- MENU
- HOME
- SEARCH
- WORLD
- MAIN
- AFRICA
- ASIA
- BALKANS
- EUROPE
- LATIN AMERICA
- MIDDLE EAST
- United Kingdom
- United States
- Argentina
- Australia
- Austria
- Benelux
- Brazil
- Canada
- China
- France
- Germany
- Greece
- Hungary
- India
- Indonesia
- Ireland
- Israel
- Italy
- Japan
- Korea
- Mexico
- New Zealand
- Pakistan
- Philippines
- Poland
- Russia
- South Africa
- Spain
- Taiwan
- Turkey
- USA
- BUSINESS
- WEALTH
- STOCKS
- TECH
- HEALTH
- LIFESTYLE
- ENTERTAINMENT
- SPORTS
- RSS
- iHaveNet.com: Pets
by Michele C. Hollow
When my son was born, many people asked what I was going to do with my pet. What a strange question, I thought. Our pet is part of the family.
Despite a deep love for animals, many people wind up dumping their pets at local shelters when they become first-time parents. That's not only unnecessary, but also a huge loss to both you and your dog.
Prepare Ahead
Life with a new baby does mean less time, at least temporarily, with your dog. So give your dog quality time. Praise it for being good. Take it to the veterinarian for a routine checkup, and make sure it is spayed or neutered. A spayed or neutered pet is a calmer one.
Before the baby comes home, train your dog to stay on the floor by your side. This way, it won't jump up on you when you are holding the baby. Get your pet accustomed to baby noises by playing recordings of a baby crying. Sprinkle baby powder or baby oil on your skin to get your dog used to that scent. Install a screen door to the baby's room. Such a door will permit your dog to see and hear what's going on.
At the Birthing Center
While I was at the hospital, I had a friend bring home a baby-scented blanket when she checked in on our pet. The dog sniffed it and was allowed to get used to baby's aroma.
At Home
My husband carried our son into another room, while I got down on the floor and fussed over our pet. He received lots of attention. Then, my husband brought our baby into the living room while we watched carefully. We had treats nearby. Our pet sat on the floor and slowly came over to sniff the baby. We kept on praising our dog because we wanted him to know that his behavior was appropriate.
Above all, we always kept a close eye on our pet and our child. Now, they are best friends.
Michele C. Hollow is a journalist and author who specializes in writing about animal welfare.
Available at Amazon.com:
Living with Kids and Dogs ... Without Losing Your Mind
Miss Fido Manners Complete Book Of Dog Etiquette
The Healthy Way to Stretch Your Dog: A Physical Therapy Approach (Dogwise Manual)
Doggin' America: 100 Ideas For Great Outdoor Vacations To Take With Your Dog
AUTOS | HOBBIES | EDUCATION | FAMILY | FASHION | FOOD & RECIPES | HOME DECOR | RELATIONSHIPS | PARENTING | PETS | TRAVEL | WOMEN
PET STORIES and PET ARTICLES ...
- Is Your Dog Cut out for Field Trials?
- Should You Crate-train Your Puppy?
- How to Play Soccer With Your Dog
- The Best Way for Your Dog to Ride in the Car with You
- Good Dog Park Etiquette
- What Is Freestyle Dancing With Dogs?
- Canicross: An Easier Way to Run With Your Dog
- Reading Your Dog's Body Language
- Kitten Kindergarten
- Tips to Keep Your Dog Safe While Flying
- Keep Your Dog Warm in the Winter
- Scottish Deerhound: The Ideal Exercise Buddy
- Teach Your Dog to Fetch
- Is Your Dog Bored?
- 7 Ways to Pamper Your Cat
- The Best Games to Play With Your High-Energy Dog
- Dog Feeding Mishaps Corrected
- How to Succeed at Off-Leash Dog Play
- ID Your Relationship With Your Cat
- Photographing Your Elusive Feline
- How to Keep Your Pet Safe During the Holidays
- When Good Dogs Turn Bad
- From Finicky Fido to Chowhound Charlie
- Insure Your Kitty's Health
- Unconditional Love: My Cat Forgives Me Every Day
- From Feline to Family Member
- Is Water From a Christmas Tree Stand Harmful to Cats?
- A Day in the Life of a Sheepherding Dog
- Go on a Desert Retreat With Your Dog
- Dog Food Goes Natural and Holistic
- Determining a Food Allergy
- Exercise Gone to the Dogs
- Find the Right Sport for Your Dog
- Make Your Dog a Part of Your Wedding
- Hydrotherapy Helps Dogs Get in Shape
- How Your Cat Says 'I Love You'
- Lost Cats Found
- De-stress Veterinary Visits for Your Cat
- Keeping Cat Food Fresh
- Second-Hand Cat, First-Rate Pet
Copyright ©
Pets | Dogs: Bringing up Baby With a Dog