pets - Parenting Healthy

How To Introduce Your Pet To A New Baby — Photo by Daniel Sandoval on Unsplash

The arrival of a new baby is an exciting time. But if you’re a pet owner, chances are your beloved fur baby might find this new change in routine hard to adjust to!

When you bring a newborn baby home, your pet will likely find the new sights, sounds, and scents overwhelming. If your cat or dog has never known life with an infant then this new arrival can pose a threat. While some pets are able to adjust perfectly well, others may become fearful and even jealous – resulting in behavioral issues.

Planning ahead is one of the best ways to help your pet adjust to a new baby and the change in routine that comes along with it.

Preparing your pet for baby’s arrival

In the months leading up to the baby’s arrival, you can begin making small changes to your pet’s routine that will prepare them for when the baby is home.

One of the most important ways to prepare is by rectifying any behavioral issues such as jumping or barking. Taking your pet to obedience school or training them to stop behaviors that could upset the baby will teach them the skills they’ll need to interact safely with the new family member.

You can also begin to introduce your pet to the baby’s room and any items such as a stroller or cot to help them familiarise themselves with all items associated with a new baby.

Allow your dog to smell products such as baby lotion and get used to the new scents that will become commonplace in a few month’s time. For cat owners, identifying areas that are “off-limits” such as the baby’s changing table will also help to deter them from jumping up on or using these areas when the baby is home.

Introducing a baby to pet

One of the best ways to introduce your pet to your newborn is by first bringing home baby blankets from the hospital prior to your arrival. That way, your dog or cat can get used to the scent of the baby in the home.

Once you do bring the baby home, it’s important to greet your pet straight away and make it known that you’ve missed them. This will help soothe any feelings of fear, isolation, or jealousy in your pet.

Ensure that you have a helper with you to supervise your pet as you sit down with the baby. When your pet has calmed down, you can have your helper bring them to you and the baby. Allow your pet to inspect the baby through sniffing and soft nuzzling and be sure to reward positive behavior.

Adjusting to your new routine

This new household dynamic can take some getting used to, especially for your pet. It’s important to look out for any signs of distress that your pet may give off such as whimpering, excessive barking, or growling.

If this occurs, it’s important to take the baby out of the room and away from the dog. Be careful not to punish the dog. If you do, your dog will associate the baby with negativity and won’t learn to positively adjust. It can take up to nine months for a pet to fully adjust to a new member of a household. In this time, be sure to exercise the following to maintain a peaceful routine:

Always supervise your pet around the baby/children.
Ensure quality time with your pet.
Get your pet used to being around the baby. Encourage curious sniffing and gentle touch.
Reward positive interactions (nuzzling, licking, snuggling with you and baby, etc.) with a treat or cuddles.
Help your pet associate the baby with positive experiences.
Consult your vet for pet care advice or tips if you notice signs of continued aggression toward the baby.

The key to a safe and happy way to introduce your pet to a new baby is lots of care and attention. Allow your pet to explore these new sights and smells at its own pace, and avoid any forced interactions between pet and baby.

Rewarding your pet with praise and healthy homemade treats whenever it demonstrates good behaviors around the baby is the easiest way to maintain a positive relationship between both. Never leave your baby alone with your pet and always maintain supervision when both are in the same space.

Remember, the movements and sounds of a newborn can be alarming to your pet which may cause them to act in a defensive or fearful way. With time, your pet will become used to this new addition to the family and, as the baby grows, will appreciate having a new playmate!

Parenting, Pets Products

Planning On Getting A Pet? The Family Conversations You Need To Have Beforehand

April 21, 2021March 17, 2025 Erin Sluka

Having a pet in your home gives you and your family access to the multiple benefits of pet ownership, including reduced stress, improved mood, and better security. Naturally, welcoming a pet into your home comes with significant responsibility and new chores, though. It is best, therefore, for any family to sit down and have crucial conversations about having a pet to ensure that everyone is well-prepared. Here are a few family conversations that you’ll need to have before getting a pet.

