Dealing with Pet Stress: 5 Ways to Help Your Pet With a New Home or a Newborn.
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Originally Posted On: https://www.ingredia-usa.com/dealing-with-pet-stress-5-ways-to-help-your-pet-with-a-new-home-or-a-newborn/
If you’ve ever had a household pet, you know that these furry friends quickly become special members of the family. You care for them and spoil them as if they were one of your children, and the home wouldn’t be the same without them.
However, life is full of change, and new life events may cause some pet stress for you and your family. Whether it’s moving to a new home or welcoming a new baby to the family, it’s an adjustment for everyone.
Regardless of the occasion, moving with pets or having dogs and babies together in the house for the first time can be stressful. Don’t worry too much, though, because there are ways to make the transition easier for everyone.
These life events should be exciting. The stressful little things shouldn’t keep you from enjoying these milestone moments. If you have an upcoming move or a baby on the way, keep reading for some tips on dealing with pet stress.
Tips for Moving with Pets
Whether this is your first time moving with a pet or your pet has traveled with you numerous times, the moving process becomes extra complicated with pets.
Because dogs and other pets are not used to new environments and do not process them the same way humans do, this new change can be very stressful for them.
Keep Their Favorite Items Handy
One thing you can do to make the transition a little bit easier is keep a bag on hand with essentials for your pet. Having items available that the pet is used to and enjoys can keep them occupied and make the new environment feel a little more comfortable.
Some good ideas of things to include are favorite toys, treats, and food and water. Think of your pet’s favorite comfort items, and just be sure that they’re easily accessible during the chaos of the move.
Make them Feel at Home
It’s also helpful to set up the pet’s area as soon as possible so they have a designated spot that makes them feel at home.
You don’t have to keep this area for them permanently, but giving them a designated spot during the move is helpful. Pets love routine and comfort, so the key is to give them as much of a sense of normalcy as possible.
The first night in the new house or even the first few nights may be difficult as everyone gets settled, but patience is key. Remember that you and your other family members are the only familiar thing about this new environment for them.
You can comfort your pets by giving them plenty of attention and care and staying home as much as possible within the first few days of the move. Even if this means just taking the dog for a walk around the block a few times a week or giving them some belly rubs, these little acts of love can help relieve stress for the pet–and for you too!
Pets and Babies
Bringing a new baby home can be one of the most beautiful and exciting moments in a growing family’s life. However, having pets and newborns under one roof can certainly be overwhelming and stressful at first.
Just like moving into a new home, bringing a new family member home is a huge change in routine for your pets. But, again, you can plan ahead to make the transition a little bit smoother for everyone.
You may be worried about how the pet will react to this new baby, especially if you consider your pet to be your “first baby”. Your pet is likely going to be overwhelmed with all of the new lifestyle changes that come with a new member of the family, especially if this is their first time interacting with a child, specifically a newborn baby.
Introduce Your Pet to New Changes
Before the baby even comes, there may be significant lifestyle changes happening at home. You can prepare your pet by helping them adjust to these changes during this period. Some helpful ideas might be introducing them to new smells such as baby lotion or baby powder, or even playing baby sounds on a speaker around the house.
The more you can introduce to your pet before the baby arrives, the better the transition will be. If the pet is becoming prepared before the chaos of the new baby, they will be less stressed and overwhelmed when you return home.
Give Them Plenty of Attention
Another big change is that you may not be able to give your pet as much attention as before. It’s very important to prepare your pets for this beforehand so that they don’t feel suddenly neglected.
A good way to prepare them for this change is by spending quality time with them beforehand, like going for long walks or setting aside playtime. Be sure to create a routine with these activities that you can keep up with once the baby comes.
Bringing the Baby Home
When it’s time to bring the baby home, it might be a good idea to let everyone else go into the house first before you bring the baby in. Dogs especially tend to be a bit rowdier when everyone first arrives back home, so this will allow them to get all of that energy and excitement out first.
Once the pet has calmed down, calmly enter your home with the baby. A dog can sense if you are nervous or tense, so try your best to stay as calm as possible.
When you’re ready for the pet and baby to meet, be sure that you’re present and alert during these interactions. Pets can be unpredictable especially around new people, so it’s important that you’re there to keep everyone safe.
If you follow these tips, you might notice your baby and pet become the best of friends in no time!
Relieving Pet Stress: Caring for Yourself
Changes in life can always be stressful, and pets can certainly make these transitions a little bit more complicated. We know how important your pets and other family members are to you, but you deserve to take care of yourself, too.
Be sure that you have coping skills in place to manage your own stress. Not only can pets and babies sense if you’re stressed or tense, but you also deserve to fully enjoy these special moments with your family.
If you’re looking for more guidance on how to manage pet stress and baby stress during these life-changing transitions, visit our website for natural stress-relieving supplements you can implement in your daily routine.
We hope that we can help you relish in the beauty of these special life milestones and cherish every moment.