" The best way for offspring and pets to get used to each other "

All animal-loving people who are expecting offspring are sooner or later confronted with the question of how their beloved pet will react to the new roommate. Will they get used to each other quickly, will the cat be angry with them and withdraw in a huff? Will the loyal dog be able to cope well with the shared attention? Even before the new arrival arrives, parents-to-be can take a few precautions to make life a little easier for themselves and their pets.

Slow acclimatization during pregnancy

Many animals are very sensitive and notice the changes their mistress is going through very early on. Dogs in particular, who have a close relationship with their owner, sense that a special event is about to take place that will bring many changes. It is therefore best to regularly take the time to let your pet participate in the changes. This can start, for example, when you are setting up the baby's room. Dog and cat should be given enough time and space to familiarize themselves with everything new in peace.

Slow acclimatization already during pregnancy

After setting up the furniture, you can let the pets sniff around the room and take away their excitement and curiosity about everything that is hiding behind the soon-to-be-closed door. After all, the nursery should definitely be off-limits to animals and should never be made freely accessible.

Getting the cat and dog used to the baby

Once the baby is born, dad can bring the baby's clothes home from the hospital and give them to the dog to sniff. This way, the four-legged friend will quickly get used to the unfamiliar smell of the new family member. With cats, it can help if the baby's worn clothes are placed on a beloved sleeping place that is used frequently. This provides security and ensures greater acceptance when the child arrives at the new home.

Just as you have to get used to the new tasks as parents, the animal also has to get used to the little one.

Plenty of time, love and attention should be given so that the pet does not feel left behind or fall into a rival role. In particular, rituals that the pets are familiar with should continue to be performed and adhered to in order to convey a sense of security and routine. It is also advisable to create a room or area for pets where they can retreat undisturbed at any time. There should be a cozy place for them to sleep and the opportunity to hide. This area should be inaccessible to children.

Little girl cuddling with a cat

During the day, it is advisable for the mother or father to sit close to the animal with the baby in their arms. This allows the pets to satisfy their curiosity and get as close to the child as they want. However, babies and pets should never be forced into such situations so that no negative experiences can become entrenched.

Babies and pets benefit from each other

Babies and toddlers quickly become infatuated with real animals. They already know the dog as a cuddly toya turtle from the pacifier chain cats, birds or fish from all sorts of other toys. toys! Real animals will then be recognized and will inspire. And a real pet is actually good for your child!

Numerous studies have shown that children who grow up with animals are usually less affected by allergies. This is due to the frequent contact with animal hair, saliva and numerous germs and bacteria that cannot be avoided when keeping animals. The child's body learns to deal with these things right from the start and to form certain antibodies. The pet on the other hand gets a new playmate who is quickly at eye level. Many dogs tend to protect the baby and thus become the child's loyal companion.

Babies and pets benefit from each other

Another advantage for children is that they quickly learn to take responsibility for another living being and become familiar with care and feeding. Initially, this is usually done with small animals or birds, as they are kept in cages and do not roam around the home uncontrollably. In general, special attention should be paid to hygiene in the home when animals are present. The litter tray, food bowl or animal cage should never be freely accessible to the offspring and should be cleaned regularly.

Never leave them alone together in the same room

Even if the pet is a permanent member of the family and many owners are convinced that they know their pet inside out, dogs and babies in particular should never be left alone together in the same room. Babies and small children make quick and uncoordinated movements that animals cannot anticipate and assess.

This quickly awakens the animal's instincts and can lead to unwanted animal reactions such as snapping or scratching.

Especially if the dog's toy arouses the child's interest because it squeaks or rattles, the animal's jealousy and playfulness can end negatively for the child. To keep this risk as low as possible, the child must either be taken out of the room or put down safely, for example in a playpen or bassinet.

Little boy playing with a train and dog lying next to it

Small animals and birds that live in a cage should always be kept out of reach to avoid dangerous situations. Children otherwise tend to open the cage without supervision or pull themselves up by it. The offspring can also cause stress for the occupants because they are loud and make uncontrolled movements that trigger the animal's flight instinct.

A beautiful community

All in all, babies and pets are a wonderful companionship that can mean a lot of fun and love. The greatest possible safety and cleanliness should be ensured and to avoid escalation, children should never be allowed to play with pets unsupervised. This way, both sides benefit from each other and nothing stands in the way of happy hours and experiences.

Little girl with puppy in her arms