Preparing Your Pet For Your Baby

http://www.cnn.com/2010/HEALTH/01/11/pets.new.baby/index.html?iref=allsearch

According to the American Veterinary Medical Association, approximately 800,000 people are treated for dog bites every year. Most of them are children, with many incidents occurring in the home. Hundred of pets end up at the pound every year because they are angry and jealous when the new baby comes. There are steps you can take to avoid this kind of situation.

Stephanie Shain, a spokesperson for the Humane Society recommends that you start making changes 2 or 3 months before the baby comes, because animals don't like sudden change. Introduce pets to the baby's room. If you don't want them in there, let them see it, but make sure it is off-limits.

While pregnant, start giving the responsibilities of taking care of the pet to another person. Have your pet get used to baby noises, such as a baby swing or a rocking chair. If you don't want the pet in your lap with the baby, train it beforehand to stay on the floor. If you do this after the baby comes, the pet will connect the negative reinforcement with the baby. Discuss potential behavior problems and whether training might help with your veterinarian.

A rare disease called toxoplasmosis, caused by a parasite in cat feces, can be very dangerous to the fetus. It can cause serious birth defects, so when a woman is pregnant it is best the she doesn't change the cat litter or work in a garden where there might be cat feces.

Once the baby is born, reinforce good pet behavior around the baby with a treat. As your baby grows, teach him or her to respect the animal. Don't let the baby pull it's tail, or crowd it. Remember never to leave a small child and an animal alone together.