The process of preparing your pet for the birth of a new child should be thoughtful and involve careful planning and consideration of your pet's needs. First and foremost, make sure your pet is current on vaccinations and preventive care, as this reduces the likelihood of health issues. Allow your pet to adjust by gradually introducing changes to the home that mimic the presence of the baby, such as moving furniture or using baby products like lotions and powders. Keep your attention on obedience training to reinforce commands like "sit" and "stay." This not only ensures the safety of your pet but also fosters a peaceful atmosphere. Playing audio recordings or videos of baby sounds at first at a low volume and then gradually turning it up will help your pet get used to them.
Create pet-free areas in your home, especially in areas where the baby will spend time, to establish boundaries. This clarifies to your pet where they can and cannot go. Make sure your pet gets a lot of exercise and mental stimulation so that they are sufficiently exhausted and are less likely to misbehave out of boredom. Maintain your pet's routine as closely as possible, paying particular attention to feeding, walking, and playtime schedules.
