Your Family Pet
Many new parents are worried how well their baby will coexist with their furry companion or how their furry friend will coexist with their new addition for that matter. If you already have a family pet there are a few tips you should know to spot jealousy in your canine companion or furry feline.
Your pet may be jealous if he shows signs of:
- Biting, growling or nipping
- Downward pointing tail between the legs or raised hair on the neck or back
- Going to the bathroom in the house
- Not eating regularly
- Distant behavior
- Sneakiness when getting close to the baby
Many experts are recommending that the child should be at least three years old before bringing a new pet home. Usually, dogs that are approximately one to three years old are better with children. Since older dogs are less hyper, they are more gentle around your precious newborn. Also, if interested in a feline friend, many male cats tend to be more gentle with babies than female cats.
Dogs known to be child-friendly
- Pug
- Standard Poodle
- Dachshund
- Labrador or Golden Retriever
- Beagle or Standard Schnauzer
- Collie
- Basset Hound
Cats known to be child-friendly
- Manx
- Sphynx
- American Wirehair
- American Shorthair
- Japanese Bobtail
- Maine Coon
- Birman
Remember to always supervise your baby around the family pet and always wash your and your baby's hands after petting your animal to ensure your child is safe and healthy.
