What are you going to do with the dog when the baby comes?

The time has come to expand the family with one more, and when you're pregnant and have animals at home, people ask you: what are you going to do with the dog? Being pregnant while having a dog doesn't have to be a problem; in fact, it can help you get out for those beneficial walks. In this post, we'll tell you how to introduce your two loves so they get along from the very first moment.

What am I going to do? Well, I'm going to introduce them when the time comes so they can grow up together and happy, teach my son or daughter to love all creatures and nature above all else, and for them to keep each other company... It seems like dogs and babies are incompatible, but nothing could be further from the truth. Keep reading and we'll tell you all about the benefits of children growing up with pets.

There's nothing better than a child respecting animals, seeing them grow, seeing them enjoy companionship, the number of secrets they'll share; they'll be the best friends in the world and won't have any problems coexisting, dogs with children.

 

Dogs and babies

Benefits of living with dogs

Living with a dog or cat during a baby's first year of life reduces the risk of allergies, respiratory problems, and ear infections in the future. Having a dog benefits cardiovascular health, reduces stress, blood pressure, and heart rate.

 

Steps for adapting to the new environment

Try not to neglect your dog when the baby arrives. Always have a cuddle or a treat ready when you're with both of them, so the dog associates the baby with something good. At first, it's normal for the dog to be scared or annoyed, or even growl. Correct this behavior with a tug on the leash.

When you introduce them, the dog should be on its leash or harness as usual. Have a trusted person available to control the dog when this happens, so it is supervised at all times.

Benefits of cohabitation between children and dogs

The decision to have a dog at home

A dog is an excellent companion for a child, a source of affection and learning, and they can also bring advantages to the child's development.

However, a dog is also a living being with needs that must be met, which entails a series of sacrifices.

Furthermore, dogs also have a series of needs that cannot be neglected. All dogs require attention and care, affection, and exercise. Not to mention that their health, hygiene, and proper nutrition will represent expenses that must be willing to be covered to keep the animal in optimal conditions.

 

The dog in the child's development

Dogs can bring benefits to children. They can be an important influence on the child's psychological development. Animals allow the learning of values such as respect, understanding the suffering of others, and the perception that causing harm is not good.

Emotionally, a child's good relationship with their dog is a great way to learn to love and be loved. Furthermore, the dog will help them increase their self-esteem and learn to take on responsibilities.

Adjectives, qualities, and concepts such as self-esteem, responsibility, respect for animals and nature, companionship, affection, love, friendship, loyalty, and faithfulness... are just a few of the many things a child will learn growing up with a dog.

When your child grows up, they will want to sleep with the dog to offer each other mutual protection.

 

The dog, one more member of the family

In general, specialists assure that the key to good coexistence is to consider the dog as one more member of the family, making the hierarchy clear. One cannot expect to find companionship in a pet and, at the same time, have it jump at strangers' throats.

It is necessary to educate the animal for coexistence. Teach it, for example, that it must retreat when ordered, that it should not destroy everything within its reach, that it should not lick visitors, that it should not cross the street alone, etc.

It is better to educate dogs by reinforcing rewards more than punishment, so that the animal associates good behavior with a stroke or praise.

 

How to introduce the two family members

Try to get ahead of the arrival home from the clinic, and when the baby is born, take a piece of your baby's clothing to your dog, so they can get used to their smell.

Whenever you are with both of them, pet, talk to, and play with your dog, so they associate the baby with something good.

It's always good for dogs to be vaccinated, but if their vaccinations aren't up to date, with a baby at home, it's a priority for their safety and yours.

It would also be good for them to be bathed and dewormed, with proper hygiene.

Reward their good behavior whenever they behave well.

Ensure they have their own space, preferably with their bed, which they will consider a refuge, where they feel protected, and to which they can retreat when they want to be alone without the baby.

The dog's protective instinct will keep them alert and they will warn you of any crying or problem the baby may have.

Always act before it's too late; dogs usually show quite clear signs of discomfort, whether from crying or sudden movements from the baby.

 

We hope we have clarified that uncomfortable situation a bit more when asked, "What are you going to do with the dog when the baby comes?"

 

For any questions, please write them below in the comments.

 

 

 

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