Question for parents with dogs: I love my dog and don’t want him to feel abandon when I have a baby?

Question

My husband and I have had our dog since he was a puppy. He is 2.5 years old now and is our baby. He is with us everyday and goes with us everywhere except on our occasional weekend vacation when he is babysat by my parents. He is our family.

I love this dog like he was my real kid, he is so precious and loving and I know if I love my dog as much as I do I am going to be a great mom! :)

Problem is I don’t want him to not feel like part of the family when we have get pregnant with our first child next year. I won’t be able to spend hours a day with him, but I don’t want to neglect him either.

How do I transition him from the baby of the family to the “older sibling” position? He is just happy laying at my feet with his toys, but if he is left out too much he gets depressed. If my husband and I are hugging a lot then he wants to be picked up and hugged by both of us. (He is 12 lbs.)

It sounds silly but people with dogs may understand my love for my little dog.

LovelyEmily:

I don't want my child to treat my dog like an older sibling. Get a clue. I want to move my dog from the baby to another position in our family with less attention.

I find it very sad that you don't understand the love someone can have for a pet. If you have children I feel bad for them. Its about LOVE.

You should always beware of people with your attitude, what a sad person you are.

LovelyEmily:

I apologize for my previous post about it. I just realized you are still a very young CHILD, so you wouldn't understand a mother's love.

Here's hoping you mature before you have a child of your own.

Answer 1

Don't listen to people without animals to tell you how to feel about your dog. My dog was the baby for 4 years before we had our son. One of the main things that I did was when I was in the hospital with Kaeden my husband brought something home that the baby was wearing and gave it to our dog. Then whenever we brought him home we included our dog in the family stuff. I brought kaeden in the door and said Murray, look! and I crouched down with the baby and let murray sniff and lick him. If you try to keep the dog away from the baby I think they just end up resenting him. I hope this helps! Good Luck

Answer 2

Your dog will more than likely sense your pregnancy.
I have 5 children, my dog knows that she's a dog - but when one of the kids say "mommy" - she looks to see where I am. She treats me like I'm the mommy, too. She really does act like she's one of the kids - but, she doesn't sit at the table, she sleeps in a kennel cage at night, and isn't allowed in the living room.
She might feel a little jealous of the baby, and so just be prepared. As this is your first baby, a dog can go either way. Just keep the baby away from the dog for awhile. If she growls or barks, it's not a good sign. However, most dogs will just sniff, and be on their way. And will continue to whine and ask for attention.
A better way for you to know, is how the dog is around babies & kids right now. Our dog is actually very friendly with other people, just doesn't like other dogs.
I'm currently expecting twins, and we just got our dog a little over a year ago. I'm extra glad that there are rooms that the dog's not allowed in (living rooms, bedrooms), so wherever the baby will be, the dog won't be going anyways.

Answer 3

I completely understand what your going through. I have a very old shitzu as well as a 6 year old. I thought it would be very hard for him to adjust. I let him interact with the baby and he would sniff her and just walk away. When she was about 1 1/2 to 2 1/2 he didn't like her. She would pull his tail and chase him. Now that she is older they both love one another. They sleep together every night. It's very cute; I'll go in her room and they will be sharing a pillow and she will have her arm around him. Your dog will be fine because you have enough love in your heart for both. He may be a little jealous at first but he will come to accept it and if he's like my dog he will have a playmate for life. Best of Luck!

Answer 4

i am stuck in the same situation i have a 2 year old chihuahua and im 7 months pregnant i have always considered bruiser as my son and thats how i refer him to all my friends you just cant help it animals to some people are just like children i know thats how i feel im so worried about how bruiser will except the new baby but the only thing i can suggest is to not exclude the dog dont forget to spend time with him also not all the time because of course that baby would come first just dont neglect the dog and it should be ok good luck

Answer 5

I'm 5 months preg, and I have a Baby already (a year-old Chihuahua). She's an attention whore 105%. I am concerned that she, too, will feel neglected and pouty when the baby comes. She doesn't like to be left alone for ANY time, and CANNOT sleep by herself.

I definitely understand, it's not silly at all!!

Me and my husband have introduced her to children and babies. She seems to be comfortable around them, she likes to watch and smell them when they are small, and shares her toys when they are old enough to play.

We're planning on continuing to let her sleep in our bed, to sit with me all the time (like your dog, she sits at my feet with her favorite "bunny" toy), get little snackies, praise, love and affection. She won't get as much one-on-one attention, but we've talked about making time for her every single day, as just "Her Time" where the baby is down for a nap or something, and we play with her like there is no tomorrow.

I'm sure both your dog and mine will be sad and dejected from not getting as much attention, but as long as we still make them feel loved as often as possible, I'm sure they will be happy still!

Answer 6

GET OVER YOUR DOG! Your dog is an animal, he will be fine without you. You need to quit treating your dog like a human because its not..its a filthy animal. Your baby is not going to treat the dog like it's older sibling so don't even try to make it that way. Your baby needs you more then anything and it is sad that you would be so concerned over a freakin animal. I feel sorry for your baby..I can't imagine what other stuff you put before your family. Get your priorities straight.

Answer 7

Remember that dogs are pack animals and you are your dogs pack leader. Make sure you give him attention. If possible give him a moments attention before the baby. Allow the dog to see the baby and sniff it. occasionally spend time just with the dog and just keep showing him love and you will be fine.

Answer 8

Not much different than with a older sib. Just include him as often as you can. Let them make friends. Your life will not change so drastically you can't spend time with your dog. When it gets to be time to go on outing with your baby (1 month+), you can use a stroller. He will adjust.

Take Care!

Answer 9

Any living animal can feel affectionate towards one another. Not just us humans feel it; dogs, rabbits, cats and even lions can feel love.

Answer 10

i have a cat and she love the baby so your dog should be fine