Pregnancy and Dogs | What to expect from your dog when you’re expecting a baby

Are you expecting a baby and not sure about how your dog will react? 

Well, you’re not alone! Many dog owners experience stress and uncertainty when it comes to introducing a new baby to their home where their dog was the baby of the family.

It’s important to take a few simple proactive steps to prepare your dog for the changes that are to come.

Let’s start by talking about how pregnancy can affect your dog. 

Just like “some” humans, most dogs can sense changes in their environment, including changes in their owner’s emotions, behavior and routine. During pregnancy, your hormonal changes in your body can impact your dog’s behavior and emotions. 

For example, dogs have a highly sensitive sense of smell, and they can detect a pregnancy a few weeks before their humans even know they are pregnant. Changes in your mood or behavior can also affect your dog’s response, especially if you become more irritable or anxious. Natural changes during pregnancy.

In addition to these hormonal changes, a change in your routine due to pregnancy can also impact your dog’s behavior. 

As you progress through your pregnancy, you may be less able to participate in activities like going for walks or playing with your dog. This may lead to boredom and frustration in your dog, which can manifest in behavior changes like destructive chewing or excessive barking.

To reduce stress for your dog during pregnancy and prepare them for the changes that are to come

First and foremost, dogs love consistency. So to help them develop their self-soothing skills it’s important to gradually introduce small changes to your dog’s routine. 

This can include changes in feeding or exercise schedule, and it’s important to do this slowly to help your dog adjust to the new routine and reduce the stress that comes with sudden changes.

Another way to prepare your dog for the arrival of your baby is to involve them in the pregnancy process. Dogs are social creatures, and they crave attention and interaction from their owners. By allowing your dog to sniff you while you flow some love to them allowing them to explore the baby’s room, introducing them to baby sounds and smells by taking some trips to where they will meet babies and toddlers can help reduce their stress levels and make the transition smoother when the baby arrives.

It’s also important to ensure that your dog is well-trained and understands basic commands like sit, stay, and come. This can help you manage your dog’s behavior during pregnancy and after the baby arrives. 

It’s a good idea to have a plan of acceptable rules in place for managing your dog’s behavior when the baby arrives, such as how your dog should meet the baby, will the dog be allowed in the nursery. Asking your dog trainer how to gradually introducing your dog to the baby and supervising their interactions will help you prepared for it with ease.

As you prepare your dog for the arrival of your baby, it’s important to be aware of potential behavior changes in your dog. Some dogs may become more anxious or nervous, while others may become more protective or even aggressive. It’s important to address any behavior changes early on and seek professional help if needed.

Remember, with a little preparation and patience during your pregnancy can reduce stress for both you and your dog, and it can be an amazing bonding experience even before your baby arrives.

As always if you need any help with your dog we are here to serve you.

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