Keeping your "babies" safe!
By Jan Kilby RN, MS, CD, LCCE, FACCE, DipH Education Specialist
Keeping Your "Babies" Safe! Pregnancy and birth are full of surprises. What new surprises can you expect if you have a pet?
You love your pet; he is your first "baby." There is no way that you would choose to give away your pet, but many new parents do just that. What can you do to help your pet adjust to a new baby?
According to the U.S. Humane Society, at least 39% of families have a dog and 34% have a cat. While pets can harm a baby, most injuries occur because a pet is scared and defending themselves. At least 1 million cat bites and 4.7 million dog bites occur each year in the U.S. Too many of these incidents affect children. Newborns are at a much higher risk for injury because they are unable to protect themselves. Additionally, a newborn's arrival in the home disrupts normal pet routines and can cause confusion.
Research has shown that preparing your cat or dog can ease your pet's transition into the new world of "Baby." It will also give a new parent more peace of mind to know that they have done everything they can to prepare their "first baby," their precious cat or dog. A new take home packet, specially prepared by Franklin Square Hospital Center prenatal educators, called "OBTLC Pet Prep" can help.
To help parents-to-be prepare their pets, Franklin Square developed this new and innovative program. OBTLC Pet Prep helps expectant families with cats and dogs make that "Baby" transition easier and safer. Veterinarians, pet trainers and animal organizations helped compile the useful information in a convenient take home packet, which contains a comprehensive booklet, a CD, baby products and a Pet Time door hanger. The booklet has current information about pets along with activity suggestions that help your pet adjust both before and after your miracle arrives. Suggestions offered in the kit include preparing your pet months ahead. Even if your pet has attended an obedience class, a refresher is helpful.
Beginning a schedule that will realistically work after the baby arrives will help your pet understand that your lack of attention from exhaustion is not a punishment. Pets may react aggressively or playfully to crying and playful sounds. The Pet Sounds CD included with the kit contains real baby sounds to play for your pet. Pets have remarkable noses and need to begin smelling some of the new "Baby" smells. Baby samples in the Pet Prep packet can ease your pet slowly into the unique smells of a new "Baby" world. Introducing the baby gradually and safely to a cherished pet may take time.
One family was worried about how their dog would react. They used the resources and activities recommended in the OBTLC Pet Prep booklet, and their dog instantly adopted the baby as part of the family. In his routine patrols of the house, he added the baby's room. He even has a special bark to tell the family the baby is crying.
Another couple found that once the baby began crying with arms waving, their pet became agitated and tried to snap at the baby. Pet Prep taught them to maintain a safe distance between pet and baby, as well as to identify other pet behaviors that may pose a threat. Most pets are great with children, but there is no guarantee that a gentle cat or dog will not cause harm. Take steps now to prepare your pet. Watch for any danger signals. Talk with your pet trainer and veterinarian. And enjoy every member of your family!
To order OBTLC Pet Prep or for more information, contact Franklin Square at 443-777-7900 or www.frankinsquare.org.
