduction of your new baby to your old ‘baby’.
Mixing Babies and Cats Your cat may be a bit skittish around the new baby at first, but in time, will grow accustomed to the new baby…and learn to dodge them as they begin to crawl and walk. A cat will normally leave a baby alone unless provoked. If the new baby is lying on the floor and grabs your cat’s leg or tail, your cat may hiss, nip, or scratch them. If your cat is infected, your baby could develop CSD or Cat Scratch Disease. Bartonella Henselae is thought to be the culprit behind CSD. Kittens less than 6 months of age usually carry BH, although some older cats can carry it too. Fleas transmit the bacteria from cat to cat. Individuals who contract CSD break out in blisters or bumps near the site of the bite or scratch (7 to 12 days after the incident); you’ll have tender and swollen lymph nodes, possibly a fever headache, rash, sore throat, and loss of appetite. In rare cases, some individuals have experienced infections of the liver, spleen, bones, eyes, or lungs. Inflammation of the brain or seizures can also occur. If you suspect your child has CSD, consult your physician.
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