Introduction
Having a baby is an exciting time for families, but it’s also a major life change that can be stressful for household pets. Many dog owners worry about how their furry friend will adjust when a new baby arrives. Dogs tend to thrive on routine and familiarity, so the cries of a newborn, lack of attention, new smells, and increased activity in the home can all be potential sources of stress. It’s common for dogs to act out or exhibit anxious behavior in response to a big transition like a new baby. While it’s impossible to eliminate all stress for a dog adjusting to an infant, there are steps owners can take to ease the transition. With proper preparation, patience, and care for your dog’s needs, families can help minimize anxiety and keep their dog happy after bringing a new baby home.
Reasons a New Baby May Stress a Dog
Dogs tend to thrive on routine. The arrival of a new baby often disrupts a dog’s schedule and environment. Some common changes that can stress dogs when a baby enters the home include:
- Less attention and exercise – Owners are suddenly focused on caring for the baby, which means less time and energy for walks, playtime, and affection for the dog.
- New noises and smells – A baby’s cries, smells, and movements are unfamiliar and may make some dogs anxious or uncomfortable.
- Seeing owners give affection to the baby – Some dogs may feel jealous of the attention and affection now focused on the new baby.
These disruptions, along with the new sights, sounds, and smells of a baby can be stressful for many dogs as their routine suddenly changes when a new baby arrives. Understanding the sources of stress allows owners to take steps to ease the transition for their furry companion.
Signs of Stress in Dogs
Some common signs of stress in dogs include aggression, inappropriate urination/defecation, excessive barking or whining, and destructive behaviors. Stressed dogs may exhibit body language that communicates their discomfort, such as whale eye, tucked tail, raised hackles, or lip licking and yawning.
Aggression in the form of biting, snapping, or growling can indicate a dog is feeling threatened or insecure about a new situation. According to the AKC, dogs may resort to aggression when stressed as a defense mechanism (How To Tell if Your Dog Is Stressed).
Stressed dogs may begin urinating or defecating inside the home even if they are house-trained. Loss of bowel/bladder control can signal anxiety. Dogs may also mark or eliminate in the home to release nervous energy or claim territory.
Excessive barking, whining, howling, or destructive behaviors like chewing furniture are other common stress responses in dogs. They may be trying to alert owners to their discomfort or release pent-up energy. The sudden change in routine with a new baby’s arrival can cause dogs to act out.
Reducing Stress on the Dog
There are several ways to help reduce stress on your dog when bringing home a new baby. Some tips include:
- Maintain your dog’s normal routine as much as possible, including regular walks, play time, and attention from you. Sticking to their schedule will provide comfort and stability (ASPCA).
- Create a safe space in your home where your dog can relax away from the baby, like a crate or quiet room (What to Expect).
- Gradually expose your dog to baby smells and sounds before the baby arrives so they are not overwhelmed. Let them inspect baby items while giving praise and treats (The Spruce Pets).
- Use positive reinforcement training to create positive associations with the baby – reward calm, gentle behavior around baby items. Never punish negative behavior (ASPCA).
Preparing Dogs for a New Baby
In the months before the baby arrives, there are some things you can do to help prepare your dog for the major lifestyle change that is coming. This transition period is the time to get your dog accustomed to the new sounds, smells, and equipment associated with a baby in the household.
According to the article Preparing your pet for a new baby, you’ll want to start exposing your dog to baby smells by using baby lotions, powders, detergents and other baby products around them. Reward your dog with treats when they are near these new smells so they learn to associate them with something positive.
It can also be helpful to play recordings of babies crying, cooing or making other noises so these sounds become familiar to your dog. The ASPCA recommends doing this months before the baby arrives, starting soft and gradually increasing the volume over time. Stick to your normal daily routines with your dog as much as possible during the transition period. The more consistent their schedule remains, the less stressed they may feel.