Can The Family Afford A Pet?

The average annual cost of a dog comes to about $380 to $1,170, according to Money Under 30. This amount does not include the one-time associated costs with adoption, vaccinations, startup supplies, microchipping, and the like. If your family is looking into getting a cat, the annual costs can range between about $430 and $870. This amount does not include any emergency costs that may come with a pet that gets injured or ill. Having a frank conversation about the costs of having a pet enables the family to determine if having one at the present time is a good choice. If it isn’t a good time right now, having this conversation opens up the opportunity to involve everyone in pulling together funds to eventually have a pet as a part of the family.

Will Routines Need To Change?

A routine benefits children, and adults feel more secure and in control of their environment, according to the US Department of Health & Human Services. Introducing a pet into a household, especially if it’s a puppy or a kitten, may end up disrupting an established routine. A puppy that’s roughly three to six months old will need to be fed around three times a day, according to the American Kennel Club. Discussing this as a family can help mitigate any big changes for children if parents are going to be the primary caregivers. Talking about this can also help the family decide what sort of age of pet they’ll want to get to avoid disrupting schedules.

What Will The Pet’s Diet Look Like?

A proper diet is one of the most important aspects of pet care, and it’s something the whole family should discuss before bringing a pet home. Different animals have different dietary needs, and even among dogs, some breeds may require specific types of food for optimal health. It’s a good idea to research the best dog food options for your pet’s breed, age, and activity level to ensure they receive proper nutrition.

Including children in meal prep routines can help them understand the importance of feeding schedules and portion sizes. Having a conversation about treats and table scraps is also important, as some human foods can be harmful to pets. Setting clear rules about feeding can help avoid health issues and create a routine that keeps your pet happy and well-fed.

What New Tools And Cleaning Methods Will Be Needed?

Shedding is a fairly normal part of a furry pet’s life cycle. Dogs that are normally outside for most of the year tend to shed during the spring and fall, according to Four Paws. As fur may trigger asthma, it’s important that the family is well-equipped to deal with pet hair and other associated messes. Budding pet owners should purchase a suitable broom before they get their pets so they’re fully prepared, particularly if allergies are a problem in your household. The best brooms for pet hair are suitable for carpets and hard floors, and often contain rubber bristles, making them more effective for removing hair than a standard broom. Beyond pet hair, pet owners will also need to contend with pet stains that can be difficult to remove. It also helps to educate yourselves on what sort of cleaning methods need to be learned by everyone who will be involved with pet care. Having this conversation with the family can help you to crowdsource ideas that may have otherwise been overlooked.

Can The Children Help Bear The Responsibility?

Pet ownership should be carefully planned when children are in the picture — especially young children. As the adult in the situation, you must be able to determine whether or not the children would be able to help bear the responsibilities. It would be best to have a conversation with your kids to see if they would be able to join in caring for a pet. It is worth remembering that granting children some responsibility helps to build good character traits, including respect for living things and an understanding of the natural life cycle. It is also good to introduce the idea of setting a schedule for who will be in charge of certain pet chores on certain days. This helps to set order and give everyone a shared responsibility for the family pet. The best fit breed helps a lot, like the these top 10 smartest dog breeds to consider.

What Parts Of The Home Will Need Changes?

Responsible pet owners will need to suitably pet-proof their homes. Much like making sure your home is appropriate for young children, you also need to make sure that your home is suitable for a pet. As changes can be jarring, it is important that the family sits down and talks about any changes that will need to happen — like reinstalling any baby gates or rearranging the location of any beloved toys. It is crucial that you impress upon children that pets like dogs and cats will eventually explore their surroundings, and can destroy what they get their teeth and claws into. Having this conversation can suitably prepare children for being part of keeping the house suitable for pets.

What Are The General Do’s And Don’ts?

