When Baby Meets Pet

Many of us treat our pets as if they were our children.

But if you haven't had any children yet, there could be problems when a child is added to the equation, because your pets are accustomed to receiving so much attention.

The Early Show's resident veterinarian Debbye Turner has some ideas on how to introduce your pet to your baby.

First of all, start preparing the pet and the "introduction" process months before the baby is due.

1. KEEP YOUR PET HEALTHY. Make sure your pet is current on vaccinations and has had a thorough physical exam. Your pet should also be spayed or neutered.

   Begin clipping your pet's nails regularly if you haven't already, because you don't want long, sharp claws to accidentally scratch you or your baby.

   Address any behavioral problems: If your pet has any discipline issues, or exhibits major anxiety, you may want to seek the help of a specialist.

2. TRAIN YOUR PET. Put your dog through some behavior training, if it has never had the experience. Every dog should know how to sit, stay, come, and lie down on command. Now is the time to teach your pet NOT to jump in your lap when you sit down. You definitely don't want the pet to do that when you are holding a baby.
3. DECREASE THE TIME SPENT WITH YOUR PET. Start decreasing the amount of time you spend with your pet. They will certainly get less of your attention when the baby arrives, so if they don't expect as much of your attention, it won't be as disturbing to them once the baby is here. Have someone other than the mother-to-be give the pet special time and attention. If the pet was particularly attached to mom, her focus on the baby will cause the pet stress. Having another "point person" will minimize this change in roles.
4. REHEARSE YOUR PET. Invite a friend who already has a baby over for visits. Of course, supervise any interaction between the visiting baby and your pet. This will allow your pet to get accustomed to the look, smell (using the powder and wipes), and sounds of a baby. In essence, use anything that will get the pet used to your future routine activities.

   Block access to "off limits" areas early. If you don't want your pet in the baby's room, on the changing table, etc., institute and enforce these rules several months early. You can also lay double-stick tape to furniture to discourage your pet from jumping on it.

   Start "playing house." Carry a baby doll around, mimicking the carrying of the baby by doing diaper changes, bathing, etc.

   Get a CD called "Sounds of Baby" that plays a collection of typical baby noises. Playing this from time to time might make the arrival of the baby with its squalls and cries less frightening. Also, if you have mechanical swings, rocking chairs, or other toys that make noise, you can play those in advance.

5. LET YOUR PET SNIFF THINGS OUT. After the baby is born, but before mom brings the baby home, bring home a towel or blanket that has the baby's scent on it and allow the pet to sniff away. Introduce the pet to the smell of baby powder, too.

   When mom arrives with the baby, don't scold the pet for being curious. This is natural. New moms should be sure to greet the pet with lots of love and attention. Allow the pet to sniff the baby's feet; a little lick won't hurt the baby. A positive introduction to the new baby will go a long way toward a positive healthy relationship between baby and pet.

   You might even want to have someone else bring the baby into a room with the pet so that the new mom can greet the anxious pet first. This is a continuation of the gradual process of introducing the pet to the baby. Some experts even suggest isolating the pet from the new baby for a day or two so it can get used to the mother being around again.

MYTHS

Because cats tend to be more independent-minded than dogs, most of the tips listed above tend to apply more to dogs. However, there are some myths about cats.

• "Cats will try to smother babies." Cats do not try to smother babies! If anything, cats will go to great lengths to stay away from this loud, smelly, newcomer.
• "Pregnant women cannot own a cat." While toxoplasmosis is a real concern to the health of an unborn child, it is very rare in the U.S. The parasite, toxoplasma, is found in the feces of cats that have eaten raw meat, birds, mice, or contaminated soil. This parasite is more commonly found in uncooked or undercooked meat, particularly pork. So, pregnant women should not handle the cat's litterbox or uncooked meat.
• "If cats have 'accidents' on the baby's bedding, they are acts of aggression." Not so. If anything, your kitty is trying to reclaim territory by replacing the baby's smell with its own.