Dog-Baby Interactions
When introducing your dog to the new baby, it’s crucial that all interactions are carefully supervised. Never leave your dog alone with an infant or small child. Make sure an adult is present to monitor behavior and step in if needed. Reinforcing gentle, calm behavior around the baby is also important. If your dog remains relaxed and gentle when approaching or sniffing the baby, provide praise, treats, and affection. This positive reinforcement will encourage good manners around the infant.
Additionally, ensure your dog has an escape route if interactions become overwhelming. Place a baby gate in the nursery doorway so your dog can freely exit the room if needed. Provide access to a quiet, relaxing area of the home where your dog can retreat when they need a break. Taking these precautions will prevent your dog from feeling trapped or anxious around the new baby.
When to Get Help
If your dog displays significant aggression or anxiety issues that persist despite your efforts, seeking professional help from an animal behavior specialist or certified dog trainer is recommended. Prolonged stress is unhealthy for dogs and can lead to more serious behavioral issues if left unaddressed (1).
In extreme cases where the dog shows very high levels of stress that do not improve, anti-anxiety medication prescribed by a veterinarian may help take the edge off while you work on behavior modification. However, medication alone will not solve the underlying issues. A customized training program from an expert is key (2).
The earlier you intervene, the better chance you have of successfully acclimating your dog to the new family member and dynamics. Do not delay getting professional guidance if your dog continues showing signs of distress, agitation, or aggression after the baby’s arrival.
Sources:
(1) https://www.aspca.org/pet-care/dog-care/dogs-and-babies
(2) https://www.romper.com/p/9-signs-your-dog-is-stressed-out-by-your-baby-needs-some-space-8717592
Making Time for Your Dog
It’s important to continue setting aside quality one-on-one time with your dog daily after the baby arrives. Take your dog for walks, play fetch, or engage in other activities your dog enjoys. This will help your dog feel loved and prevent behavior problems stemming from jealousy.
Get family members to help spend time with your dog as well. Having others engage with your dog prevents them from feeling neglected.
If needed, consider sending your dog to daycare once or twice a week or hiring a dog walker. This provides your dog with exercise, mental stimulation, and socialization while you tend to baby duties. According to the ASPCA, investigating these options before the baby arrives helps ensure your dog’s needs are met (https://www.aspca.org/pet-care/dog-care/dogs-and-babies).
Creating Positive Associations
You can help the dog build positive associations with the new baby by rewarding calm and gentle behavior when the baby is present. Make sure to give the dog attention and affection while you are holding or interacting with the baby, so the dog doesn’t feel ignored. Allow the dog to sniff the baby’s items like blankets, clothes, or toys while praising and treating the dog. This will help the dog make a connection between the new smells and good things happening. Some additional tips include:[1]
- Give the dog a treat when the baby cries to create a positive association with this new sound.
- Allow the dog to investigate the baby’s room while supervised so it becomes a familiar environment.
- Have family members give the dog extra affection when holding the baby.
- Praise and reward the dog for calm behavior around the baby.
With positive reinforcement methods, you can help the dog feel comfortable, accepted, and loved when adjusting to the new family member.
[1] https://dogstodiapers.com/5-quick-tips-on-how-to-maintain-your-dogs-tolerance-for-kids/
Conclusion
Bringing a new baby home can be a stressful time for everyone, including your furry family members. While dogs may exhibit signs of stress like increased barking, accidents, or changes in appetite when a new baby arrives, there are many things you can do to help them through this transition.
Preparation is key – get your dog used to baby sounds, smells, and equipment; establish a routine that includes one-on-one time with your dog; and make sure your dog has a safe space they can retreat to. Teach children safe interactions with dogs and never leave them unsupervised together.
With patience, positive reinforcement, and adjustments to your dog’s routine, they can learn to accept the newest member of your family. Make time for regular exercise, play, and affection with your dog. If problematic behaviors persist, consult an animal behaviorist for additional guidance.
While challenging at first, with proper care and training, dogs and babies can live together happily. If you meet your dog’s needs and help them feel secure, this major life change can be manageable for your entire family, including your four-legged members.