Preparing Pets for a New Arrival, Part 1 of 3

In the excitement of pregnancy- or preparing for an adoption- many people say their animals sense the changes in the household and respond accordingly. Whether you’re preparing your house for a child or to take care of a grandchild, niece or nephew or friend’s child who will be over often, it is important to prepare your animals, too.


Pregnancy

Sometimes, a dog can become very protective of a person who is pregnant, even snapping at people s/he was previously very affectionate with, to “protect” the pregnant woman. And why not? Pregnancy changes things that companion animals can pick up humans normally wouldn’t. Changes in your mood, posture, behavior, and body chemistry tell them that a big change that is about to occur. They may even realize there’s a change happening before you even realize you’re pregnant. Additionally, in the excitement of a pregnancy, routines may be forgotten or changed a bit- or maybe just done a little slower. All of these factors can change an animal’s behavior. Some pets may seem more loving and cuddly than before, whereas others can can become more stand-offish or seemingly indifferent.

To prevent problems, try to stick to your routine as much as possible. Ask friends or family members to help out if necessary, especially with daily needs like a run or long grooming session. Write down your pet’s routines and have them posted somewhere visible in case of an emergency. Arrange for someone to take care of your pets while you’re gone if you have a hospital birth and appoint someone to care for the critters, to keep them occupied and less stressed out, if doing a home birth.

Even with a home birth, you may want to consider having someone watch your animals for a day or two, especially if they are very attached to you. Imagine if a bunch of strangers came over just as your favorite person is in terrible pain. Sometimes cats or dogs determine the midwife or doulas- or even familiar friends/family that have come to help with the birth- are to blame and become aggressive towards them. Other times, cats or dogs “sit” in on the pregnancy or even “labor” with the mother. Consider your animals temperament and previous experiences. Most of all, be flexible with your plan and have back ups. And watch out with birthing pools and your pets! Even cats have been known to fall in while trying to figure out what all the fuss is about.

Alternatively, you may want start training you pets to be a little more flexible. What happens if the baby wants to eat right as you’re leaving to walk the dog, or as you’re getting up to feed everyone? Begin by gradually varying your pet's feeding and exercise times, but make sure all their needs are still being met, too!

It’s important to watch your body language. Pregnant women often unconsciously place their hands over their stomachs and dogs read this closed-arm posture as saying "I'm unavailable" or "step back." Open-armed postures, on the other hand, send dogs the message to "come here."