How to introduce a newborn to a pet

The arrival of a baby at home implies several months of waiting and preparation. Pet owners must not only prepare the home, but must also educate their pets, encouraging appropriate behaviors during the time prior to birth. There are a series of important precautions that must be taken into account before the arrival of the baby, both to guarantee the safety of the child, that of the pet and the well-being of the home.

FIRST INTRODUCTION

Dr. Lori Teller, an associate professor at the Texas A&M College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, recommends being cautious around pets, even if you trust them, and managing the introduction of the baby to the pet carefully. "The most important thing to remember is that a baby and a pet should never be left alone together, even if she thinks her pet would never hurt anyone," she stresses.

First of all, pets should get used to the baby's smell before the baby comes home. they can smell them before they discharge him”, explains the doctor.

Once the newborn is home, Teller advises monitoring both the baby and the pet.

At the moment of making the first introduction, she emphasizes the need to be calm and very attentive. “Whenever possible, someone else should hold the baby while the parents pay attention to the pets,” she says. Also, “Once everyone is calm, you can introduce your pets to the baby. If necessary, she takes her pets on a leash. One person can sit while holding the baby and another person can control the pets.” In the event that there are several pets in the house, they must be presented one by one to the newborn.

AFTER WE MEET

Later, after the initial introduction, the doctor emphasizes that we must also work on maintaining a positive relationship between the pet and the baby. “It's important to find a way to pay attention to your pet while your baby is awake and active. You want your pet to know that the baby is part of the family and that everyone can enjoy time together.” In this sense, she explains that if the animal is only paid attention to when the baby is asleep, it will understand that the baby is a negative factor in her life, since she takes all the attention.

On the other hand, we must bear in mind that changes in the home can also pose a danger to animals. Certain baby toys, pacifiers and small objects can be ingested by pets and may require surgery to remove. Likewise, medications, ointments, or dirty diapers can be toxic to pets and should be stored in a safe place.

Likewise, pet supplies and medications should also be kept away from the baby. “These include medications, such as heartworm and flea and tick preventives. Pet toys and chew bones are also not appropriate for a baby to put in the mouth. When bathing your pet with a medicated shampoo, make sure your pet is dry before interacting with the baby."

Although, from the outset, the relationship between the pet and the baby goes well, it must be taken into account that the behavior of animals is difficult to predict, since the presence of an unknown person can put the pet on the limit, explains Teller. In this sense, the owner must be attentive to the signs of the pet, growls, noises or if it tries to interact with the baby in a negative way. “Any type of negative interaction must stop immediately. If your pet is acting aggressively, it should be isolated and it's a good idea to talk to your vet."

The arrival of a newborn and its safety is the highest priority for parents, so it is necessary to take into account the appropriate precautions that help build a positive and safe relationship with pets.

Finally, Teller insists that both the pet and the child must be taught to live with the other, in the same way that it is good to reward them for having good behavior and being kind.

"There is such sweetness and beauty in seeing a child and a pet develop a loving and caring relationship with each other."