👶 Preparing Pets for Baby: Vet-Endorsed Guidance for a Smooth Transition in 2025 🐾

By Dr Duncan Houston, BVSc

Bringing a new baby home is exciting—but it can also turn your pet’s world upside down. From crying noises and new smells to changes in attention and routine, these changes can create stress for even the most relaxed dogs or cats. In this 2025 guide, you’ll learn how to prepare your pet before the baby arrives and ease the transition with confidence and care. 🍼🐕

🏡 Preparing for Baby’s Arrival

• 🔄 Begin changing your pet’s routine early—introduce more independent activities
• 📉 Gradually reduce time spent doing pet-centered activities you may need to scale back

Assess current behaviors. Does your dog jump? Does your cat trip you as they weave around your legs? Now is the time to train calm, predictable behaviors that will help prevent accidents later. ✅

👶 Train for Calm Behavior

Work with a certified trainer or behaviorist to focus on key skills:

• 🧘 “Go to your mat” or “place” training
• 🚪 Gate and barrier training to block off nursery access
• 🔇 Desensitization to baby noises (crying, toys, swings)

Introduce baby equipment like bassinets and swings early, so they become part of your pet’s environment. 🎠

🔒 Use Barriers & Safe Zones

• 🚧 Set up baby gates or close doors around baby zones
• 🛏️ Create a safe haven for your pet—crate, room, or bed where they won’t be disturbed
• 🐾 Train kids and adults not to bother your pet in their safe space

📦 Final Prep Before Baby Arrives

• 👩‍⚕️ Schedule a vet visit—update vaccines, stock up on meds
• 🐶 Practice with baby noises (crying) and dolls
• 🧳 Arrange pet care for when you’re at the hospital—plus a backup plan
• 🍖 Freeze food toys for use during newborn care or guest visits

🚗 Bringing Baby Home

Prepare for your return with calm, structured reintroductions:

• 🐶 Don’t allow excited pets to greet you while you’re holding the baby
• 🧘 Have someone hold the baby while you greet your pet
• 🚧 Keep your dog behind a gate or in another room until settled

It’s okay to delay the introduction if your pet is overwhelmed. 💬

👁️ Supervise All Interactions

• 🔒 Use gates, crates, or doors when you can’t supervise
• 🖐️ Keep pets’ paws and faces away from the baby at all times
• 🧸 Limit cats’ access to cribs and baby gear

Even calm dogs should never be left alone with babies—direct supervision is always required. 🛡️

🧠 First Few Months with Baby

• 🍖 Use food toys during baby care time
• 🔁 Reinforce “go to place” or “stay” during crying or diaper changes
• 🧘 Use calming aids like pheromones if needed

You may feel like your pet is being neglected. That’s normal—but try to include them in small moments or consider doggy daycare or help from loved ones. 💚

📚 Recommended Resources

• 👶 DogGone Safe
• 👪 Family Paws Parent Education

These programs help parents prepare for life with pets and children safely and thoughtfully. 🎓

📝 Final Thoughts from Dr Duncan Houston

Pets are family, too—and they can adjust to new dynamics with the right support. Preparing in advance with gentle training, safety barriers, and realistic expectations will reduce stress for both pets and people. Your pet can remain a beloved part of your growing family with love, patience, and a solid plan. 👨‍👩‍👧🐶

Need help preparing your pet for a new baby? Visit AskAVet.com or download the Ask A Vet app 📱 for personalized behavior support and planning advice. 🍼🐾