A pet, while the object of joy, is a sentient being with its own moods and personalities. This is why it is important to sit down together as a family and discuss the general do’s and don’ts about the pet. Young children may be too energetic around rescue dogs, and this could cause them to lash out. The same applies to younger dogs that are still building their security. Children may also not understand that pets also need their space. It helps if the family agrees to sit through a class online or a video that teaches some methods of proper pet care. Talking as a family can help children offer their own ideas about the boundaries they may have thought of keeping with the family pet, such as keeping them out of their rooms, or certain times of day when they would like to keep the pet away from them. The point is to get everyone on the same page about what is good for the pet and for the family as a whole.

The joys of pet ownership are tempered by the weight of responsibility that comes with caring for a furry companion. If you and your family wish to enjoy the unceasing loyalty and affection that pets are known to give, you must be suitably prepared. This is why it is important to have key conversations on important pet-related topics so everyone will have a better idea of what’s involved. That way, when your chosen pet has arrived, everyone will be on the same page, and you can be confident that you’re giving your pet the best environment possible.

Pets Products

Common Bearded Dragon Health Issues

September 22, 2020September 22, 2020 Erin Sluka

Until a few decades ago, pets other than mammals or birds didn’t exist. Reptiles and fish only began to enter homes in the 1950s and to be domesticated as pets. Although people were suspicious at first, they quickly got used to these little creatures such as the bearded dragon.

As you can see on beardeddragonguidance.com, the bearded dragon is one of the most desirable pets today. These lizards are intelligent and friendly to people. They enjoy cuddling and scratching the neck and ‘collar,’ which is their trademark. Beardies are recommended even to families with kids because these small animals are not aggressive. Moreover, they are known for their very calm nature.

Reptiles are prone to certain diseases, but the right care can prevent them. Also, one should know that most lizards go through cycles during the year when they act sick when they are not. So, learn to distinguish conditions when their pets are really sick from regular periods like shedding or brumation.

Living Conditions

If you decide to adopt a bearded dragon or any reptile, you should know that the bearded dragon is the biggest challenge in the necessary equipment. This lizard can reach up to 24 inches in lengths, which means that they need more space to feel comfortable. Besides the dimensions, the terrarium should be equipped with a lamp providing constant light. Beardies are desert animals, accustomed to large amounts of sunlight.

Bearded dragons have retained some of the essential characteristics of their survival in the wilderness. One of them is the camouflage, which is why they often hide the symptoms of the disease. That was the way how these tiny animals hid their weakness from natural enemies.

This ability can be very tricky if you are unfamiliar with how to raise reptiles. Although your beardie may look healthy, it can happen to be sick, and vice versa. It is essential to know the disease’s real symptoms and distinguish them from the normal processes that your pet has to go through.

Usual Stages in Bearded Dragon Lives

Bearded dragons have specific periods during the year when they look weak and sick, but they are actually in perfect health. That most often occurs during shedding and brumation times. Shedding happens due to changing climatic conditions and ‘outgrowing’ an old skin.

Brumation is a type of hibernation and occurs as a natural reptile response to season change. It usually occurs during the cold days. During hibernation, your pet sleeps and keeps vital functions to a minimum. The length of this period and sleeping schedule are individual, from a few days to a couple of months. The recommendation is not to interrupt your pet while hibernating. Let things go their natural order.

Common Diseases

Diseases in bearded dragons most often occur due to improper living conditions. On this source, see how to set terrarium for your beardie. Reptiles, their care, and diet are specific and need a lot of attention (and money). If you don’t take this seriously, dehydration, poor nutrition, or lack of hygiene of their living space, can cause many health issues.

Dehydration

Many factors affect the loss of fluid in the body of reptiles. Because their bodies are adapted to high temperatures, they have unique mechanisms to keep their bodies hydrated. That is why beardies must always have available fresh water for drinking and bathing.

Dehydration in itself is not a disease, but it can lead to it. Sunken eyes, wrinkled or sagging skin, lack of energy, and disturbed diet are potential signs. If neglected, dehydration may cause issues with kidneys or a gastrointestinal tract.

