As soon as your newborn comes, life will definitely change for everyoneninvolved, including the family pets.  Just as you prepare for a newnbaby, it is important to prepare your family pet for a new baby as well.

Onenof the first things you can do is purchase a CD of baby noises andnbabies crying & screaming in the night.  Play those CD’s aboutnsix-months prior to the baby’s arrival.  This will help your dog getnused to having those noises around.

Pinpoint the parts of yournpet’s routines that may change when the baby comes, such as the timesnthat you walk them or feed them.  Change these routines a few months innadvance of the baby.  Again, this will help your dogs adjust when thenbaby comes, their new routines will be well established.

Bringnhome something that smells like the baby for the dogs to get used to. nThis can be the little cap that the hospital puts on your newborn. nAlso, a blanket is something that the dog can sleep with.  The babynwill seem like an old familiar smell when he/she comes home.

Dogsnare naturally curious, take it slowly and allow the dog to sniff thenbaby.  Remember that when you have a new baby, you may be exhausted forna while.  Let other family members help you walk the dog, etc.  Try tonkeep your pet’s routine as normal as possible and give them plenty ofnlove and attention.

Last, be aware of the whereabouts of allnpets at all times.  Do not leave pets unsupervised with the baby at anyntime.  Constant adult supervision when your pet and baby are togethernis strongly recommended.

Hopefully these tips will help make the transition with the family pets and the new baby an easy one.