Internal and External Parasites

Some reptiles, if they belong to wild species, can have parasites. That is often the case if you get your beardie from wildness or an unverified or illegal source. Many of these hangers-on are zoonoses, i.e., they can be transmitted to humans.

Some parasites can stay in the body of reptiles for a long time without showing any symptoms. Suppose your pet eats and poops as usual. In that case, parasite presence is often only detected at a regular check-up by a vet.

Internal bacteria and microorganisms often cause intestinal tract issues. Then stool problems and weight loss occur in bearded dragons. Bacteria can also cause Infectious stomatitis, an infection which manifests in the mouth and jaw area. The most common signs are swollen gums and excessive mucus.

Metabolic Bone Disease

Inadequate care, in the case of bearded dragons, includes a diet low in vitamins and a lack of exposure to UV-A and UV-B rays. Then metabolic bone disease (MBD) can occur, especially in animals younger than two years. The common symptoms of this disease are physical weakness, numbness of the jaw and limbs, and inability to walk.

Due to the low levels of calcium and vitamin D, the reptile’s bone tissue loses its density, and the bones become fragile. Even the slightest injury can cause fractures. Sick beardies usually can’t stand up, but mostly lie on the ground. As the MBD, muscle ticks, seizures, loss of appetite, and lethargy may occur.

Adjusting the temperature, light, and diet are the initial steps in treating MBD in bearded dragons. Besides, an increased intake of vitamins and calcium is necessary. A vet will give additional therapy after determining the severity of the disease.

Respiratory Infections

Low temperature, insufficient light, and bacteria can be the triggers of respiratory infections in beardies. Stress is also one of the reasons why these conditions occur. The symptoms are similar to colds in humans, but bearded dragons are much harder to deal with. As soon as you notice increased mucus secretion, sneezing, or shallow breathing, see a vet as soon as you can.

Reptiles like the bearded dragons can be great pets. But inexperienced owners are usually surprised by the amount of care and costs these little creatures need. Many people take these animals without being aware of their needs at all. Without enough prior knowledge of their care, reptile health problems eventually occur. But, with a little effort and information, you can keep your pet healthy and in good shape.

Giveaways, Pets Products

Oakwood Pet Products Offers Our Favorite Dog Shampoo | Giveaway

September 20, 2020October 3, 2020 Erin Sluka

I found a new favorite pet brand! I never thought I could be such a fan of a dog shampoo but my husband and I are so impressed after bathing our 2 Whoodles with the Oakwood Oatmeal & Aloe shampoo followed by the Oakwood Aloe Vera Conditioner.

Maya and Leah are half standard poodle, half soft-coated Wheaten Terrier. This means they do not shed that undercoat so their hair begins to mat between grooming appointments. A good shampoo such as from the Oakwood Pet Products line makes a huge difference in manageable coats or painful brushings for them.

With their Groomer closed for COVID their coats got so long and a bit out of control. I finally got them in for a July appointment and they are overdue agin but she had a building fire next door that damaged her building and now we have to wait for here to open back up and their coats are long and starting to mat again. We bathed them a few days ago and their coats have never been so soft and manageable at this length.

In between baths I started using the Oakwood Pet Odor Cologne and a little goes a long way so it is great to keep around. I give each dog 2 sprays and use the Pin & Bristle Brush to comb the spritz through their coat. It has a pleasant floral scent.

These Oakwood pet products contain native Australian ingredients such as tea tree oil, eucalyptus, citronella, aloe vera, chamomile, oatmeal, and lavender so they are gentle on your pet’s coat. Oakwood is well-known for its leather care and pet care products and has debuted here in the U.S. under The Libman Company’s family of companies. We are a new customer! Visit Oakwood products!

The Giveaway: Oakwood Pet Products

I am so excited to offer one of you this bundle from Oakwood Pet Products. I really hope you all get a chance to experience these products for your pets.

1 lucky winner will win this Pet Bundle. Open to US and ends on October 2, 2020. Enter below. Good luck!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

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